Month: April 2012

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How to Paint My Signature Finish

I’ve had this table for a while and couldn’t decide which color to paint it.  I was leaning toward yellow, but something told me to start with brown.  When I created this finish, I was using CeCe Caldwell’s products which we no longer use or carry.  To create this same look today, I use Old Town Paint Company’s Deep Chocolate followed by a wash of Old Town Paint’s Courthouse both which are available here.

 You can see how fast the paint is drying in this picture.
A little distressing and a coat of wax was all she needed.  Check out the finish on this table!  If I could put my name on my favorite type of finish, this look would be it.  Ask me to paint something all prim and proper and my brain starts to short-circuit but if I can shake it up with a little layering, distressing and funky-ness, it all falls into place.
I love how seeing colors peek through each other.
I love not only how easy it is to distress our chalk & clay paints, but how rich the finish looks when you’re finished.  A little rub here and there with a wet cloth (before you wax) is all it takes to create this look!
When I was finished with the base, I decided to add a little contrast to the inlay on the top to add a little contrast.  I can’t remember all many colors I used, but I’m sure it included a little Vintage White, creamy white and light gray.
I mixed and dry brushed several different colors to get the look I was going for but you can hardly see it in the pictures – urg.  I’ll take more tomorrow to see if I can capture better shots.
Yep, those are helicopters ~ millions of them getting ready to fall off our trees and make our yard a total mess for the next month.  Wanna know how I really feel about ’em?
She’ll be headed to my booth in Not So Shabby soon…    update – sold
 What’s your favorite way to finish furniture?

We offer several different lines of chalk clay & mineral paints here.

Shop our large selection of paint supplies at our Jenison Studio / Paint Shop or stop by at one of our West Michigan Shizzle Design booths.   Click here for hours and locations.  You can also order anytime online here.

You’ll find our display along side all our painted furniture and home decor.  Here’s some of what’s currently for sale here.

A hui hou ~ Shelly

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 Shizzle Style Painted Furniture Makeovers

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 Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

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 Funky Finishes

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Did you know…

  • It’s just the two of us:  My sister and I own and operate Shizzle Design which originated in my garage.  We have and will continue to work hard providing the best customer service.
  • We specialize in painting furniture and are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable
  • We are blessed to teach people from all over the U.S.  Join us for a super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshop in a casual & fun atmosphere.  For a list of current classes, click here.
  • Subscribe to our weekly blog posts for tips, tutorials, ideas & painted furniture inspiration.  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
  • Like our ShizzleLLC Facebook Page We share what we’re working on EVERY single DAY so you’ll usually find out about new classes, new products, new furniture, sales… if you follow us there. The more you comment, the higher your chance is of getting our daily posts.
  • Visit our Pinterest Page for our portfolio & more inspiration here.
  • Our Painted Furniture is offered at: Shizzle Design Paint Studio 2018 Chicago Dr., Jenison, MI 49428 AND Not So Shabby at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, Michigan.
  • Shop Paint:  Shop our large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies on our Online Shizzle Shop and at all three of our West Michigan LOCATIONS.

 

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Vintage White Drum Table with Gorgeous Detail

I had the honor of painting an antique drum table for a special person who’s like a second mom to me.  She’s the sweetest lady you’ll ever meet and happens to be mom to one of my very best friends.  I’ve pretty much adopted the entire family over the years since the rest of the clan is pretty fun too!

The girls were spicing up mom’s condo and wanted to paint a couple tables.

The first table she wanted painted was an antique drum table that was made a long time ago right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
It started out like this.

I busted out CeCe Caldwell’s Vintage White and went to town, accenting the pretty detail in the pedastal with Pittsburgh Gray (two of my favorite colors, I might add:)

I had a blast accentuating the leaf detail on the pedestal.
I also had fun doing the rub-a-dub rub to distress the edges exposing the dark wood underneath.
While I was painting this, Liz painted her mom’s wicker coffee table in Vintage White then dry brushed over it with Omaha Ochre.  She then distressed it here and there to give it that shabby look.  It was her first time using CeCe Caldwell’s Paint and she instantly became a master of distressing with a wet rag.  Great job Liz!
What a difference from that dark wicker ~ Brightens up the whole place!  
As usual, I hauled my table around the yard to shoot some photos.  Getting sick of all my weeds yet?
I couldn’t resist capturing some of my creeping phlox.  They only are in bloom for a like a blink.
I’ve come up with the conclusion that it’s hard to photograph white; it’s so reflective in the sun…  but too shadowed in the shade and I don’t care for indoor, studio shots.  That’s not how I roll.
Here she is nestled between two comfy chairs in her new home:)

Come on over ~ the coffee’s on and the food is even better!

Thanx again for letting me to this fun project for you!!  Enjoy:)

 

If you’re interested in trying CeCe Caldwell’s amazing paint and wax you can purchase it online through my shop here.  We offer it in quarts and sample size pots; order yours online HERE.

You’ll also find it in West Michigan in our Shizzle Design booth at Not So Shabby Antiques &amp ; Fine Furniture, 114 E. Main Ave., Zeeland, MI directions here. 

If you have a piece of furniture you would like painted, let me know.  I have a lot of projects in the works and some fabulous pieces patiently waiting their turn, so let me know if there is something you’re looking for.  Check out the furniture we currently have for sale – here.

This piece has been featured at:

here
Linking up to:

Miss Mustardseed – Furniture Feature Friday

Decorating Insanity – Furniture Friday Party
Redoux – Friday Link Up Party
Tatertots & Jello – Weekend Party Wrap Up
Common Ground – Vintage Inspiration Friday
WhisperWood Cottage – The Talent Scouting Party

Funky Junk Interiors – Saturday Night Special
Too Much Time on My Hands – Get Schooled Saturday 
1929 Charmer – Sunday’s Best Holiday Party

Sisters of the Wild West – Sunday Link Party
Between Naps on the Porch – Metamorphasis Monday
Coastal Charm – Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Knick of Time Interiors – Knick of Time Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style – Wow Us Wednesdays
aka Design – Do it Yourself
Restore Interiors – Restored it Wednesday
Primitive & Proper – POWW
Power of Paint – paint party
Beyond The Picket Fence

Thanx for stopping by ~ a hui hou!

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Delicious High Protein Breakfast Inspired by Panera Bread’s Mediterranean Sandwhich

On a recent visit to Panera Bread, I noticed a large sign advertising their Mediterranean Breakfast Sandwich.  What appealed to me the most was the combination of the pesto, spinach and egg whites…  I actually would prefer it without their bread but apparently, it makes heating it up a chore without the bread.

One of My Favorite Things for Breakfast
I just pile it all on, tastes better than it looks in my picture

Since we had a refrigeration full of Easter Eggs, I decided to create my own version and I love it even more.

I toast a high fiber, low sodium English muffin and pile it with:

  • two sliced hard boil egg whites
  • fresh spinach
  • thinly sliced tomatoes
  • swiss cheese 
  • pesto (Costco makes a good one)
  • fresh cracked black pepper
I pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds and eat it open-faced – Yum!  It’s so ono and packed with protein and healthy goodness.  Try it!
Have a great Day! 
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Overwhelmed by Clutter in Your Workshop?

There’s a lot of folks in blogland writing about the joys of painting and refurbishing furniture.  Most of the posts I read portray beautiful photographs of furniture and rooms that could be pulled straight out of a design magazine.

I love painting furniture, but I find it a constant struggle to organize all the revolving clutter eh-hem, furniture & supplies.  I’m guessing, I’m not the only one.  If you’re a project oriented type of person, you probably find yourself in a mess from time to time.

It seems to creep up on you like a tsunami and before you realize it, your whole world is turned upside down.  I’ll be the first to admit I’m the source of most of the messes in our home.  Many of them are related to the furniture painting business I started last year.  There is always an array of furniture taking up valuable space in our garage.

My VERY tiny workshop is bursting at the seams.  I have such a limited amount of space I can barely turn around.  Did I mention I’m severely ADHD?

My time is divided between hunting for furniture, painting pieces for the space I rent at the store, painting custom furniture for clients at home, hauling things to the store, creating price tags, printing labels, photographing furniture, re-sizing and downloading photos, writing blog posts, shipping paint, scheduling jobs, ordering supplies, paying bills, answering phone calls, emails and blog replies…. and that doesn’t even account for my responsibilities as a wife and mother of young ones.

My days start before the sun comes up and I work till I collapse, sometimes into the wee hours of the next morning.  Because I’m so exhausted at the end of the day, I end up  putting away only what I absolutely have to which means I wake up to a mountain a little bit larger than it was the day before.

A year ago, I never expected entering a few pieces of furniture in Holland’s Art in the Park would evolve into such a multi-faceted business.  Because everything I do is self taught, I’ve been in survival mode to get through each day.  
Last week a few good friends stepped in to help.  One of my friends bought me see through containers and organized all my small supplies for my birthday present.  Another one volunteered her husband to build & install shelving and a workbench turning my chaos into a functional workshop and one more stopped by the next day to keep me on track and help me put back and organize all the supplies I use on a daily basis. 
I didn’t get any photos while Tim and I were doing the built in’s because I was running the miter saw and using a really cool nail gun which has now been added to my wish list:).  
Lisa however shot pictures before, during and after our day of organizing.  She wrote a post about it on her blog True Hope and a Future.  Stop by Lisa’s blog to see what we accomplished here. 
Finding God and Learning from Him
 in the Events of Everyday Life

I’m busy the rest of the week with scheduled paint jobs and am doing a demo for CeCe Caldwell Paint & Wax at Not So Shabby tomorrow morning so I’ll have to wait a bit to finish the transformation of my workshop, but the organization is already making a huge difference in my ability to be more productive.  
So… grab a note pad, a sheet of graph paper and a fresh pair of eyes and make a list of what you need to make your workshop more organized; you’ll be happy to did.
Many mahalos to Kami and Tim, Beth, Lisa and Kalei for all your help and support as I work through the growing pains of having my own business!  I couldn’t have done it without you!!

I have a lot of projects in the works and some fabulous pieces patiently waiting their turn,  let me know if there is something you’re looking for or if you have a piece of furniture you would like painted. 


Linking up to these Great Parties!
Sisters of the Wild West – Sunday Link Party
1929 Charmer – Sunday’s Best Party
Metamorphasis Monday – Between Naps on the Porch
Vintage Inspiration Friday – Common Ground
Thanx for stopping by ~ a hui hou!
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Why I love CeCe Caldwell’s Natural Clay and Chalk Paint

It seems like only yesterday when I had the pleasure of meeting the Mountain/Midwest Distributors for CeCe Caldwell.  I was able to learn about this amazing company and explore beautiful furniture transformations designed using CeCe Caldwell’s all natural paint and wax.  I was was given hands on experience using the paint and wax & just like that… I fell in love! 

Destin Gulf & Spring Hill Green


Here’s some of the reasons I love CeCe Caldwell products

I LOVE the beautiful colors and how easy they are to blend

    I love not having to strip furniture before I can paint it
      
    Just give whatever you’re going to paint a good cleaning and you’re good to go!  It adheres better than any paint I’ve ever used.

    I LOVE that you can tint the wax by mixing it with a little paint.  You can create all sorts of different looks doing this.


      Georgia Clay with Dark Aging Wax

      I LOVE how easy it is to distress the details and edges of a piece of furniture using a damp cloth before you wax it. 
      Spring Hill Green with Clear Wax

      I LOVE that the wax is all natural and free of toxins.  No foul smell, no harmful, hazardous products in this wax.  I no longer need to use gloves or respirators while I’m waxing and risk more damage to my lungs.

      Maine Harbor Blue blended with Alaskan Tundra Green


      • I LOVE how easy the wax is to work with.  The wax has the creamy consistency of butter at room temperature.  You can apply is using a lint free rag or brush.  I personally prefer to wax my pieces using a short bristled natural brush, and I’m telling you I practically start dancing every time because it goes on so easily!  This one product alone is saving me hours and hours of time and frustration every week.


      I LOVE that I don’t have to battle with the wax when I apply it.  It brushes on so easily and I end up with a more superior finish on every piece.


        I LOVE watching the color of the paint deepens as it soaks in the wax.  It’s hard to see on the whites, but it’s really noticeable on any other color and it’s just cool to watch.  It’s nice to see if you’ve missed a spot, and can be especially helpful for someone who’s never worked with wax before.

          Maine Harbor Blue while applying Clear Wax

          I lOVE how simple the wax is to buff too.  I no longer need to spend hours and hours sweating bullets to get a great finish.  I just take a lint free rag and gently buff it out by hand. 


          Dry-Brushing & Layering Technique

          Alaskan Tundra with Light and Dark Aging Waxes

          I LOVE the depth of color and variation of it once the wax is buffed.  Everyone keeps thinking I’m dry brushing another shade of a similar color over the first to get that look.  


          Though I’d like to take the credit for this cool effect, it’s not me ~ it’s CeCe’s products just doing their thing. 

          Vintage White and Pittsburgh Gray

          Mississippi Mud layered over Hershey Brown

          Pickerington Violet over Hershey Brown & Extg White


          Cinco Bayou Moss with Clear and Dark Wax


          Texas Prairie with Light Aging Wax


          We also have a nice supply of our fabulous and ever popular Clear wax
           read all about this here


          Dark Aging Wax / Cream


          Satin Finish
          durable brush on topcoat for things such as table tops and kitchen cabinets


          So what’cha waiting for?  Try it – You’ll LOVE it!


          You can order CeCe Caldwell’s Paints through my Online Shizzle Shop here or if you’re in the Grand Rapid’s area, you’ll find it in my booth at Not So Shabby Antiques & Fine Furniture, 2975 West Shore Drive, Holland, Michigan 49424.  

          Vintage Inspiration Friday – Common Ground

          Thanx for stopping by ~ a hui hou!

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          Spring Hill Green turns an Antique Dresser into One Sassy Piece!

          A couple months ago, a friend from church asked me to come over and check out the antique dresser she purchased to use as a TV stand.  She was in the process of picking out fabrics and wall colors and wanted to know if the dresser she picked up was in good enough condition to paint.

          This is what she had and of course I fell in love!  This dresser has my name written all over it ~ sigh.

          Then she presented me with the idea of painting it blue, orange or green.  Not just any shade, but something so bright it would pop off the walls and create a statement.  Sassy I believe was the word she used.  She wanted something “
          “Sassy”.  Hmm…
          When she asked my opinion, I told her I could see those colors on retro pieces but a 100 year old dresser, I lean more towards the neutrals.  She wanted to wait until the new paint was on the walls, so we waited.

          Then, a couple weeks ago, she sent me pictures of two fabric’s she was using for accents and showed me the bright green and blue she was debating between.  I brought over my paint samples.  The kids liked this blue.

          Blue Montana Sky

          But as soon as my friend saw the Spring Hill Green, she knew – “THIS IS IT!    I LOVE IT!”

          Spring Hill Green is one of the amazing colors from CeCe Caldwell’s all natural clay and chalk paint and I have to admit, it looks really cool against her freshly painted gray walls.
          CeCe Caldwell’s ~ Spring Hill Green
          We loaded her up and  I started the transformation.  I glued down the loose veneer, repaired a broken drawer runner and refreshed the dried out drawers with a fresh coat of stain.
          Here’s what the paint looks like as it’s drying.  The darker green is the wet paint, the lighter green is the dry.
          I get a kick out of watching the color change every time ~ what can I say?
          In this picture, the paint is almost dry.  You can tell I painted the top last as it is still darker and there are a few spots on the sides… that have not yet dried completely.
          Now it’s time for the best part.  The wax!  The paint will deepen in color as you apply it with a brush or rag then will lighten to the intended color once it’s dry.
          I just love the dimension in this paint!
            And here she is!

          Sassy ~ I think it fits!

          CeCe Caldwell’s paint and wax is best for painted furniture.  It’s made and manufactured right here in the USA and is sweeping our nation like wild fire!  So… what are you waiting for?

          If you’re interested in trying CeCe Caldwell’s amazing paint and wax you can order it through my online shop here.  You’ll also find it in West Michigan at our Shizzle Design booth in Not So Shabby Antiques &amp ; Fine Furniture, 114 E. Main Ave., Zeeland, MI directions here.  You’ll find our display along side all our painted furniture and home decor.  

          I spend a large chunk of time painting custom pieces for clients.  If you have a piece of furniture you would like painted, let me know.  Our current pieces for sale can be seen here.  It changes frequently but I do my best to mark things as sold once they’re gone.

          A hui hou! ~ Shelly

          This piece has been featured at:

           

          Linking up to:
          Savvy Southern Style – Wow Us Wednesdays
          aka Design – Do it Yourself

          Restore Interiors – Restored it Wednesday
          Primitive & Proper – POWW
          Beyond The Picket Fence

          Domestically Speaking – The Power of Paint Party
          Miss Mustardseed – Furniture Feature Friday

          Decorating Insanity – Furniture Friday Party
          Redoux – Friday Link Up Party
          Tatertots & Jello – Weekend Party Wrap Up
          Common Ground – Vintage Inspiration Friday
          WhisperWood Cottage – The Talent Scouting Party

          Funky Junk Interiors – Saturday Night Special
          Too Much Time on My Hands – Get Schooled Saturday 

          1929 Charmer – Sunday’s Best Holiday Party

          Sisters of the Wild West – Sunday Link Party
          Between Naps on the Porch – Metamorphasis Monday
          Coastal Charm – Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
          Knick of Time Interiors – Knick of Time Tuesday