Zinsser's BIN Primer Proves Itself Again and Again, or: THE BEST PRIMER EVER!!!!

First of all, it's important to note the subhead of this blog post "The Best Primer Ever!!!!" is not base upon scientific evaluation....just our opinions and experiences here at Red Canary revolving around needing a problem-solving primer for trouble interior areas.....and Zinsser's BIN Primer: Ultimate Stain Blocker has time and again been the superhero for the job!

.....and we must dually note that it is definitely not a low VOC option but it has the best stain blocking and sealing properties of any primer we have used (be sure to wear an approved respirator when using Zinsser's BIN Ulitmate Stain Blocker).

Zinsser's BIN Ultimate stain blocker is perfect for priming areas before repairing, sealing lightly cracked paint (that has been properly prepared and is not peeling or chipping), blocking odors such as cat urine on surfaces such as wood, concrete and drywall, it also blocks marker, crayon, blood, vomit, ink...the list goes on and on...we've used it to cover almost every type of problem area...with no problem!!!

If you have a need for a heavy-duty primer, this product may be what it takes to do the trick--be sure to seek out the red can (it's the shellac-based primer). Also, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning of equipment and disposal of roller covers, paint cans, rags, etc). Zinsser also has a wide variety of other primers--including latex primers. Be sure to seek out the primer that best suits your project needs.

If you have any questions about the priming project you are about to tackle...from preparation to proper product selection or finding someone to handle that project for you, feel free to give your painting professionals at Red Canary a call...estimates are always free and if we can't answer your questions or do the job for you, we'll help you find a resource that can.

Here at Red Canary, we are always excited to share our personal experiences and tips regarding a variety of paints, primers and other painting-related tools and products. Zinsser's BIN primer is definitely one of the products we like to share...it's not only the "superhero" of primers, it's nearly along the lines of "miracle worker." Best of luck to you and your projects!

Last Day for MaOAS Exhibit

Saturday October 16th is the last day for the Open Art Studios exhibit at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI. On display are artworks from an array of local artists...from painting to photography, clay, pencil and more, Overture's walls are adorned with large amounts of creativity.

Many of the works are for sale. Many of the artists have studios (listed in the attist directory for MaOAS). The studios listed in the directory were open to the public the weekend of October 2-3, 2010.

If you haven't had an opportunity to do so yet, take some time to venture downtown Saturday, grab a cup of joe and wander around the galleries at The Overture Center.

FINALLY!!! After all these years, Red Canary now has an Official Logo!

Finally, after all these years...Red Canary officially has a logo! We are most definitely proudly making this announcement. It all began back in August with the acquisition of a new paint truck...

...The truck's colors just so happened to be the perfect backdrop for creating a truly professional looking company vehicle.

So, Shena Blomgren (Red Canary) drew up a quick sketch on the computer--a simple geometric red canary--and shipped it off to Dean Endres at Hellenbrand Signs where he added his creative input and then created the fabulous decals for the rear windows of the Suburban...

...and so the Red Canary Official Logo (the red bird floating alongside this post) was born! (Perhaps I should say, "hatched.")

...Now, off to the printers to get the new business cards designed and printed.

Gallery Nights at Red Canary

We're doing it again--evolving and growing here at Red Canary. Settling into our shop location has opened many doors (a big thanks Marc @ Gutter Helmet and Curt @ Window Depot for encouraging the move and sharing the space).

Most recently, an opportunity arose to showcase the works of local artists. With a new paint job here in the shop happening we needed something to adorn the walls...and on the weekend of the Madison Area Open Art Studios (MaOas) tour, Red Canary featured the work of 4 artists: William Smith, Tiffany York, Nate Dorn and Shena Blomgren (Shena's charcoal drawing "Tree" was on display at the MaOas exhibit at The Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI from September 27th through October 16th).

Click here to see an album of select works currently on display during October 2010.

So, come on in, take a look around...our gallery hours are 6-9 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays...maybe you'll find a piece of artwork to take home with you! Maybe a Halloween decoration...'tis the season! Check out the Halloween maracas sitting on the front desk in person...$35.00 is a deal for these festive Halloween treats! We hope to see you soon!

Red Canary is located at 800 S Division Street, Suite C, Waunakee, WI 53597.

Madison Open Art Studios

The fall tour is here once again! Red Canary will be open for the studio tour. Come check out our shop, see what's happening in there with the painting and see some work from some other local artists. We're located at 800 S. Division Street, Suite C, Waunakee, WI 53597.

On display at The Overture Center is a chalk and charcoal piece, "Tree," by Red Canary's owner, Shena Blomgren. Shena's artwork can be located on the first floor of The Overture. The MaOas exhibition at The Overture runs from September 27th-October 16th. (Please see note below.)

Shena's artwork was framed by Eye Levely Framing. It's a really great frame!!! Definitely suited for a charcoal and chalk drawing of a fall tree. Thanks so much to Crystal and Scott for all of their help!

Note: Shena's piece was first tagged incorrectly with another artist's name at the MaOas exhibition at Overture...this was discovered by Shena and her accompanying family at the opening event on October 1, 2010. If the piece has been viewed/sought out between September 27th and now, Red Canary apologizes for any confusion. MaOas affiliates have been notified and will hopefully remedy this soon! The printed MaOas Directory and on-line directory has the photograph of the piece properly credited to Shena.

Small Business, Big Move

Big things have been happening here at Red Canary! Although it has taken a lot of time, careful planning and thoughtful consideration, Red Canary has started to set up shop...yes, a real shop where folks can walk right in! We are going to soon be residing at 800 South Division Street, Suite C, in Waunakee, WI. We will be sharing the office space with two other businesses: Gutter Helmet and Window Depot.

The move and transition has began! Packing up, soliciting friends and family as laborers, planning the space, planning painting the space, so many things! Moving is such a chore while at the same time being a wonderful opportunity to organize...and that's exactly what we're doing here at Red Canary. Organizing. Re-organizing, too. This is just the start of many exciting changes for this custom painting outfit.

Oh, and before I forget, Red Canary would also like to take this time to send out a big thanks for everyone's patience during the difficult parts of these changes (email snafus, phone outages, general disorganization, and so forth). Soon, very soon, everything will return to normal...well, not just normal, BETTER than normal!!! Truly, this is a meaningful transition and pivotal growth opportunity for us. Everyone has been so great--thank you so much for your support and kindness during the long course of change. Hanging in there through everything will soon be worth it for everyone that has invested in our growth. Thanks Again.

Most certainly, we'll keep you posted on the changes and developments! If you have any questions about our transition, please email your thoughts to us at redcanarypainting@gmail.com We're looking forward to sharing with you our exciting changes...and through these changes, serving you better.

Hunter Douglas to Halt Online Window Blinds Sales

Hunter Douglas has sent a letter to their dealers explaining a recent decision to stop selling blinds on-line. The reason? The customer is better served in a physical store. Read more:

Hunter Douglas to Halt Online Window Blinds Sales

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Shena's Infamous Bread Recipe

To be on a different note tonight, and to take a break from all the home decorating and painting news, I was (and am still going to) post my favorite bread recipe that I have been making for several years now. However, when I signed into Blogger tonight from my computer, I was alarmed that the posts I had used the email option for blog posting from my Blackberry were not on my blog! That is several months worth of blogging...many minutes spent typing...and no posts! OMG! I need to get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, enjoy the bread! -Shena Blomgren, owner Red Canary

Amish White Bread

Ingredients:

2 C warm water (110F/45C)

2/3 C white sugar

1-1/2 T active dry yeast

1-1/2 t salt

1/4 C vegetable oil

6 C bread flour

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam.
2. Mix salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well-oiled bowl and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to ruse until doubled in bulk: about 1 hour
3. Punch dough down, knead for a few minutes and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two well-oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 30 minutes.

Source: allrecipes.com

My favorite variations:
I like to mix cinnamon and sugar together and roll this into the bread before the second rise. After dividing the dough in half, I stretch the dough (like a pizza crust) and then "roll-up" the dough, sprinkling the cinnamon and sugar mix into each roll. Let rise and bake. This version is a family favorite.

I also like to add a bit extra sugar. Sometimes a splash of vanilla. My next experiment is going to be the addition of raisins. Tonight, I rolled in strawberry jam. Will let you know how that turned out!

Instead of using loaf pans, I often just shape the dough into loave and then place to rise freely on a well-oiled cookie sheet (I usually line the cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean up). This bread is great to eat plain...and makes great toast!

French Toast made with this bread could quite possibly be divine. Enjoy!