Watching Paint Dry

Watching paint dry has never been as exciting as it was yesterday at Gorgeous Gerties. I attend a chalk paint effects class, oh and loved every minute of it. The class was taken by Simon, who owns the shop next door called Shabby Chic Country Living, where you can buy the paint.

Back in the 80's I did every paint effect I could ... sponging, dragging, stippling, stenciling ... you name it, I did it. And I truly never thought it would be back in fashion. But chalk paint has taken off and in a big way, I think its because it doesn't need any primer or sanding and can paint virtually anything.

I have used Annie Sloan chalk paint, in the past, but never really got to grips with it, I found it really gloppy and thick, and I never really achieved a look I was happy with. So if I'm truly honest, I never really expected to be that impressed with the paint we were using at the class, I just really expected to learn maybe what I had been doing wrong. Instead we painted and stenciled a tray, used two different paint colours to get an effect, played with distressing techniques, used Copydex to get an effect, crackling, glass stenciling, oh and so much more.

All I can say is, I can't wait to start painting the furniture for the little house ....The paint we used was Grand Illusion Vintage Paint, and its brilliant! It almost has the same consistency of an emulsion but oh the uses are wonderful - with varnish, you could even use it outside.

So if you've got some old furniture you're thinking of throwing out, try giving this paint a go (and I believe you can by tester size paints.  Anyway, here are a few photos from the day.

These were our practice boards, where we learnt distressing techniques and varnishing

Started with a blank tray

It had a base colour and then copydex in areas that I wanted distressed

Voila, finished article with copydex removed ... next time I'd distress more along the edge, but I'm happy with the finished article that's for sure. 

oh and of course it was held at Gorgeous Gerties ... and they did what they do best .. Cake :) 

All in all, I had the most fabulous day, and I can't wait to start experimenting on furniture.