Etspiration Wednesday: Chalk Paint

I can't believe we've had this blog for three months and haven't done an Etspiration about Chalk Paint.  Now I know 99% of you just nodded your head in agreement.  For the 1% of you who asked, "What is Chalk Paint?"  I will briefly explain that Chalk Paint is goodness in a can.  You can check out the official website here, but the short version is that it's a specially formulated paint which you can thin with water to use as a wash or thicken to apply as an impasto.  It is remarkably flexible and lends itself especially well to mimicking the look of aged items.  It gives paint the perfect patina.  So that drab oak table you found at a garage sale can end up looking like it was sitting in some Paris apartment holding a classy Mademoiselle's teacup.

A few of our Feature Friday items have been crafted using Chalk Paint, including The Schoolhouse Cabinet and The Feedsack Stripe Table.  We're always on the lookout for other great features.  If you'd ever like your stencil project showcased on the blog, just drop us an email.

Here's a small sampling of some great items on Etsy that are finished using Chalk Paint.

1A:  Victorian Pedestal Rocker Image Courtesy JunkDrawerDivas
1B:  Farmhouse Country Cottage Pantry Server Image Courtesy StiltskinStudios
1C:  Duck Egg Blue Pedestal Cloche Image Courtesy ShabbyDecor
1D:  Nest With Graphic Stencil Image Courtesy Maisondestencils

The Pantry Server in 1B is really terrific.  You've got to visit the Etsy page for a better look.  My tiny picture does not do it justice. 

2A:  Peacock Stencil Image Courtesy Maisondestencils
2B:  French Provincial Drum Table Image Courtesy Seases
2C:  Instant Wall Collection Turquoise Image Courtesy LoriAndTheLittleBird
2D: Hand Painted Yellow Mirror Image Courtesy SummerWindInteriors

That yellow mirror is truly stunning.  SummerWindInteriors also has it in aqua, which I love.  One of my favorite colors.

3A:  Antiques Stencil Image Courtesy Maisondestencils
3B:  Cottage Chic Roll Top Desk Image Courtesy ArtByJuliet
3C:  Yellow  Curved Leg Foot Stool Image Courtesy cabinintheheartland
3D:  Aqua and Yellow Cane Jewelry Chest Image Courtesy MagiaMia

I love the idea of a roll top desk.  I've got an iMac, so I'm sadly constrained to having a computer armoire due to space requirements.  I love that both the roll top and armoire concepts allow you shut away computer mess.  This roll top desk is something special though.  Check out how ArtByJuliet echoed the diamond shape from the shelf bracket in the stencil pattern on the sides.  It's a work of art.

4A:  Primitive Wooden Kitchen Shelf Image Courtesy Sienaslew
4B:  Decorative Shabby Floral Box Image Courtesy GroveRoots
4C:  Handpainted Corbel Shaped Sconces Image Courtesy DaphsSmallWorld
4D:  Bed & Breakfast Stencil Image Courtesy Maisondestencils

These sconces (4C) are just too great.  I can see them holding candles or very small sculpture in a room with classical details.

Thanks to our Chalkrific Etsy sellers for use of their images.  See you on Friday for a fabulous stencil feature!

Feature Friday: The Patisserie Cushion

Happy Friday!

We've got a swell feature today from our friend Nik at Linenandwood.

She's made this beautiful cushion cover using antique grainsack and our very popular Patisserie stencil to give it a French feel.

The red stripe embroidery is original to the grainsack.  I just love the striped grainsacks.  Laura made me a pillow with one for my living room.  It adds a whole new dimension instead of flat burlap feel. 

Can't you see a few of these pillows in a breakfast nook?   One for a bakery, one for a vegetable market, one for a creamery?  Too cute!

Here's a link to the cushion cover on Etsy.
You can also check out Nik's Etsy shop, Linenandwood.
Here's a link to the Patisserie stencil at the Maisondestencils store.

Have a wonderful weekend, see you Wednesday!

Feature Friday: The Thonet Chair

Greetings readers! Our guest feature today is transatlantic! One of our favorite customers Nik from Austria shares her photos of a gorgeous bentwood Thonet chair she rehabbed. The wood was carefully cleaned, sanded, and waxed to bring back the original luster.

This style chair, called The Coffee Shop chair, was awarded a gold medal at the 1867 World's Fair when cabinet maker Michael Thonet designed it. The style is timeless.

Nik recovered the cushion in vintage linen and used one of our stencils to create a completely one of a kind piece of furniture that speaks to both Austrian and French culture.

She edged the cushion with some natural rope for a rustic feel that would suit a country cottage or shabby chic living space.

Nik's work is just stunning. You can check out her blog here or her fabulous Etsy shop, Linen And Wood here.
Here's the link for the Thonet chair on Etsy.

The stencil used is Hotel De L'Avenir which can be found here.

Thanks for reading, Happy Friday!