As I was sitting in the workshop in a darling cottage on a country farm... my head was swimming with wonderful stories and information and inspiration!
I had on a work apron and held a paintbrush in my hand and I was learning to coax beauty out of a piece of wood.
Bowls of creamy paints surrounded my workspace and encouraged me to give them a try!
It was a magical day!
Our teacher, Celeste Blumenauer owner of CATFISH CREATIVE FURNISHINGS infused the day with so much creativity and wonderful instruction and tips... I had to have her share some of her magic with you...
Celeste...
Our aprons!
Celeste is the owner of CATFISH CREATIVE FURNISHINGS and the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Stockist for Montgomery County MD, NW Washington DC and Loudoun County VA.
Here are a few painting tips she is sharing to help us become better painters...
FIVE PAINTING TIPS FROM CELESTE....
for using Chalk Paint from Annie Sloan
1. When painting the second coat of ASCP on a piece, dip the eyelashes of your paintbrush (just the tip of the bristles) into water and then dip your brush into the paint. This will water down the ASCP just enough to give your piece a "light, breezy half coat". A "perfectly lovely glidey second coat".
2. Here is a wonderful tip for creating a soft black color using ASCP....
Put Graphite ASCP over a coat of Aubusson Blue ASCP for a "very soft rich black". Put a coat of clear wax over that and end with a coat of dark wax. You will have a "deep, rich, but soft black".
3. Don't put on too much wax! A little bit goes a long way. "Too much wax is the biggest mistake people make".
4. When working on a piece and you are not sure it is turning out well.."get out of the room"! Walking away from a piece for a little bit will give you a better perspective. Walking away and "having a glass of wine works even better". (This works for me every time!)
5. "FORGET ABOUT BEING EXACTLY RIGHT"... Don't over think a piece.
"Creativity does not start in your head... it starts when you pick up a paintbrush!"
"Just start to paint... paint the color YOU love"
"People are much more creative when they are in the process... rather than when they are up in their heads thinking about the process."
Remember to
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for sharing your experience.
This post was so informative and delightful!
~Lynne
w/L.
how wonderful, thank you so much for sharing this with us. Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips... especially dipping the brush in water before the second coat (and, of course, the drinking wine part :)). Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to my next ASCP project :)
ReplyDeleteI am dying to try my hand at chalk paint..and am determined that I will, just have to find the right project!
ReplyDeleteEver since you posted the various boards you did while attending class a few weeks ago, I have been so interested in this product! I know what I want to paint, now I must get brave, and go forth!! Gosh, that is easier said then done . . .
ReplyDeleteI love Annie Sloan chalk paint and I always enjoy learning new techniques to use it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, Elizabeth
I just bought my first ASCP -Paris Gray. I'm so excited to give it a try. Thanks for this post and the great tips!
ReplyDelete~Lynn
now I want to run out and pick up some graphite and aubbouson!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me want to paint everything in my house! You are a beautiful writer.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!!! I have so many cans of ASCP in my cabinet, I just haven't painted anything in awhile.
ReplyDeleteJust reading this makes me want to pick up a paint brush and go at it...thanks for sharing,I know you are having a ball....sounds like ton's of fun....wish I lived a tad bit closer..I would sure join in, it's great when we get to share these fantastic times...can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeletegreat post. I enjoyed it. thanks for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteI think it would take dozens of classes for me to master the art of painting, I just don't seem to have the knack for it...but I certainly love seeing everyone else's results. I've yet to try the chalk paint-waiting for the right "found" piece to try it on! It sounds as if you learned so much...fun!
ReplyDeleteYou know I LOVE AS chalk paint Yvonne, and I love learning new techniques! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post for us chalk paint amateurs. I haven't tried ASCP yet.
ReplyDeleteThis is great to know! Thanks, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
Fantastic post! I'll have to try the graphite over abusson. That sounds great! I actually had the pleasure of taking Celeste's class at Annie's tour in Boston. She is so funny and a great teacher.
ReplyDeleteThanks, again Celeste! You are one very special and talented lady!
ReplyDeleteThank you to Celeste for these great tips and to you of course Yvonne!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
What great tips, Yvonne! I still haven't tried ASCP, but I'd love to. Thank you, also, for being a follower of my blog! XOXO
ReplyDeletePainting my house is always a big deal for me because I’m not much familiar with the paint brush but after reading your tips, I think this time I can do it properly and it will work out.
ReplyDelete