My First Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Project

I have finally jumped on the Annie Sloan chalk paint band wagon!  It took a while, but after visiting with Janet at The Empty Nest I came home ready to get started.  She assured me that my fear of the waxing process was nothing to be afraid of.  After a quick demonstration, I was sure even I could do it too.  

There are quite a few pieces of furniture in my house that I would like to paint.  I started out with a small table I bought back in the early 90's.  Something small and simple.  I was surprised at just how easy it was since I've never done anything like this before.  It took two coats of Old White paint which dried super fast, and the waxing with clear wax was a breeze.  No elbow grease required!  The distressing was my favorite part.  Who knew that would be so much fun!

I love how this little table turned out.  This one is going in the entryway from the garage to hold the key basket.  I have another one just like it in the guest room that will get a makeover too.  I'm totally hooked!  I'm looking forward to trying different colors and techniques.  The possibilities are endless!

Have you painted furniture before?  What was your experience like?

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

xo Annette xo

314.  people who encourage and inspire

315.  trying something new

316.  learning to just do it

Meeting a Blogging Friend In Person

When Michael asked me what I wanted to do on Mother's Day weekend, I knew right away what the answer was.  I wanted to take a day trip to Warrenton, Virginia to meet my blogging friend, Janet, and visit her shop, The Empty Nest.

I started blogging in 2009 and it wasn't long before I noticed she was leaving comments regularly.  When I checked out her blog, The Empty Nest, I was hooked right away.  Her creativity was inspiring and she posted some pretty yummy recipes too!  Eventually, Janet discovered Annie Sloan chalk paint and was painting all kinds of furniture pieces, frames, lamps and anything else she could think of.  This led to her getting a space at an antique mall which led to her opening her very own shop in downtown Warrenton.

The shop was full of vintage and vintage inspired treasures, tea pots and teacups, exquisite china, frames, linens, and of course Annie Sloan chalk paint and supplies.  Janet is a stockist and has posted numerous videos showing different techniques using the chalk paint.  She was gracious enough to show me how to wax and distress so I can get started on my own projects.

As much as I loved the the shop, I was just happy to meet Janet in person.  She was as warm and friendly as I had imagined.  Visiting with her made me realize just how lucky we are to have this blogging community of friends.  I've met so many people that I consider a friend that I never would have if it wasn't for blogging.  We might never meet in person, but I hope we do someday!

These are the treasures I brought home from The Empty Nest.  A painting by Janet, a teacup, and eleven embroidered napkins.

You can follow The Empty Nest on Facebook here
Have a great Monday!

xo Annette xo

305.  fresh air and sunshine

306.  day trips

307.  meeting a blogging friend in person

308.  finding a new happy place

309.  being Sean's and Erin's mom

310.  still having my mom

311.  my nephew graduating from college

312.  birthday surprises and love

313.  disconnecting from the internet for a few days