Who is this Annie Sloan lady anyway??

Hello friends...welcome back.

So.. all I see on the design blogs lately is this chalk paint and a lady named Annie Sloan.

My question is :

Who the heck is Annie Sloan?

Is she a fictional product logo like Aunt Jemima or  Betty Crocker?

I snooped around a little.

I'm the wife of a secret agent remember, we're good at snooping around.

;->

all Annie pics courtesy of Google Images

Well, what do you know...she IS a real person.

Hello Annie...meet my lovely blog friends.

She looks pretty harmless to me.

It turns out that she is a pretty big deal in the decorative painting world and has been for a very long time.

Annie is definitely not a newbie on the painting scene.

She has been doing her thing longer than many of you bloggers have been alive (over 40 years).

Forgive me Annie!

I only make this point because I have read some blog posts that seem to think she is a flash in the pan paint seller pushing an over priced product.

That could not be further from the truth.

Annie is the real deal in the decorative art world...go ahead, Google her name.

What you will find is bestselling art books, a high demand for her seminars, innovative paint and art products, a background in fine art and design...on and on....

Annie has sold over 2 million books!!!!

I love her colorful fingers logo.

I had to see what all the fuss was about, so I ordered a quart of Provence.

The lovely ladies at Classic Wall Finishes of New Jersey sent my paint right out to me.

A while back, I had purchased a very pretty and sturdy antique magazine side table at my Salvation Macy's..

I knew I would eventually paint it and this seemed the perfect chance to try out my new chalk paint.

To start....I LOVE the fact that I did not have to sand......tack...prime...sand...tack...paint 2-3 coats latex...wait for latex to cure so I could distress or antique....wait another 24 hours (at least) to apply a protective finish...do you get my point here folks???

Al I did was paint one coat...let it quickly dry..apply one coat clear wax..do my distressing..finish with more wax and nice buff.

All in less than a couple of hours...easy!

Did I mention the sheen you get with a little easy buffing?

Just look at that gorgeous color and sheen.

This paint distressed beautifully.

By applying one coat of wax prior to sanding, I really cut down on paint dust.

That was a great tip from Annie herself.

Oh yeah...Annie is on Facebook and is wonderful and prompt at answering all your questions.

Go on...ask her something.

Here I'm trying to show you the reflection in the buffed sheen.

I never got this with a latex...soft and rich looking...not plasticy(is that a word) at all.

Here is my table top in the sun...beautiful!

I still need to apply a little of the dark wax on the base for a little more depth.

Did I say this paint distresses like a dream?

I can't stress that enough.

I am very pleased with my chalk paint and I think it was worth every penny.

I used very little paint for this table, so I believe my quart will go a long way.

Beauty with ease...you can't top that combo.

I hope you enjoyed your little meet and greet with Annie. 

I know I did.

Until next time...be kind and stay creative.

Sharing with Miss Mustard Seed

PS...you still have time for my Custom Slipcovers by Shelley Giveway...here . Good luck!