~A Painted Tray~ Carmen the Warrior Cat~ASCP Event Big Announcement~

Hello friends...I'm back and I've been very busy!

A few weeks ago, I found two very cool wood trays at a local consignment shop.

Normally I don't waste my time in those types of shops 

because usually they charge too much for their  items.

Having a middle man always bumps up the prices.

However...

These two large trays were an exception.

This is the smaller one...think Bombay Co.

Very well made and beautiful lines, 

but no distinct wood grain to make me put the paint brush down.

Oh...and the price was right!

Out came the Annie Sloan chalk paints and after playing around with color mixing, I now have ..

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**This**

Isn't she pretty and she has so much more personality, don't you think?

To get from plain to pretty

I mixed ASCP Antibes Green with Aubusson Blue

As I have said before, Annie's paintes mix like a dream.

Never muddy, just another dreamy color.

This one is darker than Provence and greener than Duck Egg.

You guys know that you don't have to prime or sand with ASCP...right?

Of course you do...silly me, I forgot you guys are 

BRILLIANT!

My tray is trimmed with Old Ochre.

I waxed with clear, distressed and then another coat 

of clear with some dark on top of that.

Then 

Buff

Buff

Buff

On the base of the tray, I painted using an Impasto technique.

I let the paint thicken a little and brushed it on in a flat sided choppy way.

I guess not really brushed, 

but really lay the paint on and then hit it with the blowdryer to speed dry it.

The added texture looks great with dark wax,

it gives it something to grab onto.

I love the look.

Instant age.

And what has not been already said about 

the buttery glow of Annie's waxes.

I truly don't understand those who say they find these waxes hard to work with.

They practically apply themselves.

I believe most users who are having a hard time are simply applying too much wax.

Not too heavy on the distressing

Now I am ready for a proper cup of tea and a little Elizabeth I.

These trays are great when placed on a large ottoman

Perfect for serving company or just pretty when used in a vignette.

Hey Kim...Vignette this baby for me!!!!

Kim is the Queen  of Vignettes.

I will restyle the large tray 

and both of these beauties will go to my shop and hopefully find good homes.

While I was in the basement

Miss Carmen was keeping busy doing battle with a fly in the window.

Poor fly...he never saw it coming.

Miss Carmen was plain tuckered out after all that warfare..

I will be sharing here this week:

Miss Mustard Seed

At The Picket Fence

Whipper Berry

A reminder:

Annie is coming to the USA!!

Annie will be coming to 8 American cities to speak and conduct workshops.

What a day this will be...

This one day event will include 

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Breakfast

Attend a 2 hour technique and color demonstration given by Annie herself

Join a break-out group for a 4 hour painting workshop with all paints and supplies included

Enjoy a hosted lunch

Annie will join each of the workshop groups for one on one talks

Enjoy a fabulous book signing/social hour with Annie at the end of the day

If you love ASCP..this is the event for you!!

Hey Guys...want to give your wife/girlfriend the Perfect Valentines gift?

All this for only $350 !

Imagine if Eric Clapton spent the whole day with you and taught you how to play the guitar..

including all his secret techniques..

And only charged you $350!!!!!

Thats exactly how I justify the cost...so worth it and it could be your only chance to meet Annie.

This will be her last international tour for a while.

**Here is the Big Announcement**

To sweeten the pot..those that register by Feb. 14th, Valentines Day

will be eligible to win a prize of ..

Are you ready for this?

You get to pick the colors awarded!

29 quarts of ASCP!!

One winner for each city Annie is visiting

So what are you waiting for?

Come join us.

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