My Unforgettable Journey on The Carol Duvall Show: A Crafter’s Memoir

Hello, cherished readers of The Graphics Fairy! Today, I’m thrilled to share a very special and deeply nostalgic memory, a tale that takes us back to a golden era of crafting television. Karen recently asked me to recount my experiences on the beloved Carol Duvall Craft TV show – a program that undoubtedly resonated with and inspired countless crafters, myself included. While the sands of time have certainly shifted since those memorable days, the essence of that journey remains vivid in my mind. Join me as I revisit this extraordinary chapter; I sincerely hope you find as much joy in reading it as I do in remembering it!

There was a distinct period in my life when I felt a compelling need for both a clearer professional direction and a more consistent income stream. It was then that I decided to fully unleash my inherent creative talents upon the world. Picture this: transforming the everyday monotony of my familiar comfort zone into a vibrant, isolated studio sanctuary. I remember telling myself, with a bold and daring conviction, “Rebecca, it’s time to put yourself out there!” With newfound resolve, I picked up the phone, dialed a number, and unknowingly set in motion a series of captivating, beguiling, and ultimately profoundly fulfilling creative adventures. Among these fascinating pathways, one led my eager, crafty self directly to the iconic stage of The Carol Duvall Show – a true milestone in my career, back in its heyday!

Stepping Into the Spotlight: My Debut on The Carol Duvall Show

You might be wondering, how exactly did I, a decorative artist, find myself immersed in the dazzling world of television on such a prestigious craft show? At the time, I held the esteemed position of editor for a prominent craft industry publication, The Artistic Stenciler. One ordinary day, a phone call arrived that would change everything. The voice on the other end introduced herself as a producer for The Carol Duvall Show. I genuinely struggled to maintain my composure. My mind raced: “You mean *the* Carol Duvall? The undisputed ‘Queen of Crafts’? The ultimate benchmark, the veritable Holy Grail of craft television?” They expressed a keen interest in interviewing me and, more excitingly, filming the 1998 Convention of SALI (Stencil Artisans League, Inc.).

The filming took place on location in the historic Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. My role was multifaceted; I served as a show navigator, offering insights into SALI’s rich history and its current endeavors. In addition to the interviews, they captured footage of me actively teaching one of my classes – a truly immersive experience. It was an incredibly busy and thrilling period. Below, you’ll find the sole photograph I possess from that whirlwind appearance, a precious memento of a transformative event.

Beyond the convention coverage, I also taped a dedicated stenciling segment, intended for broadcast at a later date. Carol, the Craft Queen herself, was known for her extensive remote filming, often visiting artists in their home studios across the country. My segment’s production was an intense, three-day affair, filmed at one of the vendor’s booths amidst the convention buzz. It was a genuine “Lights… Camera…. Action!” moment, with minimal rehearsal beyond basic blocking. The pressure was immense; I had to meticulously replicate the project three times, striving to duplicate every hand movement and exact positioning as closely as humanly possible for each take. The convention episode aired approximately a month later, and my individual segment followed a few months thereafter, allowing me to relive the magic on screen.

A Return to the Studio: Burbank Beckons

The following year, I received another exhilarating invitation: to travel to Burbank, California, for another stenciling segment. At that time, decorative wall stenciling was incredibly popular and highly sought after. However, it’s important to clarify my primary expertise: I wasn’t merely a stenciler; I considered myself more broadly a decorative artist and painter. My true specialties lay in creating intricate murals, stunning trompe l’oeil marble (an example of which you can see below), and sophisticated faux finishes. When Carol and her team discovered I had authored a book widely regarded as the “bible” of the faux and decorative painting industry, she graciously extended an additional invitation: to film a business segment, sharing insights from my experience. Carol and her entire staff were remarkably warm, encouraging, and supportive. They meticulously guided me through the preparation process, ensuring I had a robust plan to present my project in the most engaging and effective way possible. Producers and assistants patiently walked me through every step, detailing what I needed to bring and what colors would best complement my chosen project on camera. They even advised me against wearing white or overly large, distracting jewelry – small but crucial details for television aesthetics.

The selection process for what I would demonstrate on air was surprisingly involved, requiring multiple phone calls and faxes. I would present various ideas and send accompanying photographs to the producer. They would then carefully evaluate and approve one, explaining their reasoning as to why that particular finish would translate best on screen. Their considerations included how quickly I could execute the technique, whether it was simple enough for home viewers to realistically replicate, the number of steps involved, and the array of products required. This thorough preparation ensured the segment’s success. Additionally, I was instructed to create several supplementary samples, offering viewers an even wider range of creative ideas and inspiration.

During my stay in California, I lodged with my son, who resides in the picturesque Temecula area, approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Burbank. At that point in my career, I maintained studios in Atlanta, Amelia Island, Florida, and San Diego, California, managing a coast-to-coast operation. My son’s wife, Susie, who admirably served as my West Coast assistant, drove me to Burbank bright and early one morning for the taping. We eventually located the studio, nestled in what I initially perceived to be a more residential neighborhood, though it was known as Media City. The building itself was a unassuming white stucco structure with a gray door, and I soon learned that it was a hub for filming several different television productions.

Upon arrival, a wave of genuine excitement washed over me as I saw my name proudly displayed on a dressing room door. It read, “The Carol Duvall Show welcomes Rebecca Parsons!” There were similar welcome signs for other esteemed guests, creating a palpable sense of anticipation. Inside, the dressing room walls featured a charming faux finish, executed in lovely yellowish and peach tones – a detail that, as a decorative artist, I couldn’t help but admire. The furnishings were simple, consisting of comfortable chairs and tables, complemented by a few silk plants, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

It’s here that my memories begin to intertwine slightly. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, despite a persistent underlying fear of being exposed as an imposter, I readily accepted numerous television invitations. Over that exhilarating decade, I had the privilege of appearing on several other HGTV, DIY Network, and TLC shows, in addition to various PBS crafting and art programs. Many of these shows shared very similar formats and filming procedures, so it’s possible some details might have become slightly muddled in my mind over the two decades that have passed. Regardless, all the photographs featured here were specifically created as demonstration pieces for these diverse television appearances, serving as tangible evidence of those experiences.

Susie and I arrived at the studio the day before taping to meticulously organize all my “step-outs” (pre-made stages of the project) and products on my designated demonstration table. The stage manager was an absolute godsend, offering tremendous help and patiently answering my countless, often silly, questions. Preparing for the show meant creating multiple copies of each project step in advance. I was constantly apprehensive about the possibility of forgetting a step or making an error on camera, and not having a backup ready. The goal was to perform the project flawlessly once for the cameras, articulating each step coherently and engagingly for the viewers.

The Magic of Live Production

Working with directors and producers can be an intriguing experience, often filled with both guidance and unexpected challenges. They were particularly helpful in discretely taping off product names that were not official sponsors of my segment or me, a critical detail in broadcast television. There was an incredible amount of information to remember and internalize. The hair and makeup artist, a true professional, skillfully ensured I looked presentable and polished for the camera – a minor miracle, as I’m not typically one for heavy makeup. My single regret from these experiences is the lack of personal photographs; at the time, I relied solely on disposable cameras and, in the flurry of excitement, completely forgot to bring one with me.

My first introduction to Carol herself occurred on the set, just moments before our rehearsal began. I distinctly remember a significant amount of “blocking” – carefully choreographed movements: “This step first. Reach here for that. Don’t do that!” They were exclusively filming my segment that day, and I don’t recall seeing any other guests around. The entire production process unfolded with remarkable clockwork precision. The staff members were not only highly professional but also incredibly talented crafters in their own right, making the collaborative experience even more enriching. Carol, I found, was precisely as she appeared on screen: genuinely warm, wonderfully friendly, and possessing a delightful quirkiness – a trait I readily identified with. We shared many laughs, and in between takes, there was always a little time for engaging chats. Carol often offered invaluable advice, from the subtlest ways to hold a paintbrush to the most effective placement of a project for the camera. There were no scripts or teleprompters for my segment, which added to the spontaneous charm of the show! However, I vividly recall a teleprompter operator whose fingers flew across the keyboard; she must have typed at an astonishing 300 words per minute!

The sensation of filming for craft television, particularly for the first time, was akin to voluntarily jumping out of an airplane only to discover, mid-air, that your parachute has malfunctioned. Yes, it was that intense: a constricted heart, a dry, strangled throat, lightheaded gasps for breath in what felt like dense, thick air. That’s precisely what it feels like when you first step into the craft television arena. I use the word ‘experience’ because time and space become utterly sensory-driven. Blindingly bright lights assault your vision. What seems like fifty people are simultaneously talking, creating a cacophony of sound. Your palms become damp, and panic begins to set in. A boom mic on a long pole hovers just above your head, a constant reminder of the recording. Then, an abrupt, complete silence descends: “Five, four, three, two…” the director holds up a single finger, and suddenly, you are live on air! GULP!

As Carol began to speak in her characteristically lighthearted voice, I felt the overwhelming intensity of pure ego terror. My inner critic, that mean girl in my head, was relentlessly whispering that I was destined to mess up. But I forced myself to mentally race through my “rehearsed-to-death tutorial steps,” simultaneously attempting to smile and project an air of comfortable confidence. It was then that a sudden thought popped into my mind: perhaps I’d be much better off back in the relaxed isolation of my tiny home studio. Horrors! What was I even thinking, being here? A nervous giggle unexpectedly escaped from the depths of my soul, surfacing at precisely the right moment. It served to calm my shaky hands and, somehow, helped me come across as “fun and friendly,” as the director would later confirm. (A small note about me: I have a tendency to laugh when I’m under extreme stress or physically injured, often at the most inappropriate times!)

On the show, I demonstrated a captivating damask pattern stencil effect applied over a soft faux finish, very much like the one pictured above. I mention “believe” because creating pieces like this was a staple of most of my television appearances throughout the late 1990s. As my appearances continued and the years progressed, my demonstrations evolved to feature more intricate, yet still perfectly doable, finishes designed specifically for the home and DIY enthusiast viewers, always aiming to inspire and educate.

Valuable Lessons from Craft Television

With each of my Craft Television Experiences, I sincerely hope I learned and grew, both as an artist and as a presenter. As a direct result of these opportunities, not only did I come to truly love and thoroughly enjoy being on camera, but I also became reasonably proficient at it! This very blog post was sparked by a comment on a recent tutorial, where a reader mentioned that my videos reminded them of “a Carol Duvall Craft segment.” I couldn’t help but smile – “Been there, done that!” It’s a wonderful full-circle moment!

On one memorable occasion, while traveling back home from California, I found myself seated beside Mary O’Neill from Hot Potatoes, a regular and beloved guest on the show. We spent the entire flight sharing hilarious stories and laughter about filming disasters and, of course, about Carol herself. When I first met Carol, she openly admitted she didn’t know much about the finer points of stenciling. She was, in her own charming way, pretty much a “fully loaded brush, ducks and hearts stenciler” when I first appeared. It was genuinely amusing to witness her evolving perspective on the nuanced and fine art of stenciling after our time together. Ha ha!

One particular incident I will never forget involved the camera running out of film right in the middle of taping my segment. (Yes, this was truly in the pre-digital era!) When the cameraman finally returned with a new roll, the director, with absolute seriousness, wanted me to place my hands in the *exact* position they were in when the film abruptly ceased! WHAAAAAT? This moment quickly taught me the critical importance of paying strict attention and visually memorizing my spatial orientation, a skill that became invaluable. Additionally, I learned a crucial production secret: that over two hours of dedicated filming often resulted in only a mere three-to-five-minute segment! This intense craft TV experience taught me to discern what was truly important to showcase versus what was merely “fluff.” This invaluable lesson serves me exceptionally well today, guiding me in creating impactful and concise craft tutorial videos for both my personal channels and for The Graphics Fairy Premium Membership Site. But, I digress…

When the filming finally wrapped, I experienced a profound sense of sadness that it was all over. My “15 minutes of crafty fame,” as it felt, had concluded. (My family might tell you I have a tendency to be a tad melodramatic!) But there was no need to worry – a higher, wider, and far more enticing pull towards being on camera had firmly embedded itself into my core. I had fallen deeply in love with being on television and ardently desired to do more! So, I simply kept picking up my phone, ready for the next adventure.

Embracing the Creative Journey

My life has unfolded as a truly wild and wondrous creative journey, filled with an extended array of provocative, stimulating events, and mostly, encounters with endearing people. Lest this begin to sound like some dubious crescendo, I am currently pondering the next craft video I am about to film for Karen and Emily. I sincerely hope that my life lessons, particularly those born from “jumping beyond my comfort zone,” are clearly apparent in my videos, inspiring others to take similar leaps!

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek into my time on The Carol Duvall Show. As I write these words, the gentle sunlight filters peaceably through the swaying palm and banana trees outside my windows here on Amelia Island, creating a serene atmosphere. I hope that you felt modestly entertained by strolling out of my comfortable sandbox with this mellowing, yet still maturing, crafter! When I’m not enthusiastically exploring new and old techniques for Mixed Media within my Graphics Fairy sandbox, I also dedicate my time to creating engaging Photoshop Elements tutorials and craft project videos, which you can find over on The Graphics Fairy Premium Membership site. For an even deeper dive into my creative world, you can discover more of my books, unique junk journals, captivating mixed media art, enriching classes, and whimsical shenanigans on my personal website, Rebecca E Parsons Dot Com.