tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47930054802842107832011-10-21T13:35:11.274-05:00Red Canary's official blog featuring posts about painting, decorating, home improvement, and art...in addition to what's happening back at the nest...(shop). Red Canary IS more than just another paint job!Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-3954121016816350342010-10-20T21:01:00.008-05:002010-10-20T21:47:07.990-05:00

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

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-64408855930290229192010-10-15T23:31:00.008-05:002010-10-16T10:34:02.003-05:00

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)

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-12116969148273170812010-10-14T23:27:00.011-05:002010-10-15T08:22:52.975-05:00

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

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-38077113936764643332010-10-14T20:44:00.007-05:002010-10-14T21:17:11.441-05:00

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

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-52281754073099911882010-10-02T01:01:00.006-05:002010-10-02T02:24:42.377-05:00

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

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-20202321991945055642010-04-29T00:49:00.006-05:002010-04-29T01:27:43.838-05:00

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

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-10945347870891267192010-04-01T00:46:00.003-05:002010-04-05T22:10:45.557-05:00

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 SalesPosted using ShareThis

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-80475116239344671262010-03-31T22:55:00.011-05:002010-03-31T23:40:12.756-05:00

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

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-61285601711245896162009-12-02T21:39:00.004-06:002009-12-02T21:48:42.135-06:00

In the process of renewing our domain name, http://www.redcanary.biz, some technical issues have occurred. Currently, we are unable to add new photos of our work to our site. So, if you're a client waiting to see photos of your project uploaded to our site, please be patient.For several years, we have used Webs as our sitebuilder, http://www.webs.com, with great success and we hope to have this

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-5822029728909065922009-10-22T18:52:00.011-05:002009-10-22T23:14:59.360-05:00

I made a business decision yesterday that is going to dramatically increase Red Canary's ability to communicate with our clients in addition allowing us to work more efficiently: I made the decision to test-pilot a "smart phone" and transitioned from my regular cell phone--after a lot of encouragement from colleagues--to a Blackberry. Now that I've had my Blackberry Curve a couple of days, I'm

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-1988784445072597462009-10-11T20:00:00.010-05:002009-10-11T20:34:25.892-05:00

Yes, it's true, it snowed Saturday here in Madison, WI (thankfully nothing stuck!) Summer really came and went and Winter is truly around the corner. If you didn't get those painting projects crossed off your To-Do List by now, here are some helpful hints:1. Immediately tackle exterior projects that need maintenance first. (Cracked, peeling paint and/or bare wood.) Even with the cooler Autumn

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-35508539437634285832009-08-07T21:43:00.009-05:002009-08-07T22:57:27.034-05:00

We are excited to share with you one of our newest favorite products from Benjamin Moore: ben. On a recent trip to the paint store to pick up supplies for a project, I was introduced to the ben paint line on a suggestion from Terry McGovern. Per Terry's suggestion, we used ben (flat) to paint a living room. A little leary of trying a new product, the paint crew, after working with it for a

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-68340883117044067972009-08-07T21:12:00.003-05:002009-08-07T21:43:19.177-05:00

Greetings! After a hectic week and a rainy, dreary Friday, this slow-moving evening seemed the perfect opportunity to put the pen back to the paper--so to speak. I'm excited to say that our summer has been filled with a variety of projects--interior and exterior. In the upcoming weeks, I will be updating our website www.redcanary.biz with photos of our latest "masterpieces." We'll be sure to

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-3612203069306998802009-07-19T23:49:00.005-05:002009-07-20T00:01:12.041-05:00

Mid-July, the weather has been colder than average. The pepper plants in my garden are small. Makes us folks here in Wisconsin wonder whether it's summer or the beginning of October . . . and it also reminds us here at Red Canary about our Fall Painting Specials! Schedule your project with us by August 21st for completion during the months of September, October or November and receive a 10%

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-76529321609691054542009-06-08T22:00:00.005-05:002009-06-08T22:20:18.246-05:00

We are proud to announce we are sponsoring the meal for the Engel Memorial Benefit in Fredericksburg, IA. The event, sponsored by the Fredericksburg High School Class of 1993 will be held at The Office (located on Main Street/Hwy 18). Cory Ball, owner of The Office, will be sponsoring the DJ for the event being held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on June 27th, with music beginning at 7:00 pm.The

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-17618448306337195312009-05-19T22:48:00.001-05:002009-05-19T22:48:17.706-05:00

Something for a little laugh break . . . enjoy!

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-72797717388877720982009-05-18T12:24:00.007-05:002009-05-18T18:46:15.929-05:00

We are proud to announce and welcome a new addition to our Red Canary Staff! Jeff Olsen, Portrait Artist and Muralist, has accepted our offer to become our full-time mural artist for commercial and residential projects. Jeff's resume is impressive: In addition to traveling abroad and nationally, working as an artist, he has also studied at several art schools across the country.

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-24453695348566368132009-05-04T21:58:00.016-05:002009-05-04T23:06:20.137-05:00

From Shena's Desk:Connecting is so easy these days . . . with all of the social networking tools out there--from Facebook and LinkedIn to twittering and all the other social networking tools I do not use . . . If one has a computer, one can "travel!"Personally, I've always been a social person (extrovert, high-sapphire) and this form of networking--especially while I am in my mid-thirties and in

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-50391825886161584972009-05-02T18:33:00.003-05:002009-05-02T18:54:45.508-05:00

Yes, folks, it's true . . . Red Canary is now on Twitter! For your convenience, we have two different options for following our twittering . . . either follow the feed at the bottom of this page or go to our twitter site: http://twitter.com/redcanaryllc Tweet! Tweet!

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-53150661227256571162009-04-20T22:15:00.009-05:002009-04-20T22:55:38.245-05:00

Way #1 to Go Green this Spring: Attend Isthmus Green day at the Monona Terrace. See and experience many ways to be green.Isthmus Green Day ~ Saturday April 25, 20099:00 am - 6:00 pmInterested in what you can do to live a greener lifestyle? Pack a schedule full of ideas for living green at the Isthmus Green Day.Approximately 140 vendors will be on hand--from food and drink, home and garden, and

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-33726575274803294032009-02-22T22:28:00.008-06:002009-02-22T22:54:49.141-06:00

With the coming of Spring also brings the longing for newness . . . which is why many people begin thinking about painting in the spring. Once the snow melts, the toll on the exterior is evident after yet another winter; after staring at the same walls all winter long, it's time to brighten the room with a new color.Here at Red Canary, we're not any different and have been longing for Spring

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-90213892499562548752009-02-07T10:34:00.004-06:002009-02-07T10:48:14.875-06:00

The last couple of years, Red Canary has been working witht the learning curve of Aura Affinity Paint produced by Benjamin Moore. This is a self-priming product (on most surfaces) and it is also a low VOC product that has the ability for one-coat coverage. For most projects, one-coat coverage can be achieved. As a painter, however, I prefer the richer visual appeal of two coats (any lap marks

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-20871841354682305192009-02-05T16:16:00.009-06:002009-02-05T17:20:00.743-06:00

Wallpaper and the "joys" of the removal process: Anyone ever experiencing the "joys" of wallpaper removal will often think twice about considering choosing wallpaper--or even wallpaper borders--as a wall treatment again. Sometimes, the paper comes down without a hitch; at other times, the process of paper removal can be challenging.For quite a bit, Red Canary has been using Wallwik Wallpaper

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-645448587812155532009-01-28T13:46:00.017-06:002009-01-29T01:25:54.791-06:00

So you've decided to hire a professional painter to paint the interior or exterior of your home--perhaps even just a small accent wall.You've done your homework to hire a great painter: You've searched Craigslist, Angie's List, LinkedIn, and asked friends and families for referrals. As recommended, you have gathered three estimates and had face-to-face meetings with the painters . . . now you

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-45356729517863494482009-01-23T02:30:00.006-06:002009-01-29T01:26:59.066-06:00

Red Canary LLC is offering a 5% early bird discount for all spring and summer projects scheduled during February. Avoid the seasonal rush . . . put your project on the calendar today!*discount applies to labor only

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-89870449743266187872009-01-20T15:53:00.008-06:002009-01-21T19:00:24.630-06:00

Yesterday marked a huge day in history and I can undoubtedly say that for the first time in eight years, I am proud to be an American again. I'm also proud of this country for the change they have voted for and the new ideals set forth for us.The first step to serving this country has already happened--America voted for change. America, once again, has begun to take what Democracy means seriously

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-7816613693521630462009-01-12T21:40:00.003-06:002009-01-12T22:18:28.993-06:00

Before we know it, spring will be here . . . I know it's hard to imagine, especially as I'm writing this I'm watching the snow fall . . . with thoughts of warmer days ahead in mind, take the time you have while stuck inside on these snow days to make a list of all of the exterior projects you wish to complete: from landscaping to planting gardens, putting up utility sheds and beyond. Since

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-61833042421305688852008-12-22T23:22:00.002-06:002008-12-22T23:29:45.227-06:00

Hello everyone! Season's greetings from Red Canary LLC. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Stayed tuned this upcoming year for project ideas, tips and hints regarding everything from wallpaper removal to decorative painting techniques, plus product reviews . . . it's our New Year's resolution to refine, update and submit posts to The Chirp on a regular basis . . . stay

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-65871680257885648932008-11-30T09:57:00.003-06:002008-11-30T10:21:48.488-06:00

Well, we've made it through Thanksgiving, and if you're like me, you still have some shopping left to do. (Not many of us are such go-getters as my friend Jean--she had all of her shopping done two months ago! You go girl!) So, if you're still out there looking for that perfect gift, I have a couple of ideas:#1: A Red Canary gift certificate! For the last 7 years, we have been offering our

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-48377583039267179202008-11-12T00:05:00.003-06:002008-11-12T00:13:34.908-06:00

Hey, Folks! The holidays are upon us, once again . . . . here at Red Canary LLC, we would like to offer some advice: If you are planning a painting or other decorating project for any of your holiday gatherings, consider doing it on the small scale--small changes can make a huge difference. For instance, add an accent wall to a room using paint or wallpaper (wait to paint the rest of the room

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-10842234267761441092008-09-30T12:12:00.005-05:002008-09-30T22:46:43.421-05:00

Dear Readers,Happy Tuesday, folks, and what a great Tuesday it is! Today, we are unveiling our new yard signs. If you are a current or former client, you will notice the yard signs (see photo at left) display a definite similarity to our biz cards. At the Red Canary, we are always excited to share with those we know every step toward becoming a well-established and easily recognized business in

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-23915228878879506742008-09-19T13:31:00.005-05:002008-09-30T22:40:07.703-05:00

Here at Red Canary, we're ecstatic that it's hip to be "green" these days . . . in fact, being a "tree hugger" is finally in style. This trend is good for our earth. In our blogs and groups, we've been enjoying writing about all of the innovations in the painting industry with regard to earth-friendly painting products and other related green topics . . . and we are pleased with the interest our

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-66659549816062456502008-09-12T16:28:00.007-05:002008-09-12T17:25:15.303-05:00

Product: pure performanceManufacturer: Pittsburgh PaintsProduct Description: A 100% Acrylic/Latex paint (Zero VOC). Meets Green Seal's environmental standard, Class A, for VOCs. Low Odor. Available in more than 1,890 colors.Project description: Interior project. Painted an entry hallway and an accent wall in the adjoining great room.Color: Happy Trails (418-4) Sheen: FlatCurrently, no photo is

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-71647393215010259082008-09-04T15:02:00.004-05:002008-09-04T15:40:40.267-05:00

Red Canary LLC is proud to announce that we are part of the first edition of MeGoGreen's 2008-2009 Greater Madison Savings Guide.MeGoGreen publishes a savings guide filled with products and services offered by businesses offering green products or services. This is the first year for the 2008-2009 Green Savings Guide being distributed in Madison, WI.Best of all, you don't only have to live in

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-43864293664448458102008-08-12T17:08:00.003-05:002008-08-12T18:22:00.893-05:00

Before I begin delving into all sorts of information regarding green painting and decorating products and techniques, I feel a need to first put into place the thought that being green also means buying local and that buying local also means a green mind-set.When buying locally, the consumer helps reduce the amount of transportation involved for distributing goods--meaning less impact on our

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-89232902180686799822008-08-11T20:38:00.002-05:002008-08-11T21:28:46.005-05:00

Being green in the painting industry is getting easier everyday . . . . from paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to zero VOC paints . . . . to natural paint products such as milk paints, organic plant dyes and natural wax protective sealants . . . . a variety of green and near-green products are available for consumers and professionals.Green products are not only better for the

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-3498794915387770672008-08-10T15:38:00.003-05:002008-08-10T16:07:25.561-05:00

Well, today is August 10th . . . I'm ashamed--yet proud at the same time--to state the obvious: The last post to our blog was on Independence Day . . . how the time flies . . . and evidence that we have been in the throws of our extra-busy season. What a great summer it has been! This summer, we have been painting away . . . everything from interiors to exteriors, remodels and rentals, staining

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-45101895681945837802008-07-04T12:28:00.001-05:002008-07-04T12:30:20.381-05:00

Have a safe and celebratory holiday weekend!More painting news next week . . .

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-90413528060613713022008-07-03T21:29:00.002-05:002008-07-03T21:53:09.172-05:00

As a painting contractor, I have noticed some painting disasters due to misinformation or misunderstanding of product qualities regarding oil and latex paints.The most frequent question? Does latex go on top of oil or oil on top of latex? Latex over oil (without priming the substrate) is a really bad idea.Regardless of what anyone may tell you . . . NEVER PAINT LATEX PAINT ON TOP OF OIL WITHOUT

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793005480284210783.post-79347802848840890642008-07-02T00:15:00.000-05:002008-07-02T00:16:39.762-05:00

Welcome to the first entry in our official company blog! As the proprietor of Red Canary LLC, I am pleased to unveil this blog and am looking forward to posting information with regards to the painting and decorating trades industries. Our goal is to provide you, our client, visitor or subscriber, with interesting and helpful information.On a regular basis, we will be publishing stories about

Red Canaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361680847583435074noreply@blogger.com0