Every piece that I create is custom designed for you with your input so that each piece is completely unique to you, your family or friend. I have worked in many different mediums and created many different types of art over the years but I have found this “collaborative” art to be the most rewarding.
Please take a moment to brows through the next few pages and if you like what you see I would love to help you create something for you or your loved ones.
Maxine Healy, Artist
We, my friend Maxine, the “Me” of Mandy and Me LLC have been working on a website since March (by the way, I’m Steve, the web designer and……..something or other of this project). Well, the website will be up soon, an “under construction” page is up now and the other pages are about ready to go.
Mandy and Me LLC will feature my (me, Maxine’s) art work, or perhaps crafts that are very artful would be a better description. Leather pillows and leather totes. floor mats for children, utility and decorative purposes (more on these the next blog) and a bunch of other stuff that I like to do and would be happy to sell you if you want it.
So it’s time to get our blog up to go with our webite and here it is!
Oh, by the way Mandy is my daughter (Maxine’s), love her but can’t claim her (Steve), she is going to be something or other on the project too, I think she is going to cook…er, keep the books if we ever sell anything. TTFT, MM&S
Good Question, Here You Go
Floor Cloths by Mandy and Me Designs
The use of hand painted floor cloths, also known as oyl cloths are believed to have originated in the 14th century in France. When the Europeans settled the Americas, worn out sails from the ships were used as table covers, wall hangings and floor cloths to provide warmth in drafty homes. Many reproduced the furniture and artworks they were not able to bring to the new country, as space was limited to only the necessary items to survive. George Washington ordered floor cloths for his retirement home. The same applied to the pioneers in the 1800s, however, they used the worn out canvases from the covered wagons. Canvas was more readily available than other rug supplies and was easier to keep clean.
These rugs have an advantage over other carpets as they are more durable and easier to clean. They are the only carpet that withstands damage by insects and does not attract dust. In warm weather they are more comfortable and provide warmth in cold weather.
Our hand painted canvas cloths are made from 100% heavyweight cotton canvas. Water-based paints and finishes are used in place of the foil based paint and varnishes used years ago. Depending on the effect we want, we either prime the cloth with latex primer paint or gesso. We use dyes, water or acrylic paints. The cloths are coated with 3-4 layers of varnish or polyurethane. The edges can be hemmed or cut. No two cloths are the same and can be custom made to fit your space, as well as your personal décor and color. The rugs may be framed or unframed as wall art or used on furniture.
To prevent slippage or migration, you may use double sided tape to be secured to the floor or use a thin rubber pad cut slightly smaller than rug. Make sure furniture legs have protective glides or felt pad.
Care
Floorcloths will last for years if properly cared for. Just wipe with a damp towel for mast spills and such. For the more stubborn stains use a mild detergent or a mix of 50/50 vinegar and water, towel dry. Do not use heavy duty cleaners, ammonia based cleaners or oils soaps as they leave a sticky film. Do not allow to sit in water. These cloths are water repellent, not waterproof.
Storage
DO NOT FOLD FINISH WILL CRACK ROLL ONLY, painted side out, around a 4 to 6” cardboard or plastic tube. Secure with plastic wrap. In cold weather, a floorcloth may become stiff. Allow several hour for the cloth to become flexible. When the cloth is in place, allow it to flatten out naturally.
Prices
Prices range from $20. to $40. per square foot, depending on the number of colors and the complexity of the piece. Custom sizes and shapes are available
My Next step (me Maxine, Steve is writing right now) is to give you all links and information to the various vendors that I work with to create my products. A challenging task, to be sure, lots of technical internet type stuff learning to do – or I could just find a 12 year old playing hookie for the day and get it finished right away (BORING) – but I want to share that information with all of you because they are great products and so we can all have fun together.
I should mention that quite a bit of the leather comes from my son-in-law Ron, a very talented taximermist, so if you would like to see some of the leather pieces he has available please drop me a line (that would be Maxine, not Steve in case you were confused again).
In the mean time, Steve (Me) is going to go back to school and learn how to write switching from 1st party to 3rd party without confusing everone including Steve.