Everyone has a different distress level

 I have found with working with so many clients on commissioned pieces that everyone's distressed level is different .  So after learning my lesson and having to repaint pieces over, I now ask for a picture of their distressed level comfort zone...

One great resource is pinterest - This is my Chalk Paint Board

This piece that I am featuring today is for a new flower shop that opened on 1403 Grand Central Ave , Lavallette, New Jersey; the name is Flowers by Melinda.

This is the piece that was chosen for the shop to be used as a display

Love the details on this piece

I used Annie Sloan Old White

Drawers were all painted a ballerina pink  which is a combo of Old White and Scandinavia Pink

There is a sliding tray in one of the drawers that can be used for business cards

There she is in front of the surf board that floated in after Super Storm Sandy

If you saw yesterday's post I didn't get to the list.

My daily life as a furniture painter

I woke up this morning in a state of flux and not the mathematical type of flow...but the inconsistency/hysteric kind!  Running your own business can be tough, and taking just one day off can throw you into a tail spin.  Yesterday I had to be in NYC for schedule doctors appointments three(3).....

Waiting for the bus...

Wishing it wasn't raining as I would rather ride than walk the entire day

First of 3 doctor visits...Annual Girls Squishing Day 

Finally I met my husband for a glass of wine at Isola in Soho

Headed up town to meet a friend for dinner at Spiga in our old neighbor hood

Today my wake up call of things to be completed today!

Drawers for Flowers by Melinda in Lavelette Beach

Drop leaf table for the Chester Craft Fair September  7&8

Today, its back to "nose to the grind stone" what ever that means.....more pics to follow...

A new look for a inherited piece

This beautiful piece was inherited by my client - It was a challenge in as far as keeping the wood from bleeding through the Annie Sloan Old White paint that we choose.  I first sanded the piece and used Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac....Added the paint....and I could still see a pink hint coming through.  I then used Kilz primer/sealer/stainblock which seem to do the trick.  The piece was delivered yesterday....and looks beautiful in its new surroundings.   It is now being used as an entertainment unit.  

Beautiful Bones 

Sparked up the hardware

Before and After

Next Project wait until you see this completed.

Empty Nesters Master Bedroom Set Makeover

Original Look

I have lovely couple that I am working with by the name of Judy and Walter.  They have been married for a zillion years....They live in a lovely home, where they raised their children... The piece that is photographed to the left is just one piece of their bedroom set.  Judy said the project started because they hated the pulls!  So that is where I come in.

We decided on Annie Sloan's Graphite with a special formula (empire silk, olive and graphite)  for a wash.  I am then applying clear and dark wax.  The  pulls were a bit odd in size 2.25 to center, but I did find two that would fit from Handleset.

I first took off all of the doors and removed the drawer.

I did sand it a bit as it was finished in a high gloss, So I wanted to make sure that the paint adhered to the wood.  This is the first of two coats of Annie Sloan Graphite .

Taking the doors off made it easier to paint.

I rubbed off just a little around the doors and drawer.  New Pulls are on order...

I couldn't wait to show you the difference...I know it's a bit premature but the look is so different!! I will keep you posted when the pulls arrive....until then happy painting.....

Great Lines

I acquired this lovely display table...that needed a lot of help !  Scratched and faded....I knew that I could bring some life back to this table...

Annie Sloan French Linen was my choice of color, with a application of dark wax.

Great lines on this table

Here she sits waiting to get loaded into the truck for delivery

Top has some hint of dark wax for some contrast

Love her legs

She is now sitting at Silk Purse

I had to add branding

If you are interested in purchasing this great table - She is at Silk Purse Consignment Shop in Toms River New Jersey...( 0n Route 37 East in the Kmart Shopping Plaza)

Beach Inspired Stipes

Seaside Park 2nd Avenue

Have you ever walked on the beach and looked at the shadows of the fencing on the sand?

I was inspired to paint this piece that I found at a thrift shop in Washington Township (Warren County) New Jersey.  

It was a very simple piece with clean lines in a rough mahogany color.  

I used Annie Sloan Old White and Coco for the stripes along with French Grey  ...topped with a clear wax for an added protection.  The Table measures 30" h  24x24 w.  Selling Price $75.00

#painted Furniture

Adding new life to furniture with a coat of Annie Sloan's Paint

I was commissioned by a lovely client that so wanted to keep her childhood furniture alive and well.  The furniture it self was in great condition, it just needed some updating,    It was a stressful situation for my client as she wanted to make sure it was going to be the perfect color.  

She decided on Annie Sloan's Paloma as the base with an Annie Sloan's Old Violet Wash, finished with a clear wax for durability.  Today is delivery day and I am so very excited for my client and her husband.

Old Violet

Paloma