Artistic Touches

Laurie Ebert of Artistic Touches, was first introduced to faux finishing in 1997 by a good friend. Laurie and her friend let their creative juices flow and began to play around with various products and color combinations. They were pleasantly surprised with the results. It was then, that Laurie knew that she wanted to learn more.

After hearing about Kathy Carroll and The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Laurie knew she was on the right track. "In 1999 I took my first class at CIFF (Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes) and knew that this was the direction I wanted my business to go," said Laurie. She continues, "Once in the studio, I was overwhelmed, and at the same time so very excited by all the colors, techniques and endless possibilities!"

Laurie is no stranger to painting and decorating. In 1990, she opened Quality Decorating Services, Inc. (QDS), doing interior painting and decorating along with a variety of interior renovation work.

By 1995, QDS had the opportunity to work in the commercial arena by painting the interiors of a well known parking facility franchise. Ebert’s company learned yet another side of the decorating business. It didn’t take long before she found herself still wanting to grow her company even further when she learned about faux finishing.

"When I moved three years ago," mentioned Laurie, "Somehow in the process, and with all of the boxes and packages to move, all of my beautiful faux finishing samples were missing, I called Kathy, and she told me to come into the studio, she helped me recreate some of the finishes, and gave me some additional sample boards so that I could continue to flourish in my faux painting business," Laurie notes.

A key to Laurie’s continued success is the open studio concept at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes. "Whenever I come into the studio, I get tons of ideas!  I did a sample board for a client a few months ago, and I’ve sold that sample six times already!"

Laurie also has a recommendation for other faux finishers: "Don’t stop learning! Taking the Professional Update classes is a great way to keep current, learn about new products, colors and finishes and learn new ways to work with the older products as well."

You may find Artistic Touches and Quality Decorating Services, Inc. working anywhere. They are based out of the Chicagoland area, however have worked in a number of states and will be decorating and faux finishing a seven bedroom home in Guatemala early next year. They have also been invited to be on network television by Dean Johnson and Robin Hartl from the popular Hometime TV show. It is expected that Ebert’s company will faux finish two rooms for Dean and Robin and the show should air early next year.

Laurie and her design team at Artistic Touches can be reached at (708) 747-0112 or www.artistictouches.net.