Get ready to meet @HLabarbera - a member of Creator's Studio for the past three years and recent winner in the Sure Color category of the Wall Paint Challenge!
Why did you join Creator's Studio?
I was referred to Creators Studio by a peer in the furniture painting industry through a Facebook painters group I am a part of. She mentioned that it was a fun group she found full of creative ideas. So, that of course peaked my curiosity and I searched it out, and found out quickly just how right she was!
What's your favorite part of the Creator's Studio community?
My favorite part of Creator's Studio is definitely the activities and challenges. It gives me a little excitement and something to look forward to participating in, between the ho hum days life hands us. 😁
How would you describe yourself/occupation to a complete stranger?
I am a perfectionist in redefining beauty and breathing life back into perfectly good pieces of wood! I guess you could also call me an environmentalist, since I am saving these pieces from a landfill. 😉 🌎
What creative areas do you like to focus on?
I love learning new painting techniques to incorporate into the painting knowledge I already have. I love to think outside of the box with my creativity.
What is your favorite Rust-Oleum product? How has it helped with your DIY projects?
I love the whole Rust-Oleum "Chalked" paint line, but what I use the most by far is the Chalked Matte Clear Protective Topcoat. I am in love with its ease of use and the perfect finish it gives my products without changing the sheen, it saves me lots of time and headaches compared to other topcoats I've used since it has not failed me yet.
What interests you most about DIY projects?
The chance to be creative, learn new things by being hands on, and its FREE THERAPY! 😂
What's the best DIY project you have completed and how did you accomplish it?
I think my office and workspace has been my favorite and that is thanks to Creator's Studio since it was part of a challenge! I accomplished it with lots of patience, and just bringing the ideas I had in my head to life. With creativity and accomplishing tasks, there is nothing stopping you, but you!
What's the most difficult project you have tackled?
That would be all client furniture requests for white refinishing! Bleed through is a pain in the butt everytime, and it is the least fun finish and the most painstaking due to that! 😣
If you could create any type of project (with no limitations), what would you design and why?
I am in desperate need of more space due to collecting more tools with each new thing I learn, so I would definitely build my own shop if I had no limitations! I want a 20x25 with Porch and all! It is my next dream item to add to my home... now if only I could build it myself! 🤔
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know about you.
I have very high anxiety. You would never know it by just meeting me, I am very personable and don't come across as very shy. But, that is only due to years of working up a mind over matter mentality! 😅
What's the best advice that anyone has ever given you?
Don't take your days or the people in them for granted, tomorrow is never promised.
What book(s) are on your nightstand right now?
No one will know what this is, but it's Tegan and Sara's "high school", a memoir. [Moderator's note: I do know this one! 😊]
What's your all time favorite food?
All pasta! I will eat anything pasta related.
Thanks for letting us get to know you a little better, @HLabarbera. Check out a few of the projects she's submitted to Creator's Studio!
Wonderful Workstation Challenge winner: Outrageous Overhaul
