(NAPSA)—In the movie Stee/ Magnolias, a character humorously comments that what separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize. Although the statement was made in a fashion context, it also holds true with home decor. Accessories allow us to express our individual styles and to pull together a coordinated look within the home. Cheri Blum, a young artist with a passion for things that are old, worn and hand-crafted, is making quite an impact on the home accessories design market. Herpopulardistressed artwork can be found in various retail stores throughout the country on such items as bedding,clocks, stationery, framed prints, photo albums, rugs, trivets and wallcoverings. Blum attributes the popularity of her artwork to its style, simplicity, sophistication and peacefulness. “The visual noise is turned off, so it’s easy on the mind, body and spirit,” she says. “If I do paint something trendy, it’s with a classic touch and an edge of decay.” Each design she paints has a distressed appearance, yet is ironically characterized by modern appeal. Through original and somewhat unorthodox techniques, Blum is able to simulate the effects of weather and aging onto canvases, panels and unusual surfaces. She’s even goneso far as to throw a finished canvas into a washing machine to achieve an antique look. The artist’s unique style and her rapid rise in popularity have not gone unnoticed by Sandpiper Studios, who commissioned Blum to develop a wallcovering collection reflective of her well-loved imagery. Distributed exclusively by Seabrook Wallcoverings, “The 5 The distressed artwork of Cheri Blum is available in wallcoverings. Art of Cheri Blum” features several of the artist’s most popular prints, including her narcissus and orchid designs, as well as designs inspired by nature and architecture. Pattern highlights include parchment layered with script, fruit layered on a distressed surface, acanthusscrolls, textured leaves and a faux stone wall designed to accompanya diecut hydrangea border. “Wallcoverings are a form of expression that can easily change the tone or transform the feeling of a room,” says Blum. “My goal was to help create a mood or emotion for the space, rather than to depict something specific.” Theartist’s unique style isn’t expected to decline in popularity anytime soon within the home decorating industry. Aside from “The Art of Cheri Blum,” which is currently available through wallpaper retailers nationwide, Seabrook plans to introduce Blum’s second walleovering collection in the spring of 2002.
