Stories of unique Projects

A designer approached us when unable to find ceramic wild flowers and butterflies on the market, requesting if we would know how create them out of plaster. To meet this challenge and its deadline, we developed a formula mimicking Bas Relief by utilizing artificial flowers, leaves, and butterflies. The intensive process entailed priming all elements, individually deeping them into a bucket of plaster of Paris, repeating the process with primer, and two layers of the finishing paint used on the bathroom walls. 

After creating several bouquet arrangements, we affixed the pieces one by one to the vaulted ceiling using a strong industrial glue.

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"Have you ever painted a toilet?" asked the designer. "Never, but we can look into it." 

After conducting extensive research on processes, we successfully found the way. Starting by etching the porcelain finish off the toilet. we then sketched and painted graffiti style designs (inspired by the renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat), and transported the final piece to a professional spray booth to apply multiple coats of industrial-grade two-parts protective coatings.

Et voilà! The brand new toilet became a conversation piece among the 8-foot-tall birds-themed decor we previously painted. See our video of the ceiling overall view.

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For this unique commision, Carole had the wonderful opportunity to listen to her client's personal past stories, which revolved around their extraordinary world travels as a commercial pilot and a stewardess. The maps serve as visual representations of their most cherished itineraries. The smaller vignette panels depict some of their specific location. A watercolor painted scene illustrates their personal memories. To Preserve a pre-existing beautiful mural painted by a past artist, The maps were painted onto thin yet stiff mylar sheets. These sturdy panels were delicately stapled along the edges and concealed with a one inch gold fabric gimp trim, adding an elegant finishing touch. See our video of the powder room overall view.

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In 2014, Carole Da-Cruz was commissioned by Paula Batali Wallpapers of LIEF Antiques Gallery in Los Angeles, to hand-draw and digitally process unique wallpaper designs under her creative direction.

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• For a few years, Once Upon a Time Children's Theatre  of The Malibu Playhouse, commissioned Carole to create beautiful hand-painted Backdrops and props for some of the annual kids plays.
• For the 2014 Peter Pan play, a requested was for computer-rendered decor and hand-painted watercolor scenes that needed to be integrated into the 3D stage layout and be projected accordingly. Throughout each production, Carole took charge of seamlessly transitioning between scenes and managing the music, ensuring everything was perfectly synchronized using Keynote software.
• The end of this gallery showcases two wall painted murals,  set as backdrops for  etched-glass art sculptures, enhancing their details.
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• In the early years of The French Brush, Carole became  an avid participant to many Chalk Art Festivals in Southern California.
• She was often flown to the annual Austin Italian Chalk Art Festival weekend. Copies of masters were rendered on large pastel boards, then auctioned off to support a nonprofit children's fund for those affected by the devastating AT disease.
• In November 2002, Carole had the incredible opportunity to lead a team of artists in creating a monumental street chalk art piece within a 24-hour time frame on a closed Hollywood Boulevard, positioned in front of the Roosevelt Hotel. This art and charity gala was sponsored by the Longines Watch company, with proceeds benefiting The Audrey Hepburn CARES Team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The 160'x90' mural progression received significant media and public attention, including live coverage by ABC7 News.
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