Wednesday, April 18, 2012

~A little fabric, a little metal, a little paint and a new brush ~

Happy Wednesday my friends!
I spent the last few days painting some smaller items for the shop.
Here is just a little preview.

I bought these metal pieces a while back with the intention of adding 
some shabby chic loveliness to them.

I found this very simple wooden stool at the rummage sale I mentioned in a previous post.
The cushion was pretty ugly and the wood scraped and dark, but the stool was a good height and size and in very sturdy shape.
Also the price was VERY right!
A coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ in Country Grey, which has become a favorite neutral hue.
A vintage looking French Linen remnant fabric on the cushion and she is a new gal.
Pretty

The linen has a background color of a very soft plaster pink with sage green leaves
and very large chrysanthemums. 
Linen has such a lovely texture.

I love the combo...quiet, but pretty.

I also changed up two metal pieces I found at a thrift shop.
This metal planter was all that dark reddish brown that you can still see at the base.
I painted it with Duck Egg Blue and dry brushed the ornate handles and the sides with Old White.
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ works wonders on metal pieces.
Want to know a little secret?
You know how you can never get the clear wax out of the crevices..nooks and crannies of an ornate piece of furniture or home decor item like my planter or fancy picture frame?
You apply it beautifully with a waxing brush or a lint free cloth, but getting it out of those deep areas is imposible.
I hate seeing clumps of wax stuck in those areas 
so I went on a hunt for something to use on those spots.
I found the perfect tool.


These photos are via Wallartistrystudio.com
Debra, an Annie Sloan Stockist and owner of Wallartistrystudio.com, is one of two great retailers who supply me with my brushes.
I noticed on Debra's website that she was offering a Wax Polishing Brush for guess what....
getting into those crevises!!!!
Say What!!!!
So I now own one and I used it on my planter.
Bam...she hits it out of the park!!!!
Worked like a charm, was very easy to hold and is very affordable.
FYI...I had already purchased a shoe polishing brush, but it was way too soft and did more brushing over the relief design than into it..Mr. Secret Agent now has a new shoe brush.
I noticed on Debra's site that she offers another brush for buffing furniture...
might need to try that one also. 
If I do I will let you know how I like it.

I used my new brush on the curlicues also
I really love this sweet vintage looking birdcage. Again it was originally a dark metal, which I changed.
I very loosely dry brushed it Old White and then added a hit & miss dry brush of Duck Egg Blue.
Instant French heritage!
Ha! Have you noticed how my African Violet gets around...thats my idea of staging.
I don't know why Shaunna and Miss Mustard Seed need to make it look so hard and complicated.
Just buy an African Violet and stick in every blog photo!
You guys know I'm kidding....right???
For a really great video tutorial on dry brushing, check out Shaunna's Perfectly Imperfect blog
So that's it for today...I am currently painting a really pretty rocking chair and will share that very soon.
I will be getting myself gussied up Thursday,
Mr. Secret Agent is taking me out to dinner for our 37th wedding Anniversary.
My question for all of you is this.....
how many of you think my two sons will remember?
Hmmmmmm.....


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

                                                                 

22 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Janet- I love your pot and cage that you dry=brushed. I have used an old medium bristle brush before to get the stuff out of the crevices. It is hard to find that perfect substance to the brush though....not too stiff and not too soft. I am going to check out the one you are using. xo Diana

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I started using my husband's old shoe polishing brush long time ago. It gets the wax out and shines at the same time. Love these pieces. I worked on a piece yesterday and another today. It just doesn't stop.

Connie in Hartwood said...

I like 'em. Small, quick, and oh so lovely! That fabric you chose is perfect.

The LadyBugs Garden said...

Happy Anniversary! I also love the new treasures you have painted.
Stephanie

Kathleen Grace said...

Cute makeovers, does the paint stick to metal well?
37 Years! Congratulations!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Very pretty makeovers, Janet! Love the birdcage and the pot is a close second for me. Great little stool, too.

Linda at French Hollow said...

As always - I love your makeovers. I'm still trying not to over distress. Its much harder than you make it look!

Congratulations on your 37th.

Linda

Kelly Ann said...

They'll remember...if they read your blog...
xoxo
KA

Tammy at Tammy Loves Dishes said...

Thanks for sharing your latest projects and the tips. One of these days I'll get around to buying this magic paint and I'll be stalking your blog to guide me along.

Happy Anniversary! Hope y'all enjoy a lovely evening.

Lady Courtney said...

They have all turned into beauties!!! I love the footstool...I have a fondness for footstools... :) Happy Anniversary Janet!!! Hopefully the son's will surprise you!

Carol D. said...

Happy anniversary on a great milestone! Happy to hear that Annie Sloan can be used on metal. I have a birdcage that needs a facelift. This might be the ticket.

deborah@confessions of a craigslist junkie said...

Happy Anniversary!

Annette said...

What fun projects. It always feels good to find a solution for a problem, doesn't it?
I hope you have a lovely evening celebrating 37 years!

Anonymous said...

Janet! congratulations on your 37th anniversary!

Thanks for the tip on brushes! I will have to find something similar here.

Have fun tonight!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! Beautiful job on both pieces.

☞Kathy Shumate ☜ said...

Beautiful items as always!! Thanks for putting me on your stop-in list, I always get excited hearing about what you are doing. Going in to get crackle paint this afternoon for a tabletop. Kathy

Skin disorder said...

I have used an old medium bristle brush before to get the stuff out of the crevices. It is hard to find that perfect substance to the brush though.

Aprons and More said...

So pretty! I love the linen...such a nice touch! Hope you had a Happy Anniversary, and the boys remembered!

Katy :)

Shaunna said...

Thanks for the shout-out, friend! Love the bird cage and yep, love the paint on metal!
:-)
shaunna

Shirley said...

I love the metal planter. This is the first time I have come across your blog. I love it.

Hgh releaser said...

I have been busy with and just now have had the extra time to put this post together.

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