Its a snow day here in Georgia and we are already stir crazy! Naturally, I cannot stay still so I decided to paint my barstools... I enlisted the help of my 3 year old (AKA: Super Woman). Thats how easy this project will be. Here is a step by step guide. 

Before:

Apply first coat with homemade chalk paint recipe found HERE. 

You want to apply a thin layer in all different directions. 

Its so easy a three year old can do it. 

This is what the first coat should look like.

Another view of first coat. 

Let the first coat dry a bit- then apply a thicker layer of the second coat.

Try not to get too much paint on the sides and corners so it will be easier to wipe and distress. 

It should look like this. 

Let it dry until it is still wet in some places then wipe with a damp rag in all different directions. In small circular motions.

Some places will wipe easy and some will need a bigger push. 

This is what it should look like. 

Dont wipe too much! 

Do that all over. Let it dry. Then coat with wax, glaze or even wipe some clear poly on. This is what the end result will be. Im in love. 

After:

Trash to Treash: Vintage mirror

Im totes in love with abreves. 

Before: 

Picked this beauty up today. 

Its cute if your into the creepy old lady house kinda thing...

I knew exactly what I wanted to do to this as soon as I saw it though. 

I left the white and went with a shiny gold for the accent bow and flowers. 

After:

Tip: Dont overlook ugly stuff. You really never know how awesome 

it will turn out with a little work! 

DIY Wax For Chalk Paint- Option 1

Ok folks, here is the antique finishing wax recipe I promised you. 

Its so easy and SO cheap! I found this version from Pneumatic Addict Furniture. She used a different brand of finishing wax but the Minwax was the one I had on hand. 

Directions:

1. Scoop some wax in a tupperware and nuke in the microwave for 30 seconds. Take it out to make sure it is ok. If its still hard put it back in for a few more seconds. 

2. Add about a 1/2 tsp of stain. Since the wax is oil base just use anything oil based. I had Ebony and loved the result. 

3. Mix.

This is what mine looked like. 

4. Wipe your project  and buff clean until its not "sticky" feeling anymore. 

*Tip: A little goes a long way!!*

This is what mine looked like. Get the corners and crannies real good! It looks so yummy! You will love it. 

Next will be the chalk paint finishing GLAZE recipe! 

Post questions below and I would love to answer them. Let me know how your wax turned out! 

The Secrets of Craigslist

I am on craigslist all the time. 

People in your neighborhood are giving things away everyday. 

I want to give you my tips on how to use Craigslist

 because I have had found some awesome deals this way. 

1. Don't get your hopes up. 

If you see something you like the chances are its

 a.) already sold or b.) the seller wont respond. 

2. Don't be afraid to shoot them an offer. 

In the picture above I would offer $20 but they most likely wouldn't take it because it had only been listed for 3 hours. 

The longer the listing time the better the price. 

3. Be prepared for a good deal! 

If the seller agrees to your price you better get yo butt out the door and pick that junk up. 

Someone could go under and offer full price- then your messed up. 

One day I will show you all a list of my craigslist finds with the prices. It will blow your mind. 

Two words for Craigslist success:

Patience

Consistency 

What are your thoughts on Craigslist? What is the best deal you've gotten on Craigslist?

Stop with the fancy chalk paint

Lets get down to business. 

First things first. 

STOP using expensive chalk paints. 

These will completely break your redo budget. And if your husband is anything like mine...
30 bux on paint is like, "The dumbest thing ever."

Here is the best option I have found. 

1 sample sized eggshell finish paint in your color of choice

1/4 c plaster of paris

1/4 c water

.... seriously, thats it. And it gives you the same result as all the high priced name brands. 

Mix the PP with water until smooth. Add in paint. Needs to look like pancake batter. Start painting.
(If its too thick- add water. If its too thin- add plaster.)

A few tips:

1. I don't believe in 1 hour drying time. I paint it and let it half dry then go over it with the second coat. I am almost making circles around the piece until its done. After the second coat dries a bit go in with a wet towel in the places you want to distress. Doing this allows for the paint not to completely stick to the wood in order to wipe off and look naturally distressed. No sand paper needed.

2. Dont be afraid to distress all of it. If you want a real old look you will have to dig in a wipe the thing until it looks old as dirt. I promise you will love the finished product.
3. The beauty of chalk paint is that you can paint in any direction and it will still look cool. Perfect strokes just aren't necessary so don't freak out of if its kind messy looking. It will all even out.

4. A thicker paint is great if you are looking to not do a big distress. If it is too thick to wipe off just add more water or dip the brush in water before each stroke. 

5. Use Minwax Finishing Paste to protect your work. I love this stuff. Wipe on a buff off. 

You can also use Polycrillic but it has a bigger shine then the wax. If you do this I use a rag so it wipes on nice and smooth.

Next post will be a glazing formula that will work just as well as the expensive ones. 

One day when I get a nice camera I will post some pics of the process.
Until then... Heres this one.

Try it and let me know how this goes for you!