Skinner is a mixed media artist who travels the world teaching mixed media, altered art, assemblage, and ceramics. He also conducts a series of very successful altered art workshops online using DecoArt acrylic paint and mediums.

“We are excited about growing this relationship with Andy,” said Stan Clifford, DecoArt’s CEO. “We feel that Andy’s product knowledge, creative style, and international presence will help grow our company’s creative department.”

As a new member of the DecoArt team, Skinner will be assisting with product development, support of DecoArt’s Helping Artist Program, and technique video production as well as serving as DecoArt brand ambassador at trade shows and conferences. DecoArt will work with Skinner to establish his brand in the United States as well as globally.

“I love DecoArt because, as well as having an absolutely fantastic acrylic paint range, it offers both the artist and the crafter a whole lot more,” said Skinner.  “It has fantastic mediums that take acrylic painting to a whole new level for me, especially for mixed media. DecoArt also manufactures my favorite varnishes.”

Born in 1966 and raised in Oxford England, Andy Skinner began painting from a very young age, encouraged and influenced by his mother, a watercolor artist, and his father, an engineer, who made amazing toys and gadgets from found objects.  Andy Skinner operated his own creative studio outside of London for six years before joining Country Love Crafts as its director of art.

Skinner will continue in his role with Country Love while he serving as DecoArt’s executive creative consultant.

About DecoArt, Inc.:
Since 1985, DecoArt has manufactured one of the broadest lines of acrylic paints and finishes for general arts and crafts use in the world. The line includes all-purpose acrylics for professional artists, crafters, and students. Located centrally in the United States, DecoArt manufactures numerous specialty paints that are designed specifically for surfaces like glass, ceramics, fabric, and metal, from its Stanford, KY production facility. DecoArt products are known around the world for their superior and consistent quality and excellent value. For more information on DecoArt, visit www.DecoArt.com.

DecoArt®, Inc., is pleased to announce the addition to its line of gloss enamels of Americana® Gloss Enamels™ Chalkboard Paint, which instantly changes any glass or glazed ceramic surface into a chalkboard.

After researching how crafters were using its popular Americana® Chalkboard Paint™, DecoArt® found that its customers were using Chalkboard Paint in many ways and on different surfaces, and that many wanted a permanent chalkboard finish on glass surfaces.

Now, with Americana® Gloss Enamels™ Chalkboard Paint, those same customers can add a chalkboard finish to any glass or glazed ceramic surface for a quick transformation of projects large and small. This easy brush-on paint converts a wide range of glass surfaces such as: wine and beverage glasses, mugs, canisters, decorative plates, vase, and more into versatile chalkboard. It is fast-drying, has a matte finish, and is dishwasher safe after being baked in the oven.

Americana® Gloss Enamels™ Chalkboard Paint is available in two sizes- a 2-oz. and a 4-oz. squeeze bottle.

About DecoArt, Inc.:
Since 1985, DecoArt has manufactured one of the broadest lines of acrylic paints and finishes for general arts and crafts use in the world. The line includes all-purpose acrylics for professional artists, crafters, and students. Located centrally in the United States, DecoArt manufactures numerous specialty paints that are designed specifically for surfaces like glass, ceramics, fabric, and metal, from its Stanford, KY production facility. DecoArt products are known around the world for their superior and consistent quality and excellent value. For more information on DecoArt, visit www.DecoArt.com.

Americana® Multi-Surface Satin™ provides the best adhesion, finish, and pigments to create the ultimate multi-surface paint at the best price. Keep your paint inventory to a minimum with this do-it-all paint that can be used on wood, metal, glass, terra cotta, ceramics, papier mache, most plastic, fabric, and canvas.

Americana® Multi-Surface Satin™, with its permanent, lightfast pigments, is an indoor/outdoor paint with superior flow and leveling. Its excellent coverage is moisture/rust resistant and is a true satin finish that needs no varnish. Unlike other paints, Americana® Multi-Surface Satin™ is self-sealing, which means it requires no primer/sealer and is highly resistant to cleaning chemicals once fully cured.

Americana® Multi-Surface Satin™ is available in 40 colors and comes in 2-oz. bottles.

About DecoArt, Inc.:
Since 1985, DecoArt has manufactured one of the broadest lines of acrylic paints and finishes for general arts and crafts use in the world. The line includes all-purpose acrylics for professional artists, crafters, and students. Located centrally in the United States, DecoArt manufactures numerous specialty paints that are designed specifically for surfaces like glass, ceramics, fabric, and metal, from its Stanford, KY production facility. DecoArt products are known around the world for their superior and consistent quality and excellent value. For more information on DecoArt, visit www.DecoArt.com.

Get inspired to create anything you can imagine by painting on wood, unglazed ceramic, canvas, Styrofoam, paper, or terra cotta with these new colors:

• Banana Cream- Yummy! No, you can’t it eat, but with this versatile color, you can paint anything!

• Spiced Pumpkin- Festive and spirited are what comes to mind with this shade of orange. Its fun-filled presence will brighten anyone’s day.

• Cinnamon Drop- Spice up your life with a bold statement. This full-of-life red is an extraordinary accent color.

• Oyster Beige- “I take refuge in beige because it’s natural,” said Mademoiselle Chanel. This beige evokes elegance. Its simple, discreet and complements any color.

• Natural Buff- Everything about this shade is perfect- it’s humble yet elegant and pairs nicely with the remaining new Americana colors

• Irish Moss -Bring a misty spring morning to mind with this beautiful new shade of green. Its calming quality will remind you of the simple things in life.

DecoArt is also pleased to announce 12 new colors in the Crafter’s Acrylic line including, Smoke, Deep Magenta, Soft Coral, Bright Coral, Brilliant Blue, Grape Soda, Oatmeal, Raw Umber, Slate, Yellow Gold, Sparkling Champagne, and Iced Espresso.

Also new this year is six new Patio Paint colors including, Grey Skies, Honey Dew, Orange Poppy, Desert Turquoise, Salmon, and Costal Surf.

And to top it off, seven new Gloss Enamel colors including, Desert Turquoise, Purple Cow, Vivid Violet, Milk Chocolate, Natural Buff, Coral Blush, and Rich Espresso Metallic.

To add these colors to your product offering, please contact your DecoArt Sales Service Representative.

About DecoArt, Inc.:
Since 1985, DecoArt has manufactured one of the broadest lines of acrylic paints and finishes for general arts and crafts use in the world. The line includes all-purpose acrylics for professional artists, crafters, and students. Located centrally in the United States, DecoArt manufactures numerous specialty paints that are designed specifically for surfaces like glass, ceramics, fabric, and metal, from its Stanford, KY production facility. DecoArt products are known around the world for their superior and consistent quality and excellent value. For more information on DecoArt, visit www.DecoArt.com.

STANFORD, Ky. — “Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®. This brighter outlook can be found in the eight new Americana trend shades for 2012 that feature the same great all-purpose, premium acrylic paint formula that DecoArt, Inc.’s signature paint line love for.

DecoArt is proud to offer these latest additions of quality acrylic paint again to its consumers, just as PANTONE has released its Fashion Color Report for Spring 2012. The mix of bright and light shades is right on point, as woman’s wear designer Nanette LePore offered that for 2012 there is “love [for]the mix of hot neon colors with soft pastels, reminiscent of nature [and] its extremes.”

The new Americana Acrylic line additions are:

• Soft Heather- Need an escape? Soft Heather is the perfect substitute to that expensive spa getaway… Breathe in, breathe out… relaxation is only a brush stroke away.

• Whispering Turquoise- Imagine lying on a blanket in the middle of a beautiful, grassy field as wispy, cirrus clouds move slowly through the breezy sky overhead.

• Zinc- Sleek and modern, this cool, mid-tone grey reminds us of our industrial past. With a hint of blue, this grey is set apart from all others

• Pebble- Roll up your jeans, take off your socks and shoes and take a walk in the creek. Pebble will remind you of smooth river rocks and trying to keep your balance as you journey through the creekbed.

• Purple Pizzazz- Everything about this shade is regal- it’s very fit for royalty and pairs nicely with the remaining new Americana colors

• Red Alert -Need a color that will grab someone’s attention? The urgency in Red Alert will do just that!

• Dragon Fruit – This vibrant pink was named for the exotic, Asian fruit also know as the pitaya. Although it is from the cactus family, this color will not harm you. Actually, Dragon Fruit plays very nicely with her friends Purple Pizzazz and Margarita

• Margarita-Frozen or on the rocks? This color screams fiesta! Get your salt-rimmed glasses and lime wedges ready, it’s time to party!

To add these Americana products, which are ready to ship now, to your product offering, please contact your DecoArt Sales Service Representative.

STANFORD, Ky. —Express your love of a favorite sports team on your face, body and automobile with DecoArt^®’s new People Paint^™ and Team Spirit Writers^™, the latest additions to the DecoArt^® family of non-toxic and Made-in-the-USA products.

DecoArt^® People Paint^™ is an easy-to-use face and body paint marker that is FDA compliant with a non-toxic cosmetic base. Using a marker allows for greater control when compared to traditional face paint that is typically applied with a sponge or brush. People Paint^™’s fiber tip delivers a smooth and non-irritating application and easily removes with soap and water.

DecoArt^®’s new Team Spirit Writers^™ help you show your team spirit on the road and at the tailgate. Available in popular team colors, the water-based paint adheres to glass, posterboard, and more. It’s great outdoor fun for kids, adults, families and groups and are perfect for creating indoor/outdoor artwork, windows, signs, and more. Team Spirit Writers^™ are also easy to apply with their sponge applicator tip, which means less mess when creating your fan mobile or the signs that will get you on TV. They are rain resistant, so, rain or shine; your team’s artwork will last.

These new spirited additions to DecoArt^®’s product lines are available Spring 2012.

STANFORD, Ky. — Gilded home accessories and accents have been seen around the globe and are certainly becoming a necessity for contemporary and modern décor. DecoArt^®, Inc’s new Metallic Lustre^™ allows consumers a unique and easy way to update existing home accents with a touch of Gold, Copper, Silver, Champagne, Orange Spice and Graphite.

Metallic Lustre^™ is a waxy metallic paste that allows the user more control during application than liquid paint. The product adheres to most absorbent surfaces and its wax base is easy to use in a mess free, ready-to-use formula. It applies to the surface directly from its 1.75 ounce container with fingertips, sponges or a soft cloth.

Metallic Lustre^™ dries fast and is ideal for refinishing or accenting furniture with raised areas that are perfect for highlighting. There is no need to shake or stir the product in its wax form, that is rich and deeply opaque that allows coverage in one application. The metallic accents are buffed on with the chosen application tool and the piece is left with a brilliant sheen.

This latest metallic product from DecoArt^®, Inc. is water and fade resistant, and all of the tones are intermixable. DecoArt^®’s Metallic Lustre^™ will be available for purchase Spring 2012. The product can be ordered through your DecoArt^® Sales Service Representative.

STANFORD, Ky. — Tired of conventional and rigid fabric painting   techniques, DecoArt^®, Inc is excited to announce it has created   a new product family that will drastically change how consumers create fabric crafts.  DecoArt^®’s  new Ink Effects™ Inks allow the user to paint any design on any type of paper and then transfer that design to white or light-  colored fabrics using an iron. Ink Effects™ provides a fabric  finish that is not stiff and will not flake off like traditional fabric  paint and iron-on transfers.

“Iron-on transfers sit on top of the fabric, adhered to it by heat. They can leave a bit of a plastic-like feel where the transfer is on the t-shirt (or other fabric),” according to About.com. Traditional fabric paints soak into fabric, but remain in their artistic medium state. The new DecoArt^® Ink Effects™ Inks change states when heated, morphing into the fabric craft surface instantly.

Ink Effects™ allows you to perfect your design on paper prior to ironing onto fabric. As the ink-based paint is heated, the design becomes a part of the fabric, rather than sitting on top of the fibers. This creates a revolutionary option for individuals who are used to previously popular types of fabric painting. It is available in 12 popular and inter-mixable colors. The paints should not be applied directly to the selected fabric.

With Ink Effects™, the user can uniquely achieve today’s popular and stylish faded effects. Multiple transfers can be created from one painted design, with each design transfer becoming lighter and lighter for stunning at-home effects. The product adheres best to most synthetic fabrics such as Acetate, Nylon, Lycra and Polyester. After laundering, the product and painted fabric craft remains vivid. Ink Effects™ also adheres to most synthetic blend fabrics containing no more than 30% cotton. For fabrics that contain a majority of cotton or other natural fibers, the use of Ink Effects Basecoat™ prior to transferring is encouraged.

Ink Effects Basecoat™ works in conjunction with the Ink Effects™ Ink. Users can apply this basecoat spray to fabrics that contain more than 30% natural fibers, such as cotton. The spray absorbs into the fabric, dries quickly and will enhance the color vibrancy of the Ink Effects™ Inks. It will also increase the washability of transfer designs on fabrics than contain more than 30% natural fibers (such as cotton). As with the Ink Effects™ Inks, the Basecoat™ still remains soft and pliable when applied to any fabric, even silk.

Ink Effects™ and Ink Effects Basecoat™ will be available for purchase late spring 2012. Select items from the line will also be available at JoAnn Fabric and Craft store. Project ideas and an informational video featuring the products can be found at DecoArt.com. To add the above products to your lineup of existing DecoArt^® quality products, please contact your DecoArt^® Sales Service Representative.

STANFORD, Ky. —Available in a larger size and two new improved formulas, with a new artistic label to match, DecoArt^®’s popular Glass Stain^™ product is well on its way to becoming a glass crafter’s go-to tool.

The same self-leveling properties can be found in the revised DecoArt^® Glass Stain^™ product, which dries to a transparent and glossy sheen. The most noticeable change is that the product has been reformulated to be water-resistant as well. This new Glass Stain^™ has also doubled in size, but remains an affordable option for glass crafters who wish to achieve the look of stained glass without the task and danger of working with cut glass.

These transparent glass paints are offered in a beautiful color range and feature two distinct leading styles-in Silver and Black- to easily create ornate, customizable designs.

Newly introduced to the Glass Stain^™ line is DecoArt^® Glass Stain Pearlescent^™. The same, newly improved high-quality glass stain formula now has a pearlescent base to add frost and shimmer to glass and plastic surfaces.

Gorgeous and permanent shades make up the entire new line of DecoArt^® Glass Stains^™, all available in a 2-oz. squeeze bottle with application tip.  DecoArt^® Glass Stains^™ transform inexpensive suncatcher forms or glass objects into beautiful home accessories and gifts.

About DecoArt, Inc.:

Since 1985, DecoArt has manufactured one of the broadest lines of acrylic paints and finishes for general arts and crafts use in the world. The line includes all-purpose acrylics for professional artists, crafters, and students. Located centrally in the United States, DecoArt manufactures numerous specialty paints that are designed specifically for surfaces like glass, ceramics, fabric, and metal, from its Stanford, KY production facility. DecoArt products are known around the world for their superior and consistent quality and excellent value. For more information on DecoArt, visit www.DecoArt.com.

Available in 24 popular craft shades, DecoArt^®’s new Crafter’s Acrylic^™ Gloss are value-priced acrylic paints that have been tested and created to adhere to numerous surfaces. The colors are lightfast and feature smooth brushing consistency.

Crafters can now achieve a durable gloss finish with consistent two-coat coverage at a low retail cost with the new Crafter’s Acrylic^™ gloss formulas. The paints are water-based and non-toxic and, like all other DecoArt^®, Inc paint products, are Made-in-the-USA.

This expansion of the popular DecoArt line is perfect for beginning crafters and students, as the product’s affordability is most desirable. Each bottle is 2-oz and will be available for purchase from DecoArt.com Spring 2012.

For more information and to order DecoArt^®, Inc Crafter’s Acrylic^™ Gloss, please contact your Sales Service Representative. The product is available February 24, 2012.

About DecoArt, Inc.:

Since 1985, DecoArt has manufactured one of the broadest lines of acrylic paints and finishes for general arts and crafts use in the world. The line includes all-purpose acrylics for professional artists, crafters, and students. Located centrally in the United States, DecoArt manufactures numerous specialty paints that are designed specifically for surfaces like glass, ceramics, fabric, and metal, from its Stanford, KY production facility. DecoArt products are known around the world for their superior and consistent quality and excellent value. For more information on DecoArt, visit www.DecoArt.com.