Discovering the wonders of chalk paint

For a while now I've been reading about this magical, easy to use chalk paint by Annie Sloan. I liked the sound of it because apparently you don't need to sand and prime surfaces before painting- excellent for getting jobs done quickly and with much less mess. The other bonus about this paint is being able to change the consistency by adding water or leaving it to thicken depending on the finish you want.

I struck it lucky finding a stockist of the paint in a nearby town and settled on the 'Original' colour which is creamy off-white. I also picked up some of the soft, clear wax which is needed for a protective finish.

Over the last week I've enjoyed getting stuck into a little furniture upcycling of an evening and I tackled an old bedside cabinet and mirror. The trick with distressing furniture is to make sure it stays the right side of chic and doesn't veer too far towards shabby. It pays not to be overzealous with the sandpaper.

Sad cabinet before

In need of some care and attention

After!

Looking much better

Cute mirror for the top of a new tallboy.

My Christmas present to myself finally arrived this week. For a long time now I've fancied having a bench in the kitchen and in December I spied the very thing whilst browsing ebay - an antique church pew, well half a pew to be accurate. These pews had been salvaged from an old chapel where they had been cut in half. As you can see they were pretty well used (that's putting it nicely). Either way, I didn't care, my heart was set on one. I had hoped I might be able to leave the pew in its original glory but sadly she was looking a bit too worse for wear and decided to give her the Annie Sloan treatment.

Before

Note the cute carving on the side

I gave this cutie two coats of chalk paint before adding one coat of wax and then sanding lightly. I added another coat of wax and then buffed her up. All in all, it was a very quick process, this paint dries quickly. I'm looking forward to brunching on this baby tomorrow and for many meals to come!

I think this may call for more cushions.