Featuring Etsy's Best of the Best 2015

So I have found so many conversation pieces from many of the brilliant shop designers on Etsy Ive decided to compose a list of Etsy's Best of the Best. This list consist of only a handful of my utmost favorite finds from these designers, collectors, crafters, etc. From gorgeous pillows and elegant textiles to shabby chic decor, they all come from the country down south all the way to the snow kissed rocky mountains. from the cold lakes of michigan to the emerald gulf coast. These ladies are from all over the world, smart and resourceful on so crafty.

Now I first have to feature my native Atlantians, HOTlanta is where I live, Born and raised write here in the south and I've discovered some really talented, and creative communities right here in Atlanta.

 These shops are names in no particular order.

Summer Boxwood Reefs and Fern Reefs   The greenery is so manicured just as it would be if it were the plant in your yard. These gorgeous door decorations are from a handmade reef shop on Etsy called twoinspireyou  the owner and shop created of Two Inspire You is Tonya from Jeneva,Illinois I must say you inspire me. I love your elegant boxwood reefs. Theydress up your door and and gives your home entrance beautiful curb appeal.

3 Steps to Accessorize You Home

3 Steps to Accessorize You Home

 One of the biggest home decorating dilemmas is how to arrange your accessories, whether it be a bookcase, shelf, or tabletop. Here is a three step system that will transform your boring or cluttered spaces into charming vignettes!

Harmony and Contrast

When arranging a space with accessories, one has to keep in mind that the most important thing to avoid here is boredom! This has a lot less to do with the objects you choose than how you choose to display them. To keep an arrangement from putting the neighbors down for their afternoon nap, remember to keep a balance of harmony (things that feel like they go together, like similar colors or styles) and contrast (things that spice things up by being differentÖsmooth against texture, round against straight line, etÖ) You want a bit of both in your arrangement. Perhaps you could create harmony by repeating a square shape or the color purple, and then add contrast by sitting a smooth candlestick next to a rough basket.

Chalk Painted Furniture and Where to find incredibly cheap

Chalk Painted furniture and where to find it, 

For over 50 years,  Antique shows has been "America's Favorite Treasure Hunt" for incredible antiques and collectibles! But now you don't have to wait for those once a month once every few months shows to come around. Indoor Antique Markets that are open daily are popping up everywhere.


 So if your like me you love stuff with character, I would take an old antique Cadillac over a brand new Lexus any day because it's rare and has lots of character to it. I've also found a place that I love to shop that is full of Character. In fact booth after booth has something unique that you just can't find anymore.  antiques to vintage; collectibles to handmade; metal art to architectural salvage; and unique to one-of-a-kind, Old antiques chalk painted and up cycled lamps, refurbished distressed furniture. Handmade clocks, old doors and windows everywhere . You usually can find chalk paint  from a chalk paint vendor along the journey, So many antiques I can't even begin. 

Woodstock Market in Acworth, Ga. Is like an upscale/high end flea market. This place is amazing. Their are booths set up throughout this large store and each booth is owned by someone different. The dealers there have gorgeous finds that are mostly old and antiques that have been up cycled. 

There is lots of distressed and chalk painted furniture and home accents throughout the place and occasionally you'll find a piece that's not. However If your like me I'm always on the hunt to find a piece of furniture for me to chalk paint myself rather than one already painted. Either way if your ever in the Atlanta area and have time to check this huge store out. It's amazing if your into this kind of stuff. Below I'll give you a sneak peak inside Woodstock Market. It really has some beautiful beautiful finds.

I Love this piece above. I would love this in my bedroom.

Visit Something to Chalk About Brooke Dowdy's profile on Pinterest.

Chalk Paint, How To: Dry Brush Technique and Tutorial

Chalk paint tutorial hopefully will help you start your new chalk paint project, and, well since I'm new to the blogging world you probably don't know much about me yet but one thing you will soon learn is, how much I love French Provincial Furniture or any french furniture. I love chalk painted french pieces especially when they have a lot of detail and you can use dark waxes. My favorite style is Shabby Chic. I am in the process of chalk painting my new French Provincial bedroom suite I bought at an estate sale in my town.  I share with you the steps I took to paint my dresser.

 

      My before pic. I forgot to take one before I started...Oops

    I removed the hardware and started with Coco as my base coat

 I did 3 coats on the drawers. I normally use only 2 but I thought

 it needed a 3rd

I chose Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for this project. Color Coco and Country Grey

Let me explain a little about the dry bush technique when you are chalk painting. To start off you dab a thick bristled paint brush in the chalk paint just to get it on the very tips of the brush. Next you take a paper plate, or at least that is what i use. Then you brush it off on the paper plate so that the paint is all off of the bristles. Then you take and lightly stroke over the area you are wanting the chalk paint to have the dry brush look. The corners and naturally damaged areas I usually dry brush a little heavier. Playing with the different colors of chalk paint will really help you learn where the dry brushing looks good and where you can make it heavier and more distressed looking. Its all your choice.  thats what I LOVE about chalk paint. You can do so many things with it.
Now the more you do this dry brush technique the more you will get comfortable with the dry brushing. It does not take long to learn so practice and get comfy with it. You will get the hang of it very quickly.

See more about dry brushing http://somethingtochalkabout.blogspot.com/2015/04/diy-chalk-finish-paint.html
See my layering techniques page. http://somethingtochalkabout.blogspot.com/p/why-use-so-many-colors-to-paint-white.html
or my Pinterest board Chalk paint tutorials https://www.pinterest.com/brookelynpd/chalkpaint-titorials/

 

Then i finished the base of the dresser 

dry brushed it,

Her is the finished piece! Beautiful

I will add more later of the whole bedroom which is being
completely redecorated.

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How to Start your Chalk Painting Project

Pick your furnishings piece:

For one of my 1st Chalk Paint venture, I selected to accent table  from my in-laws that we've been utilizing as a Hot Drinks Station. A number of you Thinking Closet veterans might would use a  Hot Drinks Station in your traveller room; but within the course of recent years, it's recently been a considerable addition to the indoor porch area. So I simply will get my hot beverages on, while enjoying the new morning view.

Pick and created an ideal space to paint your piece :

Things I would consider when choosing where to paint especially if you don't have a studio:

• Temperature: room temperature is the best however everyone can not paint inside there home, so I suggest in a shop, garage or covered space that is at least warmer than 40 degree but no hotter than 80. sometimes you don't have a choice nut that is my preferred temp for painting chalk paint.

• Ventilation: within the event that you simply are in a very very little space, verify you have got windows and fans to assist moving  the air through the room. The drying time some people suggest  o keep the fans off whereas to painting. However, I am not going to lie, there is always a blow dryer to the right of me when I am chalk painting furniture. I will use it on larger pieces and to get the drying process started. I would like to mention, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Maison Blanche, my preferred brands, are not dangerous, are low scent, and has low VOCs, therefore you do not need to stress over solid exhaust. BUT PLEASE NOTE MOST HOMEMADE CHALK PAINTS ARE OR CAN BE TOXIC. Especially if made with Plasters. There are recipes you can find they says are non-toxic, organic, etc. I have never used any though.

• Lighting operating in regular light is perfect… Although,some of my artistic production ventures can most likely last into the night. Thus, bring further lights into the space if necessary.

• Protecting the floor: I would used painter's tape to tape down some cocoa manufacturer's paper onto a vicinity of the lounge floor, therefore i would not got to stress over paint trickles.
 

Prepare and clean your furnishings piece.

These are steps I consider when chalk painting any furnishings.

• Remove any removable parts like knobs, pulls, hedges, racks, drawers, etc.

• Run your around the piece to find any harsh patches that you may  want to sand. However the imperfections are my favorite part.  (yet you do not have to sand the total piece when using Chalk Paint)

• Remove any sticky gook with cleaner and water, or one of my most admired things, Goo Gone.

• Fill any openings with wood paste if you choose.

• Even if your furnishings piece has all the earmarks of being clean, clean the oils from hands also.  I simply used a delicate dish soap, and then with a final go of water. After that merely allow adequate dry time before applying your 1st layer of paint.

• Edge off any segments that will not be painted utilizing painter's tape (like drawers or moldings).

Apply your 1st layer of Chalk Paint:

Verify your instrumentation of paint is nicely mixed. If you will set it upside down a few minutes before or while prepping your piece and then use a wood paint stirrer. Ready to apply… I begin applying the paint and spreading and using long brush strokes then I move to the new section . once first coat is applied and dry i begin the 2nd coat. the first coat will look as if is not covering well but don't worry at all you will be amazing after the 2nd. If you choose to use a3rd then you may do so but I usually stick with 2 unless a aim layering and that's totally different. Remember long straight brush strokes. 

Utilizing Chalk Paint

Annie Sloan developed her currently known ornamental paint, Chalk Paint®, over twenty years past to answer the requirement she had for a flexible paint that will have several uses from acting like limewash to trying like previous painted article of furniture. She known as it Chalk Paint® as a result of its lovely velvety, matte end.

Painting with chalk paint is dependably a joy!

Annie Sloan added to her at present renowned worldwide elaborate paint, Chalk Paint, more than a quarter century to answer the need she had for an adaptable paint that will have a few uses from acting like limewash to needing like late painted article of furniture. She known as it Chalk Paint® owing to its flawless smooth, matte end.

What is Chalk Paint?

Chalk Paint is unfathomably easy to figure with. It appallingly at times needs any readiness, such as sanding or preparing, and may be utilized inside or outside, on any surface - from wood to metal, and matt plastic to terracotta. It will replenish late article of furniture, dividers, roofs and floors no sweat. It's simple, fun and makes heavenly results open to everyone.

With a shading palette inspired by eighteenth and twentieth Century ornamentation and style, you'll have the capacity to just join the hues along to build the differ. Chalk Paint is eco-accommodating as well. It contains phenomenally low unstable natural mixes (VOCs) and has no smell.

Add a smaller amount of water thereto to frame it wash, thicken it up by going endlessly the cover off, incorporate it with a wash by including even a great deal of water. Utilize level brushes for a wash search or swarm brushes for a great deal of unpleasant textured matured look. alluring results have not been subsequently clear and simple.

Painting Kitchens using Chalk Paint

You can utilize Annie Sloan's unmistakable fancy paint, Chalk Paint, on kitchen cabinets at least two layers of paint, then give it 2 or 3 layers of Annie Sloan Soft Wax to seal it. 

Delicate Wax is water repellent and powerful and makes a fair relationship to the paint. 

Chalk Paint should give character and enthusiasm rather than an eminently smooth "plastic"like other paints. Invigorate with a layer of soft wax now and yet again once its needed. I choose every 2*3 months. Wipe over with a wet fabric to wash. Utilizing a tough cleaner or grown-up male muscle is likewise for stubborn stains, however can take away some wax furthermore the space will need to be waxed again.

You should not have to sand or prime the piece before chalk painting, however in the areas where there is a lot of use like the silverware drawer it would be savvy and not a bad idea to prime.  In case you're painting onto an exceptionally shiny, smooth surface, we do use it on these surfaces as well. Any wood area or difficult surface that has a lot of use that you plan to chalk paint I would lightly sand and primer however , however the paint can adhere to even glass,  but if the surface is unattractive I would go ahead without either.  The less the shine of the surface the better the paint adheres.

Annie Sloan Paint Reliability

Chalk paint can add some fun hues to your home's stylistic layout or furniture. Chalk paint is extremely popular nowadays, and all things considered! It's simple and fun, and chalk painted furniture has an extraordinary look all its own.

1. Coverage

The paint is much thicker than latex, it doesn't generally cover in one layer. Much the same as with any sort of paint, you'll improve scope when painting a piece a comparative shading or shade to whatever the piece is regardless. The closer the hues, the better the scope. For instance, in the event that you paint Old White over dull recolored wood, you will require no less than two layers, potentially even three covers to get full scope. Then again, in case you're painting Old White over a light recolored wood or even over a light paint shading, you might just need one cover.

2. Which Brush to Use

To purchase an Annie Sloan paint brush or not. That is the issue. In the event that you need to paint numerous pieces, I'd propose going for a little or medium estimated Annie Sloan paintbrush. I swear they "hold" paint diversely and simply feel like they were made for the paint (clearly!). The brushes are so natural to paint with and can really mildy change the look of the completed paint work when you're giving the piece a more obsolescent look. Be that as it may, in the event that you plan to just paint maybe a couple pieces and not make this into an interest or business, then by all methods, utilize a consistent old paintbrush.

3. Usability

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is madly simple to utilize. There is almost no prep included when utilizing this paint. Before you begin painting, you need to verify your furniture piece is clean which can be acheived by wiping it down with a clean material. In the event that the piece is recolored wood and is truly filthy, you may need to utilize mineral spirits to issue it a decent cleaning.

4. Distressing

There square measure some alternative ways to distress, however no matter approach you decide on, the paint comes off terribly simply. The paint was truly created to be distressed. compared, after you create your own homespun chalk paint and use it on a similar piece with ASCP, the ASCP paint distressed simply and came off simply however you want0 it to. as a result of the homespun chalk paint is formed with rubber-base paint, it doesn’t distress close to as simply and you had to figure more durable to induce the same quantity of distressing.

5. Wax

Annie Sloan delicate wax positively has an expectation to learn and adapt connected to it, however it is most likely worth utilizing. The wax really splashes into the paint and turns into a piece of it. It somewhat extends the paint shading and gives the paint a hard, solid defensive completion.

It takes some practice to get the hang of utilizing it and everybody appears to have their own particular manner of applying it.I would prescribe when you're simply beginning to dependably utilize clear wax first on the off chance that you likewise need to utilize the dull wax, in any event until you get accustomed to it. The dim wax is VERY pigmented and will absolutely change the shading of your paint on the off chance that you utilize it without the unmistakable wax on first.

DIY….make your own chalk paint and how to layer and dry brush

DIY… Chalk Paint,  3 tutorials

How to make your own chalk paint, and two different how to techniques.

The chalk-finish paint that we are indicating here was made by blending a level latex with mortar of Paris (powdered gypsum), and water. The following thick body paint goes on smooth like wall paint, however chalk paint gives no troubling and to not be mistaken for wall paint, a chalk finish paint surface is left with a matte look but lays down smooth like butter. Everyone from decorators to householders admires its basic application and expertise to highlight even rough imperfections in the wood. While no sanding, filling, and preparing is ever involved. To convey the entire piece in one layer.

 

To paint this dresser, we utilized chalk paint. Once the drawer fronts dried, we decided to apply some different shades to create a textured look, utilizing a light-weight brushstroke known as dry brushing therefore the base shading shows through. Dry brushing is explained below in this article.

 

How to make chalk paint?

Create your own Chalk Finish paint by using the following things:
1.    Plaster of Paris
2.    Valspar flat latex paint
3.    Stir sticks
4.    Paste wax
5.    Cool Water
6.    Plastic paint buckets
7.    Plastic measuring cups (do not reuse for food).
Take 1/3 cup of water and add 1/3 cup of Plaster of Paris. Stir it until it gets smoothness. Add one cup of latex paint and stir. You have made enough paint to make one coat on a dresser having six drawers. Remember we cannot reuse and store chalk paints. If you are working on a short thing then mix lesser amount of plaster paint and water in the same ratio.

How to apply

Apply the essential Layer first however first you may want to work on painting a scrap board before your endeavor of painting with chalk paint and the different techniques. 

Layered Chippy Look

When layering totally distinctive paint hues for a layered old chipped off look, apply a heavier base layer than the 2nd and 3rd layers. Work rapidly - chalk paint dries speedy fast, make sure you take away any particles you see inside your wet paint. Sand through the most recent layer to the one underneath.
You then will want to apply a crackle medium if you want to achieve the crackle paint look. 
 

Include a Dry Brush Look

Dunk the tips of the brush into the second shade and touch the end of the brushes part of the paint onto paper or a cloth till the brush is about dry. Delicately dry brush to spotlight the raised regions. When the paint dries, tenderly rub the most noteworthy layer with sandpaper, a sanding wipe, sanding pad/b;oak or a dish scrubber to strengthen the layers. End with clear and dark wax. 

Chalk Paint Ideas and Inspiration …. Photo Gallery

Chalk Paint Ideas and Inspiration Photo Gallery

I know you love looking for chalk paint ideas and inspiring chalk paint furniture pieces…. Yummy, I know I do. 

So when people like you decide to chalk paint that piece of furniture that has been sitting there for months. You know that piece you just couldn't quite make up your mind on the technique to use or do you want to distress or not, do I want to use this color that color or a color mix of chalk paint, etc. Decisions, decisions.  You either go looking for a piece that inspires you or you finally have your own creative ideas you just dreamed up. Either way is fine because no piece will ever be exactly the same.

Today I am going to share with you some chalk painted pieces that I have either painted myself, I am currently working on and some from friends of mine that have given me permission to share.

You can actually find some of these chalk painted pieces for sale in a little store or actually a BIG store in Savannah, GA. Two Woman and a Warehouse. Have you heard of them?  They actually have 2 stores in Savannah one of them being a 7,000 ft. warehouse.  It s a fabulous place and I actually am planning on writing a whole blog post about them.
I also have a few pieces that I am not quite happy with and really need some expert advice on. I may just share those here as swell and see if some of you can give me your opinions on whether you like it or what I need to do different. There are a few I just can't get quite right. Please don't shame me for some of the pictures. Some are not staged and are still in my shop that are not complete.

 

            

     

SO I decided to wait on the ones a I am having problems with. I will post them very soon. Maybe you can get some inspiration from some of these. Please tell me what you think or ask any questions you have. Most of these pieces were painted with Maison Blanche Chalk Paints or Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Wax. 

Ok here is one I have been trying to perfect and it may just be the piece of furniture that i used as to why I am not liking it. The furniture may not have that antique old feel like I am going for with this technique. I really want it to look kinda faded and dirty. PLEASE help on what I did wrong.

It looks ok from afar but when you get up close Im not happy with it. Here's a close up.