Spring Home Improvement Ideas...Shabby Paints Style!!

It's so cold here right now - 25 degrees as I write this!  Dallas people are not used to this kind of cold!  I am not complaining though because in the next couple of days it will get back into the 60's.  The joke here is that if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change.

Even though it doesn't feel like it right now, spring is right around the corner.  And when I think of spring for some reason my thoughts turn to my house.  Spring cleaning, organizing, and...DECORATING!  My main project this spring...actually, I'm hoping in the next few weeks, is going to be my kitchen cabinets.

I had started painting them last summer with some chalk paint but the product was making me crazy.  It was the kind I referred to in this post where you have to wait several hours before applying the finish.  Then when I would start to put the finish on, it would distress the paint away.  Now, when I'm painting furniture that is the look I like, but not on my cabinets!  So I stopped...and yes, I've been living with two different colored cabinets.  Luckily, I have a very understanding hubby and we don't do a whole lot of entertaining so the only people who have seen it this way is extended family. But, it's starting to bother me and I'm ready to do something about it!

I've been playing around with what to do and then saw this picture posted by Shabby Paints Stylist Anita from Heart and Soul Vintage.

She re-did her bathroom cabinets with Shabby Paints Worn White and Buffalo Brown Chalked Paint as well as some touches of Old Gold Shimmer Paint.  It is exactly the look I'm going for in my kitchen!  She used sheer Vax for her finish.  I think I might go with Hazelnut ReVax since I want mine a tiny bit darker.  I can't wait to get started!

The Shabby Paints Vax / ReVax or Varnish are the perfect finishes for your home project.  Not only will they provide excellent protection, you don't have to wait hours on end in between painting and applying the finish so it won't take as long to get done!  And since all you need to do is paint them on (no rubbing and buffing), they don't need to cure and you never have to re-apply...they are perfect for this type of big project!

Here is another cabinet make-over.  These are kitchen cabinets and the color is Cranberry, a custom color that our Shabby Paints Sylist Kritsi from Pieces of Time created. 



Kristi's client even painted her breadbox!  Gorgeous!

Hmmmm...what else can you do around your house with Shabby Paints?  How about your tile floors?  NO WAY you say!  Oh yes!  Check out this before and after by another client of Kristi's (she's got some creative folks buying paint from her!!)

This is Vanilla Bear Chalked Paint with Shabby Paints Varnish for protection and shine.

What about the fireplace?  Check this post out from the Shabby Paints owner!  She repainted the bricks around her fireplace and it's gorgeous!

There is no end to things you can do around your home with Shabby Paints to spruce up for spring time...and beyond!

I hope I've gotten your creative juices flowing!  Mine are - I had to take a little break while writing this and already painted one side of a cabinet door!  And now I'm trying to figure out what color to paint my fireplace mantel!

And PLEASE, send me any pictures of home improvement projects you do!  I love to get inspiration from others!

Why Shabby Paints? All 4 Parts In One Place!

Did you miss my Why Shabby Paints Series?  If so, I've consolidated it all here for you in one easy place!  You can read them in order...or mix it up a bit!  What the heck - go crazy and read them backwards!  (I know...I need to get out more...) 

Part One: Prices and Sizes

Part Two: Finishes

Part Three: One Word...Colors

Part Four: The People and the Odds and Ends

Also...this would've been a great addition to Part 4 but just came about.  If you have questions about using Shabby Paints...you can always ask me of course, but we also have another place to go!  A new Facebook Group that you can join and one of the Shabby Paints Stylists will answer your question!

Click here to join the Shabby Paints Questions and Answers Group!

Enjoy!

Gorgeous Thomasville Hutch and Desk - So Serene and Worn White

I just finished this piece and put it up for sale!  Hard to part with this one!  It's so pretty and peaceful!  I feel calm when I look at it!

I used Shabby Paints So Serene and Worn White and then finished it in Black ReVax and a coat of Sheer Vax! 

I can just picture a sweet little child sitting at it to do their homework!  I hope it brings them a lot of happiness, peace and good grades!  Haha!!

Why Shabby Paints? Part 4: The People and The Odds and Ends

We've talked about how Shabby Paints offers amazing prices and several sizes, their unbelievable easy to use protective finishes, and the beautiful colors and shimmer paints.  All of this is great, but the thing that makes this company so wonderful and different is the people.  The people behind the company - the owners and the stylists.  They all combine to make a supportive and creative environment.

The owner, Shannon, explains why she started Shabby Paints here.  She wanted a safe paint to use that wouldn't be harmful to people's health or the environment.  I also love this quote which greets you at the main page of the Shabby Paints website

Introducing the belief that success is rarely achieved alone…
and never at the expense of  humanity, health, or the environment in which we live.

That really spoke to me the first time I saw it.

The stylists are another great thing about this company.  They are dedicated to helping the customers understand how to use the paint and finishes in order to create beautiful furniture, crafts or other decorating projects.  And not only that, they are all more than willing to help each other out.  There is so much support, camaraderie, and help between stylists - not competition like you might think.  You can read more about many of them here.

I love that the paint is made in the USA!  And even the colors are patriotic!  Betsy Ross Red, Marine Blue and Purple Heart to name a few!

There are also some products I didn't get to talk about in the other posts so I'll stick them in here!

Furniture Fracture is one.  This product creates a crackled effect.  Some people do this with a glue and water  mixture.  It works great BUT...you have to cover it with paint at JUST the right time or it doesn't work.  Not with Shabby Paints Furniture Fracture.  You just paint over it once it's dry.  It's super easy to use and creates a wonderful effect.

I did this piece with the Furniture Fracture...and darn it, I didn't take any close ups!  Smart Stevie!  I'll get someone day soon so I can share them.

Another cool product that I haven't gotten to try yet is the Shabby Paints Shabby Texture.  This would be used in stenciling projects, embossing, or even repair and wood filler.  Check out more about it here. I can't wait to try this as I am just about to start getting into stenciling!  I'll share with you when I do of course!

Well, this ought to do it for the Why Shabby Paints? series.  I hope you've learned a little and become inspired to use these great products!  If you have questions that I haven't answered, please don't hesitate to ask! 

Why Shabby Paints? Part 3: One Word...COLORS!!

Did you miss me yesterday?  I know you were waiting on the edge of your seats for part 3.  Yesterday was not a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day but it was SUPER busy.  I just never had a second to sit down until super late.

Every day I have a hard time picking what to talk about next...not because I don't know what to say, but there is so much to choose from!  But, it seems like the theme for today in several of my conversations with people about Shabby Paints has been the COLORS!

They are gorgeous! I have the hardest time choosing one I want to use every time I have a new project.  Take a look and you'll see why!

And there are plans for more colors to come out at some point.  I can't wait to see what they'll be!

At my booth right now I have the following colors: Worn White, Licorice, Buffalo Brown, Dynasty Blue, So Serene, Betsey Ross Red, and Garfield Grey.

Shabby Paints also has Shimmer paints and glazes...and they are so fun! 

Here are some things I have painted with them.

 The cutie owl was painted with Real Teal Shimmer Paint!

This table was done with a mixture of Garfield Grey Chalked Paint

Be sure and go to the Shabby Paints website to see more of the color choices for the Shimmer Paints and Glazes.

Guess what else?  Some of the Shabby Paints stylists are AH-MAZING at mixing colors and finishes and glazes to make amazing new looks.  There is a whole section on the Shabby Paints websites for Recipes.  Be sure and check that out!

Want more inspiration?  Want to see more color ideas?  Check out these Pinterest Boards!  This one is mine.  And this one is for all of the Shabby Paints Stylists to post their work.

Enjoy perusing all of the wonderful work these talented folks have done!

And check back often for new colors!!  I'll definitely keep you posted!

What is your favorite?  And if you're a "mixer", be sure to share your "recipe" with here and at Shabby Paints!

Why Shabby Paints? Part 2: Finishes

Hopefully you are a little more interested in Shabby Paints because you read yesterday's post and learned that not only is it less expensive than other products on the market right now, but it comes in various sizes.  This is especially great for newbies who are just wanting to get their feet wet and see what this chalked paint craze is all about!

What?  You didn't read yesterday's post?  Well finish reading this post, then go to the first one here.

Yesterday I almost launched right into talking about finishes...but stopped myself and was patient until today!  Shabby Paints is revolutionizing the world of chalked paint by their introduction of Vax and ReVax.  Let me back up a little bit and start with a few questions.

Who likes waxing?  You know, getting a big ole brush and rubbing, and rubbing and rubbing the wax in - going in circles and applying pressure.  Then realizing there's too much on there and having to wipe some off.  Then rubbing some more.  Then wiping it off.  Oh...and then having to go back a few hours later to buff it.  No one?  Didn't think so.

Who likes the smell of stinky waxes?  Having to wax outside no matter if it's terribly hot or uncomfortably cold because otherwise it stinks up the house and possibly causes an asthma attack in your kiddo?  No one?  Didn't think so.

Oh...here's one.  There was one brand I used where after you painted and waited for the paint to dry, you had to wait anywhere from a couple of hours to...get this...a whole 24 hours until you could apply it!!!  WHAT???  I have 3 kids, a few part time jobs, a husband, a home to keep up and on, and on, and on.  When I have time to paint I need to be able to get things done.  Right then!  I don't always have 24 hours to wait which means I might not be able to get back to that project for several days.  Who likes waiting?  No one?  Didn't think so.

Speaking of waiting around, who likes that you have to wait around for wax to cure for like a month?  And that you have to reapply wax every year or so?  Think back to the first question about rubbing and buffing...do you like doing that EVERY YEAR?  NOPE!  Oh what about that you can't use it on surfaces that you use a lot?  Or that might get wet and stuff?  No?  Doesn't work for you?  Me either.

Just RELAX...we've got your VAX!!!

Vax is a revolutionary protective finish combining the style of wax with the durability of varnish.  It was designed exclusively by and for Shabby Paints.  It is a combination of varnish and wax.  Vax is a clear product.  If you like the color and depth of your painted piece, use Vax.   If you want to add an aged look or some dimension to your piece, use ReVax which is Vax in colors.  It comes in Hazelnut (brownish), Black and Pearl.  So, let me address each of my questions from above.

Who likes waxing and all of the work it entails?  NOT ME.  Vax/ReVax is easy peasy.  You apply it by simply brushing, rubbing or rolling it on.  No special expensive fancy brushes.  You can use a paintbrush or a Vax / ReVax applicator which are sold by many of the stylists!   No buffing is necessary...although you can if you want to!  Also, it dries FAST so if you want to add another coat you can.  But, you get great protection from just one coat.  Some other brands recommend that you apply up to 6 coats for the best coverage!  YIKES!  I guess I'm lazy, I just don't want to do that much work!

Did anyone like the stinky wax?  Fumes?  Even from brands that claim to be LOW VOC?  Prefer NONE?  I DO, I DO!  Shabby Paints Vax and ReVax are VOC FREE.  To me, they smell just like the chalked paint.  I Vax and ReVax in my house...usually in my bedroom so I can watch the news while I work (I'm a news junky - little trivia tidbit about me!  I LIVE for breaking news!!) And my kids are always around while I'm working - I don't have to worry one bit about their health or the affects of being near me while I paint.  I have enough to worry about in regards to my kids - I don't need to add my work affecting them!

Who wants to wait hours or even days in between painting and applying the finish?  Anyone? No?  Me either.  I love that I can start as soon as the paint is dry.  And in fact, usually by the time I finish a big enough piece, the first part is dry so I can almost immediately get started Vax'ing!

 Here are directions and more information on using Vax and ReVax.  I love it.  My recommendation is to mix the sheer Vax and the colored ReVax together 50/50 for better control over your coverage.  Otherwise, you can paint one coat of Vax and then a coat of ReVax . 

Shabby Paints also offers a varnish.

This is what you would use to get the most durable finish.  A coffee table or cabinets might be candidates for this...although you can also use Vax and ReVax for those.  So that takes me to the last question I asked above about waiting for wax to cure and reapplying it every year.  When you get a piece of furniture finished and you're SO proud to display it or sell it...the last thing you want to do is wait 30 days!  And then you have to advise your customer to re-wax every year?  Or do it yourself?  Ummm..nope.  You do NOT have to wait for Vax, ReVax or Varnish to cure.  They don't need to be reapplied every so often.  And you CAN use any of these products on anything...including kitchen cabinets!

So...my last and final question is...why would you EVER use anything else?  I know I won't!!

Why Shabby Paints? Part 1: Prices and Sizes

One good thing...maybe the only good thing...about the flu is that you have A LOT of down time.  It's funny because I used to love down time.  I used to crave down time.  Any excuse to lie around and do nothing...I took it.  But in the last several years something changed.  I HATE doing nothing now.  It is stressing me out so badly not to be able to be up and DOING stuff.  So, I'm lying down and DOING stuff.  Like writing blog posts!  And working on a tutorial video.  Kinda fun I guess!

Something that is WAY fun, to me, is talking about Shabby Paints!  I want to tell you all about why I love Shabby Paints so much that I am making it into my business!  I thought I'd do a series of posts about it!!  These are in no particular order.  I couldn't figure out what the ranking would be!  They're all AWESOME.

Just thinking back to all of the different types of chalk paint I've tried, or wanted to try, the main thing I think about is how I always wanted to try so many of the different beautiful colors and fun waxes and finishes they offered...and the big disappointment when I realized that I had to have a small fortune to buy any of it.  Even the sample sizes seemed so expensive for the amount you would get.

Oh, and speaking of sample sizes...4oz is great to get an idea of what the color looks like.  This is also a great size if you know you're going to mix a little bit of a color in with another.  Or for craft projects and things like that.  I love the 4oz containers.  But if you need to a do a bigger piece, and don't want to spend a small fortune for a quart...you are stuck!!

In comes Shabby Paints!  Not only is our paint line the least expensive on the market today, we offer chalked paint in 4 sizes!!!  You read it right...4 sizes!!

4oz - $6
8oz - $9
16oz - $17
Quart - $29.99

Can't beat it!!

Our finishes range from $8-$28 depending on which product you pick and what size of course.

Speaking of our finishes...well, now I'm getting into another Why Shabby Paints? post!!  I'll save that for another time.

Let me know if you have questions! 

My Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day...But Not That Bad, I Guess

Usually a picture of paint all over my hands would indicate a great day - a day of painting!  My favorite thing.  But...in this case...well...let me start from the beginning.

My day started out good except my son forgot his backpack at home.  No big deal in the grand scheme of things so I thought well that's not too bad, I guess.

My day then got great because I went back to Jazzercise after a few weeks of not being able to go.  I wasn't able to go during the Christmas break - well, I could have but the kids put up a big fight and I felt bad.  It was their break too so I just didn't have the heart to make them get up and go.  So, I was THRILLED to get back and it felt great as always.

After showering and getting dressed, I headed out to the antique mall to take the shimmery Shabby Paints table that I posted about yesterday to the booth.  I also needed to add some labels to the containers of paint I took out last weekend.  I got there and went to unload the table and noticed that I forgot to do the back of two of the legs.  Uggghhhh...FRUSTRATION.  I couldn't wait to get this beautiful piece in the booth for sale.  Now I have to redo it and take it another day.

But it's not the end of the world so it's not too bad, I guess.

I go in and get started on my labeling.  I was happy to be there and hoping someone would come up and ask me about the paint but there weren't many people there.  It was a yucky day today and people probably did what I should have done...stayed home! 

Then it happened.  I dropped a 16oz container of paint and it cracked. 

YIKES. I ran up to the front desk trembling and fighting back tears - I hate that I cry when I'm frustrated, angry, scared, happy...you name it...but it's just me - and asked for paper towels.  I could quickly see they weren't going to work!  So I called my mom and asked her to come with Resolve.  I also posted on my Shabby Paints Stylist page and asked for help.  I got great suggestions but since I wasn't at home and had limited resources, I could only try the Resolve.  For the record, cleaning up as quickly as possible with water and Dawn soap were the main suggestions. 

Okay...so back to my dilemma.  I was sure I would be asked to pack my stuff and move out of my booth. But the owner was GREAT!  She said she had seen worse messes.  We were able to clean up the darker carpet which is the main walk way.  It had been too long for the lighter carpet.  BUT...that part is in my booth and people change out their carpet all the time.  We happen to have some left over from when we got new carpet this past summer so it shouldn't be too big of a problem.

PHEW!!  Ended up not too bad, I guess.

I left there pretty rattled but sure my day would turn around.  I went grocery shopping next and desperately needed some allergy medicine.  It's the kind with pseudophederine so you have to go to the pharmacy to buy it.  Some kind of website they needed to access wouldn't work so I couldn't buy it.  Ugggh...annoying.

But not too bad, I guess.

I got home with my groceries (did I mention it was raining?  and cold?) and as I drove home I noticed there were a LOT of cars up the street at my kids' school.  So I started wondering if I had the right time for my daughter's awards assembly that I was going to at 2:00.  I looked at my calendar - it started at 1:30.  I looked at the clock - it was 1:30.  I threw the frozen and refrigerator stuff in and sped to the school ignoring how bad I needed to go the bathroom.  I had to park across the street.  After running into the school office to get my sticker, huffing and puffing, they said, "Oh don't worry.  They're starting with 6th grade".  Mine's in 4th. 

PHEW!!  Not too bad, I guess.

So I went in and sat through part of 6th and then 5th.  And then...3rd.  Oh yes, they did 3rd before 4th.  Scheduling issues.  My daughter ended up getting an amazing award - one of the ones that only 2 from each class get for being good and kind to others etc.

GREAT!!!  Definitely not too bad.

I left the school to try another store for the medicine.  Gas light came on.  Not usually a big deal but on this day by this point...

Kinda getting BAD.

Line was SOOOOOOOO long at the next pharmacy.  Bought stuff to make brownies instead.  Picked up kids.  Made popcorn...burned it so bad I had to take it all the way outside to the big garbage can.

And so on, and so on.

All in all, nothing was so bad...or if it was it ended up being okay so I just kept thinking this is not too bad, I guess.  But...added all together...in one day, it was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

Now I'm going to bed!!

Shimmery Shabby Paints Side Table

When I saw the following Shabby Paints Stylist projects using Garfield Grey and Black ReVax I couldn't wait to try the combination myself.  I'm quite the copycat!

<source>

<source>

See how pretty??  The low table above sold within an hour of being put in her booth and was her very first Shabby Paints piece to do!  Shabby Paints products are SO easy!  Speaking of that...I'm going to start a series of posts on Why Shabby?  Why I love Shabby Paints and why I'm so excited to sell them that I...someone who has always been scared to "sell" to people...can't stop talking to people about this paint!

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.  I bought this small side table at the antique mall where I have my booth.  A lady was having a 75% off sale for her last day there.  She just wanted stuff GONE!  I'm always happy to help other dealers however I can - haha! Sorry for the awful picture on my vinyl Christmas tablecloth that I paint and craft on.  And of course the big pile of dirty clothes in the background! I ALWAYS forget to take before pictures.  I guess I'm getting a little better because the other half of the table was actually already painted when I took this picture!  Baby steps.

This piece screamed Garfield Grey to me!  But she's a fancy little table and she needed something special to keep her fanciness.  So I mixed one of our shimmer paints, Smoked Pearl, with Garfield Grey - about 3 parts to one.  It even looked gorgeous in the container! I painted two coats and then finished it with a 50/50 mix of Black ReVax and Sheer Vax.  This is one I'm going to have a hard time taking to my booth tomorrow.  It's amazing!

The shimmer paints are so gorgeous and add a little extra something to any project!  Stay tuned for the Why Shabby? series coming soon!

Shabby Paints - On The Shelves In Dallas

I promised I'd make an announcement when Shabby Paints is on the shelves!  It's ready to go! 

Antique Gallery Mall of Mesquite
3330 N. Galloway
Mesquite, TX 75150
Open Mon through Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-6

Stay tuned for more locations!

Beautiful Peacock Blue 1930's Desk

A friend called me one day and said she was having a garage sale with a neighbor who had a beautiful desk for sale. She sent me a picture and it looked beautiful...and was a great bargain! 

If you're thinking of getting into painting furniture, it helps to tell any and everyone about what you're doing, and hopefully when it's 2 o'clock the day of their garage sale and they're just wanting to get stuff GONE, they'll call you and you'll get a great deal!

I had just gotten home from a whole day of errands and just wanted to sink into the couch and play Candy Crush (Have I mentioned my mild addiction to Candy Crush?  My husband and kids might disagree with mild...) but I knew the desk was too good to pass up. I rushed over to get it.  The lady selling it said it belonged to her aunt and that it is from around the 1930's.

 It sat in my garage for a while because I didn't have the right color.  I get weird feelings about what color the furniture should be.  I knew this one HAD to be a blue'ish color with a black finish. When I got Shabby Paints Peacock blue...I knew it was the one!

So one night while we watched Turbo with the kids, I painted the whole thing Peacock blue and then tried a mixture if 50/50 Black ReVax and Sheer Vax.   It is verily lightly distressed.  It turned out so pretty!  I can't wait for some little kiddo to enjoy studying on it. Or an author to be inspired writing at it. Or a young couple use it in their office to pay bills and plan for their future! 

As always, I just pray that the piece blesses whoever ends up having it!

It's in my booth (#0622) at the Antique Gallery Mall in Mesquite, TX.

New Year Brings New Adventure - Shabby Paints Stylist

I know, I know...you tried to enjoy your New Year's Eve party. You ate, you drank, you absentmindedly hugged and kissed your loved ones at midnight. All the while thinking...what is Stevie's big announcement? Right? No? Hmmmm...

Okay, well here goes anyway.

For the past few years I've been into painting furniture. I've always wanted to paint furniture for money but never had a way to sell it so I just did what I could here and there around my house until my mom talked me into opening the booth at the antique mall.  Then I started being able to sell it for money!  Yay!

I also played around with different types of paint - mostly chalk paint. I've always loved the distressed furniture look so chalk paint is been right up my alley. This past summer I got to go to a workshop for my 40th birthday (thanks again mom!). It made me start to think about how much fun it would be to sell paint and conduct workshops.  But...like with the furniture painting, I didn't really know where to go with it. It was something that wouldn't leave my mind though.

So, I started looking into what it would take to be a retailer of chalk paint. I started praying about the possibilities and researching different avenues. In some cases I loved the paint and products but the company and people behind the company were less than appealing. In other cases, the people and the company were great but the products had flaws that I just couldn't overcome.

One day I was reading a blog post by a furniture painter and chalk paint retailer who I've followed for a while now and respect very much. She mentioned Shabby Paints and some people left comments about their amazing new finishes called Vax and ReVax (I'll go into detail about these products more specifically soon but it's a Varnish / Wax combination that is AMAZINGLY simple to use!). When I read that you didn't have to rub and buff and rub and buff some more with Vax, but instead just paint it on, I knew I had to try it out! In other words, they had me at Vax!

Shabby Paints Vax and ReVax

Then I learned more about the company and the people behind the company and I just got the best feeling about it. I tried the paint - it is so wonderful and easy to work with - and the Vax...and the ReVax...and I LOVED it all. The perfect combination - great product and great company.

I was still really nervous though. I'd check the website constantly to see if there was a Dallas retailer yet...halfway scared to death that someone would show up and I'd miss my chance...halfway hoping that someone would show up and I'd be relieved of my stress of the inner conflict I had about should I do it, how would I do it, would it work, etc.

But one day soon after we opened up the booth at the antique mall I got up the nerve to check into it. I had prayed about it, talked about it, dreamed about it long enough. My husband and my mom and my dad and well...everyone...kept saying just check into it. So I did and...

I'm SO excited to be a new retailer for Shabby Paints!!

It truly is a dream come true for me - as dramatic as that may sound - but it's the truth! I'm pretty scared and nervous as well. I guess that is normal for starting something so new!

I can't wait to tell the world more about this amazing product but for now, if you know anyone who paints furniture, please send them my way! They can find me here of course, but I'm much more active on Facebook and would love some more followers there.

The paint will be on the shelves at the Antique Gallery Mall in Mesquite sometime in the next several days.  I'll make an announcement when it's there.  And VERY soon I'll have it for sale on my FB page.

I appreciate all of the support I've received from my husband and parents especially - but also friends who I've confided in!

Here's to a wonderful new year!  I think 2014 is going to be amazing!