Quick and Easy Holiday Fun.

I like to make things quick and easy. I am a Mural artist at DIANA'S Murals and More in NY area. This season I was asked to design a Christmas Tree for charity, Festival of Wreaths and Trees. I've never done that before but was always fascinated by people who do. I've loved Alice in Wonderland story ever since I read it as a child. When I watched the movie recently with my kids ages 10, 11, I was so inspired the ideas came flooding in. My kids helped me with this project making it memorable and fun for all. In a matter of hours I had designed and created hand made decorations for my project. Most items were recycled. I used sponges to make cakes, water bottles for potions, disposable spoons, plates and cups were sprinkled with glitter for the tea party. The result was stunning. I was so pleased with the finished look. I made a connection with Salvation Army and at the end of the festival donated the Tree to a family with three kids. Sharing the joy with others made my holiday more special. I would love to share with anyone how to make Holiday decorations quick and easy.
Best wishes for the Holidays!

The Tree that keeps on giving

A whimsical "Alice in Wonderland" themed Christmas tree was donated to a needy family by Huguenot artist Diana Sorkin and other members of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Sorkin of Diana's Murals and More, Dianasmurals.com, designed the tree for a fund-raiser, "A Festival of Wreaths and Trees," earlier this month at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Fort Wadsworth.
The trees were on display during a "Breakfast With Santa" event at Mount Manresa that Ms. Sorkin attended with her children, Ben, 11, and Rebecca, 10.
When the breakfast was over, Ms. Sorkin was told that she could keep the tree. However, Ms. Sorkin is Jewish and wanted to donate the tree to someone in need.
Ms. Sorkin discussed her dilemma with fellow Chamber member Christine Fiorenza of SI Parent magazine, who suggested that Ms. Sorkin contact the Salvation Army to find a needy family.
Another Chamber member, Faith Reel -- who just happens to be special events coordinator for the Salvation Army, arranged to have the tree given to a Staten Island single mother with three children.
Roy Rucci of Rucci Oil Company, a member of both the Chamber and the Salvation Army's advisory board, met Ms. Sorkin and Ms. Reel at Mount Manresa with three employees and a truck to transport the tree to the woman's home just a few days ago.
"The 7-foot tree had to be put onto a truck," Ms. Sorkin said. "It was an adventure getting it there but it definitely was worth it for the family because they were so happy."
Ms. Sorkin had never crafted a themed Christmas tree before, but had always wanted to because she admired what she saw in magazines and various real displays.
"I was watching an 'Alice in Wonderland' video with my kids," Ms. Sorkin said.
"I loved the story ever since I was a child. I thought it would be something magical and special and different for a tree."
To represent the tea party, Ms. Sorkin made cakes out of sponges and decorated disposable plates and spoons with glitter. She strung garlands from playing cards, painted the Cheshire Cat face with a wide grin on paper and further embellished the tree with silk roses painted white and red.

"What a nice feeling to work with fellow Chamber members on such a simple yet joy-invoking gesture," Ms. Faith described. "To think affiliation with the Chamber has brought together these four people to provide some Christmas cheer. From Festival to artist to needy family, this truly is a tree that keeps on giving."

Real Art for all.

There are lots of ways, when it comes to decorating our home or business. Wall murals are probably not one of the first things that spring to mind. However, when you think about it, you can easily see why murals are becoming more popular.



Why not do something different and turn one of the walls into a mural or add a decorative (faux) finish and makeover any space into a masterpiece. This means taking the idea from your mind and putting it on the wall, exactly how you would like it.



This could be a nice panoramic view, a favorite object or even something unique and abstract. Whatever it is it will be something you have thought of, something that is special and dear to you.







Any professional room designer will tell you that it is important to create a focal point for any room. The rest of your room should follow a theme, a color pattern or scheme. A wall mural can be this center piece which grabs your eye, and becomes that conversation piece. In order to decide what you would like designed and painted on your wall, make sure you look at samples or pictures before starting your project. I frequently use favorite magazines or web images for inspiration. This way you can be sure of the picture quality which will work for you. I always consider the longevity of the project, classic versus trendy, subject versus the overall view. This way you can be reassured that you are spending your money wisely on something that you love and not something that is going to be of a substandard quality.







Murals and decorative finishes are not just for the home. If you have business premises that are visited by customers why not have something that will get their attention. Whether you own a spa, a boutique or a restaurant you can have it designed around the products or services that you offer and even ask to incorporate your company name or logo into it.







The ideas behind wall murals can actually be painted onto almost anything so whether the wall is inside or outside you should be able to find a company that can help.





www.dianasmurals.com

Claire Properties

In February 2010 I was commissioned by Claire Bisignano Chesnoff owner of Claire Properties to paint a mural for her new office space. Claire is an experienced and highly professional Realtor in Staten Island with a reputation above the rest. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of the business, and is admired and respected by her peers. Therefore, the painting I was about to design and create had to represent both the owner of Claire Properties and the business of real estate on Staten Island. I have chosen the iconic view of the Verrazano Bridge to span the painting, and to represent Claire’s broad skills and experience. The different types of homes represent the variety of architecture typical to our various neighborhoods. They are whimsically embellished with charming details like swing on the porch, family pet, and newspaper on the stoop or even a colorful hydrant. I have worked on this project with Pat Flanagan of Elegant Options Interiors, therefore the color scheme was thoughtfully coordinated to match and emphasize the bold interior palette. The mural was also custom framed to create an illusion of a large window and to match the interior furnishings. As a final touch, the actual door to Claire’s personal office was faux painted with panels, to imitate a classic, almost reminiscent of a magic door to a fairytale as if from the pages of “Alice in Wonderland”.
Any visitor is sure to admire this unique space in anticipation of purchasing their dream home.

Magical Murals

Murals fall under category of FAUX or Decorative Painting. These techniques can help you enhance a surface or disguise a problem. For example make one wall in the room a focal point, or hide the flaws of uneven sheet rock or removed wall paper. Stay open minded, painting is an art not a science. Some of the most successful results can be accomplished through ambitious improvisation.




Be bold, dare to try something new. After all it is your space make it special!




More marvelous ideas at http://www.dianasmurals.com/