Gilding Wax and Reinvented Small Treasures

When I first started using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint a few years ago, 

there was no stockist in my area, 

so I placed all my orders online 

with Patty Seaman of Classic Wall Finishes (bestfurniturepaint.com).

She has been so helpful with information 

on products and techniques over the years, 

and always give me such great feedback on my pieces.

Recently, she suggested I try this:

GILDING WAX! 

Oh, now this is gonna be fun!

And I've upgraded to these!!!!

These great chunky handled wax brushes and a brush buffer!

I have to admit, until now, 

I had only used little chip brushes or my dad's old shaving brush...

for applying wax....and rags to buff.

So here's my latest acquisition: 

A little apothecary style jewelry box.

Shall we get started??

 After painting the body and all the little drawers,

I applied my wax with my new brush.

Goes on like butter!!!!!!

I distressed and buffed.

 Now I'm going to give it just a hint of glitz

By applying a little of the gilding wax with my finger,

lightly along a couple of edges.

The piece looks amazing!

Here's a little decorative box with a place for a photo on top.

I epoxied a plaster owl right to the glass,

...and then I painted, glass and all, with chalkpaint.

I added some layers of dry brushing, and the gilding wax...

Dark wax brings out all the details.

And "antiques" everything.

This is fun stuff...

give it a try!!!!

(Oh, and yes, the items are for sale:

Jewely Box: $36

Owl box: $22)

sheilafox@aol.com

Spring Project: Rebuilding a Home's Interior

I just got back from another Wake Forest, NC, weekend work trip

where Cristie and Andy live in this amazing farmhouse.  

(I've blogged about work here in the past...)

The house has been in Cristie's family for generations, 

and slowly but surely, she and Andy are turning this wonderful home into "theirs."

I'm not talking about losing the character of the home mind you....

just updating some of the not-so-wonderful home improvements made over the years.

Like this:  

WALLPAPER.

Lots and lots of wallpaper...

with flowers and birds...

in all of the bathrooms.

Now the wallpaper has been stripped!!

Paint colors have been selected and the painting is complete.

AFTER: Master bath and dressing area 

were painted in Sherwin Williams "Rainwashed."

 Now you can breathe!!!!!

So tranquil versus the floor to ceiling wallpaper.

Here's the front foyer when I arrived.

(Sorry for the crappy photo..)

...and  front hallway, which were painted in SW "Seasalt."

My assignment:

To "rebuild the home" with a fresh eye.

Create all the little vignettes 

that make a house a home.

This will be fun - there's so much to work with!!!

(This is all eye candy so I'm going to let the photos tell the story:)

Family photo wall.

 

 In the library, I reworked a few things as well...

And lastly...I wanted to address this dining room wall..

I took several small mirrors, 

painted a couple in different colors...

 and  rehung everything.

This  wall is so much more interesting now with the
various shapes and colors.

Work is done....time to play.
Outdoor time with Surge!

Thanks, Cristie (and Andy)
for another yummy project!

Pure White and Happy Easter!

I'm on a white kick here lately.......

Take a look at some of my recent acquisitions.

BEFORES:

 I love the lines of this rocking chair........

the wood is curved and moulds right to your body!

I picked this up at this year's Curtain Call Consignment Event...

(For those of you not familiar, check them out on Facebook!)

 ...along with this wooden pine bunny lamp...

 I picked up these two narrow bookcases at a Goodwill.

 Whoever came up with this frigging heart cutout motif should be shot...........

 For all of these pieces, I used Annie Sloan Chalk paint in Pure White.

 I covered up the cutouts with this little plaster of paris owl I made on one...

 ...and on the other, 

I used an old top from a japanese basketweave cookie jar..

I expoxied them, 

then painted them the same color.  

I distress sanded and then waxed.

AFTERS:

 Here's how they ended up.........

 ...and here are the chair and bunny lamp painted in the same Pure White.

 And guess where it all ended up???

In my living room!!

So much for selling anything.

 My easter bunny arrived early this year.  

I changed out the lampshade on this to a West Elm lampshade also

purchased at the Curtain Call sale.

 And the little bookshelves flank my fireplace...

 I have so much crap stuff on them.......

...you can't even see where the heart cutouts were.

But I would know they were there!!!!!

Wilma has developed a particular fondness for my new lamp.

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!!