Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

I can upload! Hooray!

I got my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the mail on Saturday. I ordered mine from Classic Wall Finishes out of New Jersey. I was so giddy to see it on the steps. But I couldn't paint anything because there were 11 yards of mulch to spread, a small section of sod to lay and a brand new vegetable garden to plant and figure out how to make it grow. AND,  I wasn't sure about this paint because of the high(er) price and the fact that it needed to be ordered....I was a little nervous.

I painted a few things on Monday with it. I couldn't resist painting nearly everything in my house....and a new piece to sell.

I ordered Old White (duh) and Duck Egg Blue. I love each color.

Here's a couple quick before and afters:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

This one, I don't have a before of, I don't know why....but it's the one that's available at White Butterfly Furniture....her name is Daisy....

Needless to say, I really like the paint! It's easy to use and goes on nicely. I did find that two coats worked best.

I wouldn't say I'm a convert from my easy to use Rustoleum spray paint, but I sure do love the colors that Annie Sloan has available!

Painting in the freezing cold.

It's, oh, I don't know -3 degrees without the windchill.....funny story....when I was a kid, until probably 8th grade science class I thought it was "windshield" not "windchill". Idiot.

So, it's bitter. I went out to try and prime some chairs today. I got them primed. Amazingly. But I have no feeling in my fingers. None. I even had gloves on. It's bitter, I tell ya.

I primed two chairs. These two, as a matter of fact:

I also got some gray paint on them too.  They used to look like this:

When I took the fabric off I sneezed, a lot. The chairs were in a house with 27 cats. I'm sure of it. Ugh. Stupid cats. (No offense to cat owners...) I really want to do something bold and crazy with some of the amazing Thomas Paul fabric like this:

www.thomaspaul.com

But, at over Fifty bucks a yard, I won't be doin that. Seriously. Fifty dollars!? Yikes. So, Joann's it is. I've got lots of fabric that I love, and lots of ideas, just need to do one of them. Anyone want me to walk through the steps again?

Okay, off to play legos. And eat rice crispy treats. Oh, and wrap tinfoil around a cereal box. And possibly get on the treadmill.

Later gators.

Repainting the master bath cabinets

I got a wild hair last Thursday afternoon to just quick repaint the master bath cabinets. As I lighten up my house I feel like every single room is too dark. This bathroom included. So, it took a couple of hours...quick paint, let dry, keep the kids out of everything, paint, dry, don't let Gus touch the cabinets, and final coat of paint.

Fortunately the oops paint I picked up was a quick dry paint! And when you do several very thin layers, it dries quickly.

These are the cabinets before any paint, last year about this time. I added the beadboard wallpaper to the fronts of the doors.

Here are the classy black cabinets after:

They look nice, but just really dark...Especially with dark blue/gray walls.

Here they are this morning. I grabbed a bunch of new pulls from my stash in the garage.

Much brighter and happier. Please ignore my shaky hands and non-image stabilizer lens.

So, for zero dollars, I updated my bathroom to bright and cheery!

Gotta love a quick change!

Transition of a half bath.

I'm the type of person that will paint a room a hundred times until I really like it. Or, I like it and then a year later, I'm sick of it and so I'll paint it again.

Hubby. Hates. Painting. So, I don't even talk to him about it, I just do it.

I was sick of the color of our half bath right off the kitchen. When we first moved in it was a deep dark mauve. In a tiny little space. It made it feel even smaller. Then I painted it this tanish green. Not bad, but not what I was looking for, but it stayed that way for awhile.

This was the mirror I put in because I didn't like the plain oval mirror that the builder put up.

This was a big ol' antique mirror that I found for six bucks, painted it white, decided I didn't like it white and then painted it ORB. It stayed that way for quite awhile.

Then I changed out that mirror a few weeks ago to this smaller white one (of course I painted it white, it used to be just a basic wood.)

So this is what this bathroom has looked like for awhile now.

 

Gus apparently hated the color of the bathroom.

Because I am a person of change. I like it. I thrive off of it. Truthfully, I get bored and need to do something, so I paint. I grabbed my favorite Behr Antique White and a custom mixed blue that I can't remember the name of and I'm too lazy to go and look back and find it, but it was on a couple of pieces I did last year.

I also took some 1 x 4 and quickly nailed (with my pneumatic nailer) it into the wall at a random height. I did use the laser level to make sure it was semi-straight.

And here's the result so far.

Tom came home and the first thing he said was, "Wow. I like the bathroom." So, in my book that's a good thing. When he actually notices a change, then I know I've done good.

I'm on the hunt for a new cool light fixture, as this one just doesn't fit the space anymore. It's actually a rusty brown color. I'm looking for a brushed nickel or something, i think.

And, I'm thinking of hanging some hooks on the trim and putting some pictures or jars or something on them. It just needs a little more detail. Otherwise, I'm enjoying it.

And, off to paint trim. I have a deadline of having it all painted by Thanksgiving. Slowly but surely. Slowly but surely....

My Garage Door

We all know how the inside door to the garage looks....blah. So yucky. And boring. And yucky. And boring.

So, I did something about it. I grabbed a Martha Stewart sample. I've been dying to use it. And when my neighbor said, you need to use this Martha Stewart color on a piece of furniture, I went to my car and pulled out the exact color! It was crazy. Then for some reason I started brushing it on the door....

I don't have a before. But, who doesn't have an ugly garage door (unless of course you live in an apartment, or have a carport, or whatev, but you know what I'm saying...not trying to leave those with cool doors or no doors out!)

Here's the door as it looks today.

Bay Leaf by Martha Stewart purchased a sample at Home Depot. Go and get it. You won't be disappointed. Boy do I love that color. It's going to be a staple in my furniture. It matches the chairs!

Holy crap. I love it. Tom said, "It amazes me that I can go to work in the morning and come home and have a green door. A green door." I'm not sure if he was giving me a compliment, but whatev. I love it. It makes me happy to drive into the garage. Oh wait, I can't drive into the garage. There's too much furniture in it.

So fun. And green. Bay Leaf Green...go. Hurry. Go get it.

Painting problems and a footstool

Thank you all for the kind birthday wishes for Tiny G. As well as the many, many positive and thoughts about my furniture and crazy/wacky ideas. It's such a joy to read your comments. I know that a lot of bloggers say that and sometimes I wonder if they actually mean it, but me, I mean it. For reals. It makes me smile to read your thoughts about things as well as your funny stories about your situations with your boys. It makes me feel normal. Well, semi-normal. At least it makes me feel sane. Well, semi-sane. You get the picture.

There were some questions about why bubbles and crackling happen when spray painting. Here's what I've found out so far:

1. Sara at Russet Street Reno says try waiting 24 hours to do your second coat. I fully agree....but I don't have the patience. Maybe that can be a goal of mine.

2. When I did some research I found that it happens to people when particles and dust and yucky stuff get on the item. In order to fix that, make sure you don't spray paint in the wind and in well, the desert. Wipe the item off prior to putting on the next coat of paint to make sure it is clean and free of dust particles. Although - I've painted things with huge dust bunnies on it and nothing has happened, and other times I've sprayed things I've thoroughly cleaned and it crackles immediately. I don't know. It's awfully frustrating...

3. I don't have a compression sprayer so I'm not sure if it happens with that too, but I'm assuming not. I don't know....anyone?


And, because we can't live without a revamp.....I got this foot stool for $3.99 at GW.

This had SEVEN layers of material. I am so not kidding. And it was stinky. And ugly.

I tore it apart. Down to the wood.

And I turned it into this cutie-patootie:

I think I'm going to put a pleated skirt on it. It's just scrap drop cloth from a different project and upholstery jute. I got to use my new electric staple gun, so that's always fun!

Had a fun weekend with some college friends and their kids - none of which were girls! We had 6 little boys running around our house! I'M TOTALLY EXHAUSTED.

Patio Makeover

We started on our patio project this weekend. We've got tons of people coming in a few days and we just thought it needed a little make-over. So the table either had to go or I needed to fix it. Everyone and their uncles were shopping for patio furniture this weekend, so I wasn't about to go out and try and buy a new set. Plus, who wants to spend that much!

So, I grabbed my favorite colors of spray paint, slate blue and sunflower yellow and our rather old teak table and chairs.

I tried to start and finish but it was too hot, too hot to paint. Just last week it was too cold to spray paint! So I had to stop and wait because by 10 AM on Sunday it was 94. In May. In Wisco. And the paint was bubbling and burning on contact. You know, like frying an egg on the concrete....it was ridiculous. I am not complaining though, because I complain when it's cold. I've told myself it's not okay to complain in both conditions.

Here's a photo of the chairs. Forgot to take a before of the table.

Some of you may think I'm a nutzo for painting teak. I know, but we've had this set for a loonnnnggg time and it was not revivable with my teak stain anymore. And it's falling apart in places, so it was either paint it, or put it here:

So I painted. And then I ran out of blue paint. Twice. Duh. It's such a me thing. You all know that by now.

But, here's the outcome, nevermind that small area on the table that isn't finished because I ran out of yellow too. Twice. FYI teak soaks up paint in the heat.

I was going for the beachy look and I'm pretty sure I got it. I am really loving it. My neighbor thinks it looks like it came right out of the Pier 1 store. Which I'm taking as a compliment. Although I rarely shop there! Mainly because it's a million miles away....

Just tell me you can't see that spot. I know you can, just humor me. It will be fixed tomorrow. Promise. Fortunately the seat cushions still work!

The umbrella is new, I didn't want this one. I wanted a cream colored one, but this one bends and flexes and it showed me its muscles, so I brought it home. Last year our teak one broke in a storm and it was in our neighbors kiddie pool across the way. Oops.

Then, we got this too. It was the floor model. And it has a wobbly leg. I asked for a discount. It came home with us.

Oh! And see that fantastic rug? Floor model. Asked for a discount. It came home with me.

Note to you: ask for the floor model. Then ask for 20 percent off. Yes, things like that rug can just be washed off, BUT, people have walked on it, (this one had pieces of glass in it) and those chairs and table, people have put their tushes in them, and touched them and picked at the wicker - never pay full price for the floor model! In fact, the table and chairs that I painted were a Target floor model a million years ago. And I did get a discount.

And that cute pillow! Garage sale. $5. There are two. But the other one just got a bath in a fruit punch frozen treat. On purpose. By a three year old. Naughty boy. It stained it. Boo-hoo. Note to self: Don't leave said three-year old alone. EVER.

This entire project really started from two things. One, on Friday I was dragging the kids around on a muggy rainy day to some garage sales. This is what I got for $15. Plus those pillows. And this fantastic window that I'll show you later. The chair is PB, but needs a new seat cover and pillow cover...Any takers on teaching me to make them? BFF? You out there? You reading this? HELP! Actually, will someone just do it for me?! I'm too busy hanging out in the baby pool....Oh, seat...

 It's a little wicker chair - it's so comfy! Love it. See those bags of bird seed? Yep, we buy them in bulk! Eh.

And the second reason this started was because we got all the materials to build ourselves something similar to this with designs from Ana at Knock Off Wood.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/chesapeake-double-chaise-cushion/?pkey=cchaises-outdoor

If you remember we have already done two things with her plans. A bookshelf and a hutch. We like them! Handy hubby cut everything it is waiting in the garage for me to put together. I'm nervous. This is a big one!

Of course I'll show you when we're done.

Side note: Thank you for the comments about my questions. Your comments solidified what I was already planning to do, so thanks for following and reading and helping.

The Rooster Bench

My fabulous neighbors had a bench that they didn't absolutely LOVE the way it was and they didn't know where to put it, so we decided to fix it and make it a focal point in their dining room!

Here it is before:

The shape.....ooohhh....the potential...ahhhh......it's there!

Look:

So this bench. Is awesome. I heart this bench. When I painted the first coat I sent a message to my neighbor that said she couldn't have it back. No way, no how.

Then I put the second coat on and I wanted to cry. Or throw it in the trash and then cry. It kept getting dust on it while it was drying and the paint wasn't drying evenly and I was angry.

So I let it rest and came back, and put one final coat on it and I was back to happy. Yippeee!

We decided it needed a monogram because I WASN'T about to paint another rooster on it.

So, I free-handed this M. It stands for mine. All mine. No, duhs. Like I have to explain. It's their last name. So, yeah. Freehanded. Yikes. I was freaked. It turned out fab. I'm lovin' it. I love it. I wish it had my initial on it.

We took it to their garage so it was "out of site-out of mind"....I may just have to go over there and sit on it every once in awhile. Maybe they'll give me visitation rights. Like right now.

Bye.

Never. Again. Will. I. Paint.The.Foyer.

Hubs hates to paint. So, do you know what I asked him to do on Friday night? Duh.

Well, actually, I didn't ask him, I just started doing it, and he felt guilty enough to help. It's really his own fault.

This was not fun. I've noticed that when I start a project and he doesn't want to do it, we barely talk through the entire thing. So, for two hours we were painting in silence. Seriously. Sometimes when we do projects that need to get done but nobody really wants to do them, one of is on the receiving end of the silent treatment. I know! Can you hardly believe it? The reality is sometimes we argue. There. It's out there. IT HAPPENS!

Here's the final foyer and upstairs. Oh my goodness now the trim totally needs to be painted. Just a few more days of pushing the right buttons on Mr. Don't-touch-the-oak-because-white-is-only-cool-right-now and I'll be painting the trim. Just don't pay attention to that previous post about how I embrace the oak. Neveryoumind.

Doesn't it look dreamy?! It's Behr Antique White in Eggshell. I LOVE IT. Sara at Russet Street Reno used it too. And she's one of my renovation heroes, so I was quite thrilled when she said she used it too! Have you seen her floors? Oh my. And her closet? Wowzer.

Here's my unwilling and protesting, but very handsome and handy hubby helper.

Boy, he's cute.

Look at that tush. No don't! Stop looking at my husband's rear end.

The foyer looks nearly perfect. He helped me with the first coat, then I finished the second on No-nap Monday, but I couldn't figure out how to get to that little corner over the landing. I tried the ladder, the extension rod, the flat thing with the rollers that goes along the ceiling, all to no avail. Any suggestions....besides hiring a pro?

See...I used that flat roller thingy and the previous painters painted a tiny bit on the ceiling and you can see the mustard color. Oh the sheer horror. Whatever will I do? Nevermind everyone suffering in the world - help me!

Okay, here's a before. It's not great. But you can see the yellow. Now quickly look at the next photo....

(Dear ottoman, please come home. We miss you....nevermind that I sold you. You don't belong with that woman that bought all of my refurbished furniture....)

Moving on.

Brighter. More open. Less old smelly hospital, more bright welcoming home.

Stop going back to the photo of my hubby's tush.