Monday, May 21, 2012

Artist Series 2012 Segreto Finishes and Book Giveaway

Introducing Leslie Sinclair the founder of Segreto Finishes





Leslie lives by the philosophy that upon entering a room, your eyes should not draw a distinction to one element or finish but should see the surroundings as a whole. By developing a palette that complements a home’s architecture and design, surroundings are given a new perspective.

Gilded Sideboard

Leslie, Tell us about how and when it all began… Segreto Finishes.

 I use to run a computer company and after my third was born I really wanted to leave corporate America.  I have always loved to paint and have a passion for home interiors. I just started playing around in my hallway and it grew from there.  My family jokes that I have so many layers in that hall of paint that it has shrunk by 3 feet.

Plaster Finish Foyer






As your business evolved I noticed you went into other areas, for example Art, Decorative Painted Furniture, was that a natural evolution?  

 I think I must get bored easily because I love delving into different areas.  It has been so much fun for me to learn teach and implement so many different things. 



Wall Painting



Gorgeous Cabinet Finish with Contrasting Back of Shelves

 Do you have specialty artists on staff for one area of design or finish? How did you acquire these very talented artisans?

I have a 25 full time employees.  I tend to hire good people who are quick learners with a great work ethic and a good attitude.  I teach and train them from there.  I do have a few key people who have come to me more knowledgeable in certain areas that I was. It has been so fun learning from them as well.

Golden Gilt Leaf Finish

 Segreto has grown exponentially, to what do you attribute that?

I think great customer service is key, being on time and on schedule, and truly appreciating the opportunity to make someone’s home more special.


Decorative Ceiling Motif  with with a fabulous Lantern
Your book is one of the most popular among designers, the Images are exquisite! When did writing the book become a reality? 

Thank you!!  It took me about 3 years to photograph and about a year to do the writing and graphic design. 



Are there others in the field that you admire or have been mentors?

I admire much especially the old plasters and  cabinet finishes done centuries before. Love to learn how these techniques have been handed down.  There are so many people in the industry with so much talent. 


Powder Room Wall Art

 Leslie thank you so much for this enlightening Interview and Feature of Segreto Finishes!

 Thank you so much for interviewing me. The book can be purchased on amazon or my website Segreto Finishes.



Segreto Finishes has been featured in many of our favorite Shelter Magazines! Just look at this cover!


Enter to win the incredible book Segreto...Secrets to  Finishing Beautiful Interiors.  Value of  $85 . This Giveaway is open To USA Residents only.

1)  Visit  Segreto Finishes ,come back to tell us what you like!  Sign up for email newsletters on Leslie's Blog, or follow Leslie Sinclair Segreto Finishes on Pinterest. or on Facebook

 2) For extra entry Be a Follower of Art by Karena via GFC or Linky in my right side column

3)  For a third entry Do a shout out on your own blog about Segreto Finishes and this Fabulous Book Giveaway!!

The Winner will be chosen on Wednesday May 30th at Midnight EST!

Thank you for leaving a note  It means so much!

Thank you for being her and for your support of Arts and Design!

xoxo
Karena


Art by Karena 


Disclosure: Leslie is sending me one of her books, Segreto,  Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors! 

72 comments:

Segreto Secrets said...

Karena-Thanks for doing such and amazing post on the book and Segreto!! I truly love what I do and has been so fun to share all the beautiful interiors that I work in!! xo Leslie

The enchanted home said...

Love Segretos work and Leslie is a doll.....a true master at what they do! No need to count me in for the giveawy as I am already a lucky owner of this fabulous book, just wanted to say its an AMAZING book chock full of beautiful inspiration.

designchic said...

The book is amazing and we've poured over every page...lucky person that wins this one!!

Katherines Corner said...

beautiful!!! Hugs and wishes for a week filled with happy!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Karena...great interview...I am a happy follower...thru Linky...I am going over to Leslie's blog....This a wonderful book...crossing my fingers that I am a lucky winner!!!

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

I love, love her wall murals and finishes...the furniture is stunning...Such talented artisans...just incredible..
I am a happy follower of her blog...get it thru email so I do not miss a thing!.....

Paisley Curtain said...

The quality of work is great and so much diverse too, from wall murals to furniture painting. Thanks for keeping us un-informed people updated about the talents of so many talented artists.

Best wishes

Paisley Curtain said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jeanette from everton terrace said...

Great giveaway! Don't enter me because my neighbor has the book and luckily she shared it with me already. It's quite inspiring. I know the winner will enjoy it very much!

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Love her work and she is such a nice lady. I am planning on doing a post on her, waiting for some new photos.

niartist said...

Loved the book, Karena. Leslie and her team have amazing talent, and really work with some of the most elite interior designers to create magical spaces. Just divine! The book really is a MUST HAVE!!! You'll love your copy, Karena!!

annechovie said...

I keep seeing Leslie's beautiful work and book everywhere. Thanks for sharing this great interview with us as well, Karen. xx

Barbara@HausDesign said...

Everytime I see a picture of her work I am more and more amazed! I especially love her plaster work. Love her down to earth advice about being grateful for the work and being on time - a good reminder that the basics of hard work and discipline really pay off in the end!

Acquired Objects said...

I love this book and can't imagine anyone not owning it yet. Her work is truly amazing. Love the interview and learning more about this fabulous artist!

XX
Debra~

Heather@SatisfyingSpaces said...

I am a huge fan of Segreto Finishes! I follow Leslie's blog, FB page, and Pinterest. We just bought a home that needs to a facelift so I could sure use some inspiration! I hope I win!!!!

Thanks Karena!
Heather

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ooooo my goodness, this looks right up my alley!!! BONJOUR KARENA, mon amie! THANK YOU for visiting and signing up for the Paris link party!! I will put you on the list RIGHT NOW!!! AND I will be sending you....that special something soon!! Anita

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

Thanks for stopping by Karena and entering my eshakti contest...send others my way!!

michele said...

it's one gorgeous book! i loved pouring over it the other night before drifting off to the most painterly and artful of dreams...

thanks for sharing more about Leslie!

michele

carolyn bradford said...

There is no telling how many pictures I have pinned that are Leslie's! Her work is amazing and I will never get tired of seeing it, reading about it or pinning it! Loved this interview! Thanks, Karena!!
Carolyn Bradford

martinealison said...

Un livre qui me semble merveilleux... Merci pour cette belle publication.
gros bisous

chedeb5353 said...

I have wanted this book since it first came out! I love the plaster finishes and the ceilings! chedeb5353@hotmail.com

chedeb5353 said...

I am a follower! chedeb5353@hotmail.com

Pura Vida said...

some really nice things. I love that gold on the powder room!

"Create Beauty" said...

What wonderful paint treatments! Amazing artist! WOuld love to have that book, it looks delicious!

~ Violet

Splendid Market said...

Love her kids rooms and the beautiful patinas on the furniture. I also love the gold leaf ceiling I saw...I gold leafed the inside of my cabinet...not quite as smooth looking, but it is a great affect.
What a great giveaway Karena, my fingers are crossed.
I am following her on Pinterest!

vicki archer said...

Leslie's book is one of my very favourites... It is a delight on every page... I find myself going back and looking at so many of the beautiful rooms... very inspirational... xv

Anonymous said...

As someone who is accused of "insulating with paint" I certainly can appreciate the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
Beautiful work!

Leslie said...

Wonderful interview! I love all the patina and the Gilded Sideboard is stunnig.

Great giveaway!

leslie

Liz @ Quirky Vistas said...

Karena, thanks for coming by and commenting at Quirky Vistas. Leslie's work is lovely. I love the inside look at how others find their way to where they are. Good stuff!

Liz

Vanessa said...

Hi, Karena

I love Leslie design, they are just gorgeous. I follow her blog.

Vanessa

Vanessa said...

I follow Segreto on Pinterest

Vanessa

Vanessa said...

I follow Segreto on Facebook.

Vanessa said...

Karena,

I follow you on GFC.

Vanessa

La Dolfina said...

Lovely interview Karena... Segreto Finishes does amazing work!!
Xo

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

Another fab interview, and gorgeous photos, wow!

Unknown said...

Karina and Leslie,

Great interview! Leslie you've set the tone for great finishes in home interiors. All art takes great discipline, training, customer service, and follow-through. A sort of corporate world set-up with an artistic culture which is really difficult to balance. You've done that beautifully.

I love the plaster work and have tried my hand at it as well, it can be like using a pottery wheel if your mind is clear the clay will form beautifully...lol

I would love to win this lovely book to add to my designer...must have library.

Thanks you for this generous giveaway.

Bette

Unknown said...

Karena

I follow you on twitter.

Bette

Unknown said...

Karena, and Leslie,

I am following Leslie's blog.

Bette

Melissah from Country Style Chic said...

Thanks for the tip - I'm going to try & get my hands on a copy, hopefully someone will stock it in Australia!

Renée Finberg said...

this is ....
as usual a great giveaway!!

xxx

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

What a lovely book! I would be proud to have it in my design library.

Also, good news! You won the Wayfair $50 gift card! Congrats and enjoy.

xo,
cristin

Lori said...

I absolutely love the murals...so beautiful! Thanks for introducing us, Lori

Lori said...

I followed you on GFC, Linky and twitter before I even saw the giveaway...I love your blog, it is beautiful, and you share so much inspiration. Thanks for the great giveaway too, Lori

Lori said...

I'm sharing your giveaway on FB...this is fabulous!

Woodside Park said...

Hi Karena - Thanks for your fabulous interview / feature on Segrato! Where have I been? I must have been living under a rock...yikes! I do not own this book (so embarrassed), and look forward to be the lucky winner. If not, I will purchase it from Amazon as I've read all the glowing reviews here on your comments page. I'm heading over to follow Segrato / Leslie. What an amazing and talented artist!!
Warmly,
Loi
Tone on Tone

Woodside Park said...

Okay, I totally goofed on spelling "Segreto" above. I am correcting myself. So sorry, Leslie.
Cheers, Loi

Jane Gianarelli said...

Karena, thank you for finding me and sending me Leslie's link. Her work is absolutely beautiful! I am following everyone. I can't wait to see her book.
Jane
The Snob

'LUSH' said...

Hi Karena! I love Segreto, been a follower/subscriber on everything for quite sometime now. Wishes for the lucky winner to enjoy such a wonderful giveaway. Have a safe and blessed Memorial Day weekend.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

Such an amazing art form! I love the venetian plaster finishes!

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

I have that exact gilded sideboard as my powder room vanity Karena.........I adore all the finishes and look forward to ordering this book. Could use some finish updates here. Happy weekend. XO

Unknown said...

Gorgeous work, thanks for featuring her Karena. Hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

xo Mary Jo

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Love, love Leslie's work and the book is a must have for every designer...we sell them in our shop. Good luck to someone who doesn't already have this fabulous book. Have a great holiday weekend. Mona

Unknown said...

Great interview Karena! Amazing talent.
Have a great weekend.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Karena, This looks like a beautiful book. I love the plaster finishes she does. Thanks for sharing your giveaway at the OHP.

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

How cool! Love the old world look of these treatments.

*Chic Provence* said...

What an interesting book and very cool post! I would adore having this book!

Thanks for visiting Chic Provence Karena!

xoxo

Kit

Katherines Corner said...

Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop Big Hugs xo

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

You continue to find the most amazing artists.

Fondly,
Glenda

the designers muse said...

Kerena, Thanks for sharing such a nice interview. I can't wait to see more of Leslie's beautiful work. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy weekend. Jennifer

Eddie Ross said...

She's very talented. Great interview.
Hope you're having a great holiday weekend.
xo E + J

Ann said...

Leslie's works look so lovely,
so creative. I'm sure the book is equally lovely too.

Mr Paul said...

Wow Karena thank you for posting about this gorgeous looking book, such incredible finishes especially the powder room wall art.
Paul

Jojo said...

I'm so glad that you stopped by to tell me about this book giveaway. There is NOTHING on her website that I don't love but the ceilings are amazing! Just thinking about working overhead makes me tired and they are all beautiful!

I'm already a follower of your but somehow I missed this post. Thank you for stopping by today and leaving a note.

mary said...

Hi Karena,
Thanks for this great interview--keeps me inspired to follow my own passions. Your blog is amazing!! Have a great week. Mary

Dovecote Decor said...

Karen: Thanks for the hot tip. I want the book and loved the website. The stripes in decorated finishes is my fave, but I love the painted floors!
Best,
Liz

Fashion-isha said...

Wow! I'm so glad you stopped by and pointed out this giveaway! I used to be obsessed with faux finishing and murals...I even used to do them myself!!
I would love to win! I checked out her site and I love it all but I especially love the painted floors! I also signed up for her blog emails and am following her on pinterest and I'm already a follower of yours! Hope I win!
xo
Sharon

Ricki Treleaven said...

Wow, that medallion and lantern is *to die for*

I subscribed to the Segreto Designs blog, and I must say that I really like their creativity with ceilings. It is the one element in rooms that is usually forgotten. Great post! :D

Jen Beaudet said...

Just beautiful! I'd love to be entered! Thank you:)
Jenniferxoxo

Diana Mieczan said...

Oh my goodness, what an amazing giveaway, my dear. Please count me in:) Have a great day. xo

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Wow... what an amazing giveaway... would love to be the new owner. Please throw my name in.
hugs ~lynne~

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

another great giveaway Karena! I love this post--decorative painting can completely change a room, all for the better-love it!

Wedding dresses said...

Thank you for this article. That’s all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something special. You clearly know what you are doing, you’ve covered so many bases.Thanks!

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