{This photo really has nothing to do with this post. I just like it. And it is the month of love.}
Is it really February 9th already? Really? Where did January go? And do I just keep saying that? Annoying, I know.
This year I planned to take time around the first of each month to reflect on my OLW Courage, and the impact it’s had on my life so far. I’ve also been collecting quotes and little reminders of my word on my Pinterest Courage board.
I also have a Pinterest board full of random quotes. I am a collector of quotes; I like them much better than poetry. I never get poetry, and it frustrates me. Quotes are usually short and to the point, simple. That's why I love them.
I jumped on the Annie Sloan chalk paint bandwagon for the first time last summer, painting a rather large wardrobe in my bedroom. And then promptly got busy with outdoor activities and didn't finish it until recently. First, I L.O.V.E. the paint. Really, love it. It's easy to use, dries quickly, and the best part . . . no primer necessary. And it sands easily to a soft, smooth finish. {but, oh my Gah, the chalk dust from sanding. . .}
I have had this wardrobe for years, and never liked the finish. I always thought it was too dark. But it just seemed like a huge project to sand and primer and paint it. Which made it a perfect project to try out the chalk paint.
{after one coat of paint}
I used the Old White color on it. I really love the color, it's a nice creamy white, that looks like it has years of patina. It covered nicely in two coats. Once it was dry I sanded it by hand, getting it very smooth and distressing it a bit. And that's as far as I got.
Recently, while looking around on the Annie Sloan website, I realized there is a dealer in my area that carries the paint. I also discovered while reading the website, that you are supposed to paint, then wax, then sand, then wax again. (instructions from the AS website here.) Which is NOT the way I did the wardrobe, and it seemed like an odd order to use the products. Once at the store that carries the paints, I was able to page through the books by Annie. After seeing examples of her projects, I understood the reasoning and how to use the paints and waxes together to get a time-worn look to a piece.
This time I purchased the Pure White paint and the clear wax. I had decided at this point to change my room to a more true white with gray accents. Over Christmas break I bought a vintage bed at the local thrift store and decided it was the perfect time to finally paint my dresser so that they would match.
I painted each piece three coats with the Pure White to get good overall coverage. I also learned that you can mix Annie Sloan paint with the clear wax for a custom look. I didn't have any more Annie Sloan paint, but I did have a sample jar of gray latex wall paint, so . . . I mixed them. And I love the way it turned out.
When the piece is waxed (and not sanded first) the brush strokes are highlighted by the colored wax and it gives it a lovely old appearance.
I know it's difficult to see, but trust me, it was difficult to get a shot of it that didn't wash out the detail of the brush strokes.
I'm not ready to do an entire room reveal, I still need to paint the walls and find curtains and new bedding. Which may happen sometime this decade. But here are some sneak peek before and afters.
I love, love, love the soft wax, it really is soft and easy to apply. I used an inexpensive paint brush to apply it, that allows you to really work the wax into the 'grain' of the brush strokes. But be sure to apply the wax with a light hand, in thin layers. If it is applied too heavily, it won't dry well, and will feel tacky.
I love the wax finish on the furniture, it has a soft shine and has a feel of a very aged piece of furniture.
I also painted a coat of gray paint on parts of the bed, and then covered it with a coat of the white. {Two coats of white, one of gray, and a final coat of white.} Once the white was sanded, the gray shows through. You can see that on the headboard above and leg of the bed in the photo below. {The gray paint was NOT Annie Sloan paint, but from a jar of sample wall paint I had.}
I may have had a glass of wine . . . or two . . . while painting.
Interested in seeing more about Annie Sloan and her shop? Check out this video.
You can find the Annie Sloan website here, she also has a blog, you can follow here. Annie is touring the U.S. this year giving workshops. You find more info about her tour here.
Have you tried Annie Sloan chalk paint? What was your experience? Have you been hesitant to try it? I recommend jumping in and using it, it really is so very easy to use.
I love the Keep Calm posters, so I decided to do up a photography one. If you'd like to print one for yourself, you can download a PDF of it here.
Have a great weekend!
xo
maureen
I love the idea of a month of love. Love for no other reason than the sake of love.
It comes at a perfect time, too, don't you think? We have survived the holiday hangover, put away the bright, sparkly decorations. For many of us, in the northern hemisphere, we have gotten through what can be one of the longest months of the year. Cold, dark, gray January. Normally February will bring a warm sunny day here or there to remind us Spring is indeed going to come 'round once again.
At this time of year almost everywhere you look, you can see lovely red and white and pink. And hearts oh, everywhere the hearts. It's enough to give us reason to smile, to warm our hearts.
Valentine's Day for me has always been a handmade holiday. Handmade valentines, homemade treats. When my boys were little it was heart shaped pizzas and heart cut out cookies for treats. Through the years I've made plenty of valentines, candy, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries {perfect for this time of year} and just pretty things to share with friends and family.
There's still enough time to plan and make some handmade cards and treats. I have aValentine's Day board on Pinterest with some darling ideas for treats and decorations.
I also love this idea from Suzanne who blogs at Meridian Road. Who wouldn't love a jumbo chocolate covered rice krispy treat kiss? This maybe the year I try these bad boys.
If you want to make some homemade valentines with vintage flair, you can get free downloads of vintage valentines here from Red Lead. They are a fabulous paper crafting store in the St Louis area, and they also have an online store where you can buy all kinds of crafting goodness. I think they would make sweet tags to attach to a gift bag or basket.
So tell me, how do you plan to celebrate the month of love? Are you a valentine crafter? Do you have any favorites that you make each year? Any cool ideas for Valentine's Day crafts or decorating, food or treats on your blog or your pinterest? Please share them in the comments I'd love to know what you are up to this month.
