Annie Sloan Furniture Makeover

I'm finally out of Alaska. Yes there are beautiful, glorious, wonderful things I'll miss from that great big wild land, but I'm glad to have a break from the land of no junking. Seriously, they are the home of the most overpriced garage sales and antique stores I've ever shopped.  I am so excited to spend a little time in Missouri where junk is queen!  I've spent a couple of weekends picking and let's just say I'd love to have a trailer to pull behind my giant junk mobile.

Now comes the work part.  All my junk needs a renovation. What to do, what do do? 
I've seen Annie Sloan Chalk Paint all over the internet, so after reading the benefits, (no sanding, no priming, etc.) I decided to give it  a go. I found this brilliant stockist, The Purple Painted Lady, and I placed my order. No, there's not a special discount, but TONS of perks.  You can even call her on the phone to ask questions if her online tutorials and videos don't help you, or if you didn't read the information sheets she includes with your order. The added value of her expertise is immeasurable.

Now, being a painter, I was skeptical of the claims this paint was making.  Self leveling paint you say?  With a bit of doubting I began testing my first project. A 1960's vintage desk in that classic French Provincial style that was so popular.  Complete with laminate top. Ugh. I've painted these laminate tops before, and I've sworn never to do so again.

I started brushing on the first coat of this costly paint and it did go on so smoothly what started as a test patch became the whole desktop. This was with no prep work.  Sadly, I went out the next morning and scraped it right off the laminate with my fingernail.  :(  I really, really hate losing money, so I (easily) sanded the paint off and scuffed the top of the laminate. Not wanting to do this again, I kept my respirator on and used a similarly colored can of spray paint I had on hand to "prime" the top. I know...no sanding, no priming, but I abhor peeling paint. A very light dusting of the paint which promises to adhere even to plastic cured on the desktop.  Ahh. I came back with my brush and painted ASCP right over it. Such coverage! 

I didn't do a great job taking photos of the steps involved in this makeover because I was so excited to see a finished project.  I'll do better next time, but I can tell you the steps I took.

You've already gotten the low down on the laminate. We can call that step one.
Step two: Paint the whole piece with ASCP. (Paint any details like the gold trim, mine is a base coat of copper acrylic and a top coat of gold acrylic, both metallic)
Three: Apply CLEAR wax (for this I used a brush and wiped.  I'll be upgrading to the AS wax brush)
Four: Distress  (I used a hand held power sander with 200 Grit paper on the edges and high spots)
Five: Apply DARK wax.  (I did this step by hand with a lint free cloth and gloves)

Here's the piece after the clear wax was applied

This is a close up of some distressing. 

The dark wax really picks up these differences beautifully.

And here's the finished project!

Yes, I'm naming this set "Ever After" like the Drew Barrymore Cinderella movie.  For some ideas on complimentary bedding or rooms this would look great with you can check out my Pinterest board Furniture Re-Do. 

This piece and matching dresser with mirror will be for sale at The Gilded Possum in Smackover, AR this month. (mid June 2013)

If you are thinking of updating some cruddy furniture, do check out the tutorials from The Purple Painted Lady.  You'll be glad you did. I fully stand behind my purchase of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Wax. Oh, and tell me what you're re-doing. Remember, the furniture you re-do is cutting back on landfill waste AND saving you money. That's what I call a win win.  Same goes if you are purchasing upcycled vintage items. :) Wax On, my friends.

HUGE Giveaway! 58 prizes!

Link here to a massive giveaway.  All the businesses featured in ReBlinged's Warm Your Heart Giveaway are work from home artisans or crafters.  Most of us are moms, sisters, wives, etc. building a dream and helping support our families.  For me building my business contacts is important because we are a military family and we are constantly moving. How wonderful is it that I could have the opportunity to take my job with me wherever I go?  Here's your chance to be inspired by 58 new businesses that offer things you aren't going to find in big box stores. Consider purchasing items for your home as well as gifts for all occasions.

Check it out, and be sure to thank Sue at ReBlinged for her hard work on putting this giveaway together.

Here's the link to her blog and the giveaway!  

First Annual ReBlinged Warm Your Heart GiveAway 

If you win my prize, you'll receive THREE hand colored Alice in Wonderland prints on vintage book paper!

View more prints on Facebook

View items for sale on Etsy

Did you make something beautiful today? I'd love to hear about it. Leave me a comment. : ) 

~Kim

COUPON CODE: Etsy!

Today I have a coupon for you. 

While you're clipping away from your Sunday news, start thinking about Christmas gifts. 

Here's 20% off your entire order.

Use the code FALL4FISH until October 1st, 2012

at this shop

Frozen Fish, Ink

You can get something like this....

or this

or this

 Everything is hand painted, of course and most items use recycled materials of some kind. I love doing this kind of work, and I try to promote the handmade industry as much as possible. In fact, if you don't find something you love in my shop, keep browsing Etsy and make a wish list of favorites from any of the thousands of craftsmen there. And don't worry, I'll keep posting tutorials here. Like I said, I love this stuff, and I love sharing it with you.

If you are a shop owner, feel free to post your shop link in the comments below. 

Don't forget your coupon code!