In 2001 I caught Donna Dewberry on QVC demonstrating her One Stroke technique. It looked so fast and easy. I called up a local craft store and found that they were having classes so I signed up. I was hooked after the first evening. One Stroke painting gives quick and beautiful results to folks who may have never even picked up a brush before.

I traveled up to Toronto in Spring 2002 to complete the requirements to be a One Stroke Certified Instructor. Donna Dewberry and her associates were absolutely terrific teachers and encouragers. I left there feeling (knowing!) that I could make a career out of decorative painting. I also left with my head stuffed with information about good business practice and customer service.

Four days after I returned from certification I was hired by three local Michaels stores to teach One Stroke. Talk about "baptism by fire"!  There's just no better way to learn than to teach. I'm so grateful for those early days when I was almost forced to hone my painting and teaching skills. 

I still get bumped out of my comfort zone on a regular basis as my students request more and more classes on subjects I've never painted before.  I try to keep up with everything new in One Stroke by attending Donna Dewberry's Continuing Education classes each year.  I also take classes with other great decorative painting teachers to bring the best practices to my classroom and to just become a better painter myself.

I hope you'll take the plunge and try One Stroke. Bob and I had a dinner party a ways back and ended up having an impromptu class right at the dinner table. Eleven year-olds and up, ladies and gents, all tried their hands at the brush and everyone was surprised and pleased to see just how easy it really is. I hope to see you in a class very soon!