Enchanting Play of Light

An Oval Mirror

2012-02-17T16:19:00.001-08:00

Before....thank heavens I remembered to take a photo of the piece, something I often forget to do. I just realized later that it is unnecessary to put tape between the wood and the mirror because you can always use a razor blade later to gently remove the paint.
After......this piece went through many paint color transformations. The first coat was Henrietta, then Coco with clear and dark wax. It wasn't the look I was striving to achieve, so I then re-painted it with 3 parts Old White to 1 part Louis Blue. This made the most exquisite color called "Pompadour" which I then covered with clear and a little dark wax. Again, I was not satisfied. Finally I took some Duck Egg Blue from a can that was nearly empty, added some water to thin it, mixed in some Chateau Grey from a small plastic container that I had leftover from a workshop and poured in some Pure White from a nearly empty can to lighten it and came up with the color I wanted.
I love pieces that have this kind of detail because it allows you to layer colors, distress, and define details. Adding the clear and dark wax takes this one step further and adds to the patina and character.
The mirror itself has some worn character as well. I am always looking for imperfect mirrors that show a little age in the reflection.
I like the way the paint looks like it is chipping away from years of use.
I really am loving the dark wax these days. I love the way it sinks into the pock-marked wood.
The mirror found a perfect spot to reside and actually looks like it might have been there forever. Now I am on to the next project, a small table for my bathroom to match a well-loved wallpaper.

Thinking About Color and Light

2012-02-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

I think that sometimes it is important to look at color and design and not necessarily see the setting or the object, but rather explore the sensory qualities, the emotional appeal it may generate. I also think this experience is entirely unique for each individual because we each come to this vision with our own set of values and criteria and expectations. Think about color and light in a new way, explore the vast possibilities. They are infinite, just like a snowflake.

French Wallpaper Screen

2012-02-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

I found this screen at an estate sale. I think screens in a room are beautiful as well as functional. I knew this one could be painted in ASCP and re-wallpapered to give it a whole new life.
I had purchased some very old French wallpaper about a year ago in one of the antique malls and it had some form of French identity on the back. I saved that part. I made one lampshade and sold it on etsy, one I featured recently in Pinterest, but I wanted to use the wallpaper in something larger to show the beauty of the design.
I painted the frame in Old Ochre and waxed it, but now I am thinking I will add some dark wax and distressing to give it more character to match the old French design.
I have many design books in my collection and this has currently become my go-to book for inspiration. If you can find it, it is well worth the investment to own a copy.

Annie Sloan keeps a book like this primarily to show the gradations of color change when Old White is added. She also puts in inspiring photos as well as fabric swatches. Ever since I saw hers, I determined to make one too. Currently I am writing down paint recipes. I buy the thicker mixed media art books so the pages can be painted. It is a great way to remember inspiring paint combinations too.

A French Chair

2012-02-11T14:52:00.001-08:00

Recently I took a trip down to the delightful community of Aurora that has the most charming collection of antique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. I seldom get a chance to get away and do this, but it was Sunday morning, and I did not have to be back to open my store for two more hours. My errand was to pick up a ladder in one of the antique malls, South End Antiques and Collectibles, that I wanted to use for my store display (they also have great things!). I also popped into Main Street Merchantil to take a quick look and found this French chair. It was marked down, and I probably paid too much for it, but I could not leave it behind. The carving and patina is beautiful. The upholstery is simply dreadful.

I am always drawn to chairs for some reason. They have a certain presence, perhaps a touch of some kind of mysterious persona. In a room they seem to settle in and make their presence known in a very discreet manner.

I will definitely get rid of the upholstery. This chair is far too elegant for a velour-type of fabric. Yet, I am having a certain dilemma.....

How do I decide to finish the rest? Do I paint it (my original intent)? Now that I look at the carving as well as the natural wear and patina, is it simply too good to paint over? I could scarcely do it justice by painting it and trying to create this kind of perfection. Maybe I will just re-do the upholstery.

How could one not possibly fall in love?

After and Before

2012-02-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

I love looking at photos that feature the transformation of a piece of furniture that is nice but not particularly eye-catching. This is my newest favorite color, 3 parts Aubusson Blue to 1 part Antibes Green. I showed it in the previous post, but did not show how it was originally.
I created a green from Antibes Green, Arles, and Chateau Grey. I loved the color and will use it on a piece for Spring, but this piece was meant for that blue jewel-tone. As Annie says, a piece will tell you what it wants to be if you give it time just to evolve. I had this piece for a few months and just kept staring at it thinking about the color.
This is the back.
This is the side. It really has great lines and I love the curves as well as the straight legs. I painted the inside two drawers in Emile so it is a nice surprise when you open the drawer!

ASCP Addiction

2012-02-06T19:00:00.001-08:00

I have always loved collecting really lovely old textiles, very old. I thought my addiction would never change. Now I am on the hunt for furniture....not just any furniture but furniture that has some distinction as in the category of "would it be good enough for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint?" In effect, details, good bones, character. I am very picky, but it seems as if there are some pretty good options in the world of worn-out furniture ready to be transformed! This piece is painted in Annie's newest color, the color that is featured on Annie Sloan's Tour coming in mid-March. It is a beautiful, soft pink called "Antoinette" and I have to say it is romantic and warm and very appealing.
This little red table has been through many paint transformations, but it is now dressed in a base coat of Primer Red with a top icing of Emperor's Silk. Well it doesn't get any better than that. Finished with a combination of clear and dark wax. Yum.
I have to say this is my current favorite. It is 3 parts Aubusson Blue to 1 part of Antibes Green. I waxed it with clear wax and then did some accents with the dark wax. I have to say it is just the most amazing jewel tone and once you paint it on a drab piece you simply want to paint everything this color.
Here she is back in my shop and ready for a space that defines and celebrates her.
And last, these are some of my painted pieces that I displayed in my space at Junk Salvation this weekend. My husband is standing in the truck with only his legs showing because he does not want to be the featured one, although he deserves it more than you could possibly know! It was a great show!!

Embrace Winter Blues

2012-01-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Embrace the winter blues....Annie Sloan's perfect blues as in Duck Egg Blue, Louis Blue, Napoleonic Blue, Aubusson Blue, Provence, Greek Blue, and Old Violet. Come take a look at the blue furniture, the paint, and the beauty and serenity of Annie's blues and wipe away any winter blues you may have!

Returning

2012-01-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am returning to Portland from the East Coast today.....
and will be at The Purple Pear tomorrow to begin a new year of creative endeavors.

29 Ways to be Creative

2011-12-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

Twenty-nine Ways to be Creative
by To-Fu

1) Make lists.
2) Carry a notebook everywhere.
3) Try free writing.
4) Get away from the computer.
5) Quit beating yourself up.
6) Take breaks.
7) Sing in the shower.
8) Drink coffee.
9) Listen to new music.
10) Be open.
11) Surround yourself with creative people.
12) Get feedback.
13) Collaborate.
14) Don't give up.
15) Practice.
16) Allow yourself to make mistakes.
17) Go somewhere new.
18) Count your blessings.
19) Get lots of rest.
20) Take risks.
21) Break the rules.
22) Don't force it.
23) Read a page of the dictionary.
24) Create a framework.
25) Stop trying to be someone else's perfect.
26) Got an idea? Write it down.
27) Clean your workspace.
28) Have fun.
29) Finish something.

Gearing up

2011-12-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Lauren of Washington who won the gift basket drawing and will now be entered in the national drawing to win either a ticket to meet Annie Sloan and participate in a workshop or receive $350 worth of paint. I appreciate all those that were willing to participate, and I am sure there will be other events going forward that everyone can enjoy.
I spent Christmas Eve walking around Washington DC with my husband. The White House was particularly beautiful contrasted against the darkness of the evening.
Yesterday we took a trip out to see Lucketts Store where Miss Mustard Seed had her space. It is a wonderful store, three floors of beautiful furniture as well as decorative items and collectibles. Marion of Miss Mustard Seed was in the process of down-sizing her space in order to focus on her book, so there was not much to see as I had hoped.
This was one of the spaces. Everyone there seems to have a knack for displaying wonderful and fascinating things. I could have spent a lot on furniture had I been able to easily transport it to the West Coast.
As I was roaming around inside, my husband was outdoors in the rain and drizzle looking at all the spaces out there. I guess I was a little surprised that all this great furniture was left out in the rain.

I did purchase these two French Faience plates to bring back to the shop.
One of my goals for 2012 is to bring in some beautiful handmade pillows to sell in the shop. I intend to use my antique/vintage textiles and trims as well as collection of old buttons. Lots to plan and create and anticipate as I gear up for a new beginning year with The Purple Pear!

Winding down

2011-12-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

Our holiday party at The Purple Pear was relaxing and easy. We did not do any painting, but we did share paint stories as well as lots of inspiration. Jeanette flew up from LA just to be there and help. The time went all too quickly and she was headed home to her sweet baby and husband and work by early Sunday afternoon.
I have never shared this painting that my friend, Kathy Sandler painted for me when I opened my shop. This is such a beautiful painting and everyone loves it. Why did I choose the name The Purple Pear? Long story shortened, it all began with a blog I read called The Black Apple. I have this thing about pears as well as pomegranates and the color purple seemed like it went well with pear as opposed to blue. And I wanted to convey that one can expect the unexpected when they enter the shop since there is no such thing as a purple pear.
When the new year approaches, I am always anxious to get on with new ideas and new colors and new inspiration. I keep staring at this card in my shop. It is a Jessie Wilcox print so full of new life, new anticipation. After the holidays, it will be time to give the shop a new look. I think I am ready!
This tiny chair has been a work in process for at least four years. It wasn't finished until about 6 weeks ago when I decided what it needed was Annie Sloan's colors, Napoleonic Blue, Aubusson Blue, a touch of Provence, and a little gold with a vintage textile to bring it all together.
One of my customers recently shared with me a piece of furniture she had purchased for a great deal, and actually brought it in the shop to show me.

The photo does not do justice to the beauty of this piece. She used Old Ochre, Old White, and Scandinavian Pink with clear and dark wax.
This is the back where you can see some of the Scandinavian Pink coming through. I love the lines of this piece too. Liz did such an amazing transformation on this piece.

Today is my last day in the store until I return from the East Coast on January 2nd. I will be back to open on Tuesday, the 3rd with regular store hours. I will come back ready to plan a great year with Annie Sloan products as well as teaching more versatile workshops. I will also be adding additional workshops taught by other people who will offer other great ideas using Chalk Paint. I will also be filling the store with lots of textile-related products such as pillows, throws, lace creations, sachets, and even textile jewelry. So stay tuned. I will post some things here while I am with my husband for the holidays. I hope to go on some antiquing jaunts! I will be close to Lucketts where Miss Mustard Seed has her space.

2011-12-07T12:42:00.001-08:00

My store is offering the Annie Sloan American Tour and Chalk Paint Giveaway to local customers. Come in and fill out an entry form or call me at 503-206-6554 to enter in the local drawing. Check out all the exciting details for the Annie Sloan American Tour and this incredible event! Also become a follower of Annie Sloan's Blog.

I will announce the local winner here on December 31,2011. Good luck!!!

Annie Sloan's Barcelona Orange

2011-12-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

I just opened a quart of the new paint that arrived on Thursday. I have been anxiously waiting for it. It is stunning! I painted a paint stick, one of my apples, a miniature chest, and did a sample with Barcelona Orange under Coco with clear and dark wax with some distressing so the orange comes through. Can't wait to come up with some other combinations for this rich and lively color.

I had some old lace that was falling apart and not really good for clothing or decorator sewing, so I glued various pieces to some clear votives. They look especially nice in a darkened room since the lace allows shadows and varying plays of light in a room.

Lately, I have been smitten with tiny shoes. I found these at an antique show recently and could not resist them.

Everything is for sale in the shop, including these Boston Bull Terrier salt and pepper shakers.

It is always fun to have a variety of luncheon or dessert plates in the cupboard. At home these days, I use everything. Isn't everyday a day to use "the best"? There are four, "Made in Japan".

The color of this little box and the floral container in the painting behind it remind me of Annie's color "Arles".

One simply cannot have too many pieces of hair jewelry, especially if they are embellished with Japanese flowers and colors.

This is my lace-covered votive placed on my fireplace mantel at home. It is the perfect place to sit and dream and be enchanted by the light, one of my favorite pastimes anytime.

Holiday Preparation

2011-11-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

I have been getting ready for the holidays earlier than usual this year. I took a dollhouse down to my shop that I had displayed in a guest bedroom. It really needed a coat of Annie's Chalk Paint to transform it into an elegant little dollhouse. I had so much fun working on this project that now I am on the hunt for more dollhouses to paint.

I even went as far as looking for tiny lights to decorate the front of the house, but discovered, after attaching them, that battery-operated lights just do not last very long. Three double A batteries every three days is a bit extravagant. I put a little decorated tree in the window instead.

I brought in a small round table for the center of the room and painted it Versailles. The little tree looks perfect there. And, of course, Versailles looks good on absolutely everything!

I took my sewing machine down to the shop and made stockings to hang in the window. The fabrics and trims and lace are all vintage. They are also for sale.

The tiny red baby shoes stole my heart recently at an antique show. I think they spell the magic of the season, tender and sweet and hopeful.

Upcoming Shows and Workshops

2011-10-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday I was a vendor at Art and Soul. What an amazing week-long event this is for so many women who come from all over the country to participate in all kinds of art and mixed media classes. I am hoping that next year I can take a workshop or two and do the vendor show again as it was so much fun being around all these creative women. Everyone loved Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint and the colors. I also had a chance to sell some of my antique textiles, trims, buttons, and tassels. I will be selling more of this at the upcoming show at the Washington County Fair Complex in Hillsboro.

Before the show, I was busy painting color cards to sell. This is a time consuming process, but when it is finished the colors look so true, and it is easier to really see the paint and all the exquisite colors Annie has created in her palette.

I sell these in my shop and soon they will be listed on my website too.

This is the new paint lid that just came into the shop. It is going to be great! Now no more mess or waste around the rim of the paint can.

I have so many lovely things in my shop for sale, including this wonderful passion flower painting that was done on a board. I would guess it is late 19th c. but it is such a beauty in form and color and composition.

In the weeks ahead I will be posting more photos of upcoming Chalk Paint workshops as well as holiday-themed workshops. So please check in periodically to see what is going on in the shop and out of the shop at the various shows.

The Purple Pear revisited

2011-09-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I entered the world of blogging, even my very own. I need to get back here and resume with some stories and a few photos of what has been going on with The Purple Pear......

I finally am getting around to some essentials like advertising, what I am doing here and why I am in this retail space.

I have already moved several pieces of furniture out to accommodate some great Chalk Painted pieces by Kathy Sandler who has no problem playing with a multitude of colors as well as the clear and dark waxes. I have added a table painted in Provence as well as a fun picture frame that I did in Antibes Green and Aubusson Blue with both waxes, but running a store tends to allow less time for huge projects at this point in time.

Old White is really such a versatile color for distressing as well as layering. I never tire of looking at the softness of these pieces, and it seems this is a shade that is ever popular and in demand because of its timeless beauty.

Yesterday one of my customers brought in a picture frame that she had purchased at the Goodwill that she said was pretty dull and uninteresting. I am amazed how she transformed this with Duck Egg Blue, Olive, Old White, and Arles. It is an exquisite piece. It almost looks as if she has added gold leaf, but it is the way she applied the Old White and Arles that gives it a wonderful metallic appearance.

I am also happy to say that my website is now active and will be featuring the paint, waxes, books, gift items and handmade creations. I will also keep up with events and ongoing workshops there. The door is opening to many possibilities and all of these "pages" will be updated on a regular basis. Please stay tuned for more stories and photos of customer creations.

Opening the Purple Pear

2011-07-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The last two days, I have been moving into my shop at 1720 Lovejoy, Space #120. The store faces 18th Street and is next to a cafe that sells espresso drinks and quick meals. Stop by and see the shop and grab something from the cafe before you head home.

I just flew in Monday, late afternoon, after attending the IDAL Convention in Hampton, VA where I met many of the other Stockists as well as Annie Sloan.

We all had the opportunity to watch her paint a piece of furniture that was be given to someone in a drawing at the end of the show. What a treat to watch Annie paint and wax and work. It seems that she painted this piece in a flash!

I just kept taking photos of the process and watched her closely as she did each step.

What a gem! She used Primer Red on the first coat, then painted the base and mirror with Duck Egg Blue. On the top and accents, she used Old White and finished it with the clear and then dark wax.

I returned to Alexandria, VA and went on a couple of bike rides in 100 degree temps over to Washington DC as well as Mount Vernon another day. What a great trip and now I am back opening my shop, "The Purple Pear". Please do come and visit me. Lots of workshops will be up and running very soon. It will be a great place to paint, see all the colors, and talk about projects and ideas. I am very excited to get going on all of this!

Alma Jane's

2011-07-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is where my travels began to Alma Jane's in Eastern Oregon, in the Geiser Hotel in Baker City.

We always are nostalgic about eras of the past. I think I would have fit right in with the dress, formality, and elegance, but could I live without my computer, my iphone, my skype connection to my children and grandchildren? I think not. These experiences help me appreciate the history of other times I deem wonderful and elegant, but they also help me recognize the ways of communication that I take for granted in reaching out to family.

Alma Jane's is "the little white cottage on the southwestern corner of Adams Avenue and Maple Street in downtown La Grande, specializing in mid-twentieth century furniture, linens, china, pottery, and clothing" as well as home decorations, collectible cookbooks, sewing, and everything related. It is a charming house filled with quaint rooms waiting to be explored!

All around the cottage are the most beautiful gardens....

lovely props....

filled with charm and delight.

And the dear and sweet Sammy who stayed close to us for the entire workshop! (He loved the belly rubs whenever we took a break from our painting!)

It was a beautiful day. I am rolling brown paper over the sidewalk so I can open the Chalk Paint and not worry about spilling any drops.

Here are the exuberant ladies waiting to get started!

....and now focused and starting to paint.

Kathy's husband, Gordon, was happy to accommodate us and take our photos at the end of our day of painting exploration and fun!

We had our projects and samples posed for a photo shoot also.

Even Sammy decided at the end of the day that we had all put in our best efforts and we were happy with the results. But it was time to go home and rest and restore. We took our cue from dear Sammy that it was a productive day and time to move on to the next day and week for projects, ideas and further exploration.

Before I headed home, I drove up to Joseph to see the most beautiful lake, Wallowa. Such a setting and beauty beyond anything you could imagine. The town of Joseph is most charming with lots of fun and inspiring shops to explore. All this was recommended by the sweet Jeana who shares a love of the outdoors and moments of solitude.

Thank you, Kathy, for inviting me to your idyllic surroundings and your beautiful and nostalgic shop! I loved meeting all of you...April, Emily, Jeana, Gordon, and Sammy. These are treasured moments for me.

Please visit Kathy and her friends at http://almajanes.com and see what they are doing with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint as well as the many offerings and finds they offer in their shop as well as their website.

Retail Space Opening

2011-07-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Please come and visit me around the middle of July at 1720 NW Lovejoy Street #120, and see the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors and waxes, paint samples, and ideas as well as workshop options!

To the left of the entrance of the retail space is the garage door, a huge room unfolding....a place to explore workshop ideas and possibilities and ongoing projects. Please come and see what is happening in this ever-evolving space filled with light and color.

Chalk Paint Blooming

2011-06-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have this thing about flowers as a metaphor for so many things that necessitate description or definition or simply a place to be. And is it not true that when we seek to express an idea or a plan, it seems to germinate through the process of words and images? At least that is true for me because I am always torn between the power of phrases versus the beauty and tactile images of color and art.

I have been so busy the last few weeks that I have taken refuge in a bouquet of peonies that have been in my living room for many days. They seem to last forever. I probably have taken twenty photos in various lights and unfolding, a way to chart a journey of their life, a source of continual engagement and inspiration. It has given me reason to pause and reflect on the days when I am often at my computer or in my car. And essentially, it has become a forum for me to reflect on variations of colors and movement and all that this manages to entail.

I will be moving into a retail space soon. I think it was the bouquet of peonies that helped me arrive at this decision. It was simply a thought, similar to that peony bud, knowing it would eventually unfold, gradually reveal its reason and strength. I know I love the idea of story and metaphor, but truly it seemed to be an evolution of like-minded souls, the bloom and the action to decide.

It will be the perfect space. If you look to the left you will see the industrial garage door. Don't be fooled. Behind this door is the most incredible space for workshops, painting furniture, and creating all sorts of amazing things. The space in front of it, "the storefront" is where I will be wild with display and color and eclectic design, but the back room will be the place where all the magic happens!

Practicality precedes progress as well as dreams. So this last week I was busy sawing samples for my first workshop. I had so many to cut, and I nearly purchased an electric saw but when I saw the blade and the way it worked, I quickly moved on to the manual department. I have this fear that I will cut off my fingers and be unable to create anything for the rest of my life. That would be catastrophic, no question.

Holding a painting workshop in a dining room tends to be a lot of work. I moved out the rug, covered the hardwood floors with brown paper, covered my dining table with plastic as well as paper taped all around and then "decorated" the table with notebooks, pens, and samples to paint.

I hand painted the charts and spent some time documenting each process, all six of them, so there would be a format of instruction to follow.

All the cans were on my kitchen counter waiting to be opened....my favorite thing to do.....take a peek at the beautiful colors!

We started painting fast and furiously, thrilled to be using the Chalk Paint!

We took a break for lunch.

And lingered there for awhile talking about our favorite project, the magazines we loved, and the plans we were making going forward.

We played and we experimented and we explored many possibilities.

I have to say I was in the company of three amazingly creative and very confident women.

Three women and three amazing and different results from one technique.

When the shadows cast their spell in my garden at the end of the day, I felt that there was truly so much blooming in the world of paint, in me, the students in my workshop, and the idea of a retail shop soon to make its debut.

A Truly, Truly Versatile and Magical Paint!

2011-06-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

When I was about 15 years old, many, many years ago, my mother bought me a gallon of paint that was a combination of these two Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors, "Emile" and "Henrietta". I started early on changing the colors of my rooms, the bedcovers, curtains, and decorative elements. I was always tweeking something, wanting new colors, new looks. This pattern of change has followed me my entire adult life. When I discovered Annie's Chalk Paint, I fell in love all over again with painting and color, but in a different way.

This is a sample that I painted from an unfinished piece of wood. There are three layers of paint on this piece as well as Annie's clear wax. It was quick, easy, incredibly fun, and immensely satisfying. I love this paint and all its magical possibilities!

I had an opportunity to take the most amazing workshop this last Saturday in Southern California from Anne Skougard, one of two stockists for California and Kari Saupstad, a mini stockist. I came away inspired, excited, and literally changed by the amazing potential of this paint.

Taking a workshop enhances the uses of the paint as well as creates knowledge and awareness of its immense possibilities. You learn why everyone calls it "magical" because it simply is.

This is the same sample in a different light. The colors and wax finish create so much richness, depth, and beauty. In some lights, it almost has an iridescent quality to it, but there is absolutely no metallic in the paint. It simply is the magic of the paint. Below is the back of this same piece and how it looked before I started, just plain unfinished wood.

This is another sample, again with three colors of paint.

Here is the same piece in another light, outdoors in my garden. I love how there are raindrops along the top. As I was photographing the sample, some drops from a rain-soaked shrub landed on the piece.

Crackle finish.....

Who does not love a rich green? Again, the combination of color and wax creates depth and shadow and mystery.

I have always loved the look of stenciling on just about anything, furniture or textiles. So when I heard that Kari was going to do stenciling with the chalk paint, I had to take this workshop. I could have spent a lot more time on this piece with shading and refining. I definitely will try many more pieces using stencils with this paint. I think this would be beautiful on an armoire.

I purchased some stencils for further exploration of this process. If anyone is interested you can find an elaborate selection of stencils here.

My first night home, I hardly slept. I kept thinking about the paint, the number and combination of colors that can be created from the 24 colors. What I am also realizing is that I can never go back to painting with only one color, ever. Nor will I buy anything but chalk paint for my furniture and walls. Now I am going to explore the possibilities of using the paint and stencils on my collection of textiles. Please visit me at my textile blog for further stories on this possibility.

Thanks, Anne and Kari for such a great and inspiring and exciting workshop!!!

Elegant Paint

2011-06-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that elegant paint needs elegant storage. Somehow cardboard boxes do not do justice to this beautiful paint.

It is nice to be able to see the names of the colors and reach in for one whenever I need it. Speaking of the colors, I really love going over the names of each one and memorizing and connecting each color. Now I am discovering that these colors and the names are so embedded in my mind that I find I am identifying them in nature and objects all around me. 'Oh, that car is "Graphite" or that house is "Chateau Grey" or that rose in my garden is "Scandinavian Pink", the sweater I am wearing is "Greek Blue"'.

And I think this rose just might be a combination of "Emperor's Silk" and "Old White".

The Paint Arrived!

2011-06-03T08:07:00.001-07:00

Today was a new beginning....my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint arrived! To say I was excited was an understatement. And I happened to be on the phone with the person who got me into this exciting venture, none other than Anne Skougard, the whirlwind stockist from Southern California!

When the Fed Ex guy knocked on the door, and I opened it, I am sure he thought he was dealing with some bored and frantic homemaker. "Oh, the paint! You have no idea how thrilled I am that you are here!!! Thank you for arriving this early!" And I can read his mind......"Lady, it is just paint." (Well some people just don't realize that) "No. It is not just paint. It is THE paint!" But I understand, all he wanted to do was make his delivery and get to the next one on his list. But terrified, he could see the fire in my eyes. ("Better to assuage this one than linger and wonder why she is so enraptured.")

And then when I saw my name on the pallet, it was just about all I could do to contain myself. "Sign here and then that is pretty much it for the delivery." Wow...you put my name on the pallet. There I am! (Those were my silent thoughts.) I let him go on his way trying to contain my explosive enthusiasm. What could he possibly know about this product? I was trying to peek in his truck and see what other things he was delivering but decided it was all pretty boring.

So here are the boxes in my kitchen waiting for my inventory efforts. Actually this is better than waiting for the Christmas packages in the mail.

Yummmmmmmmmm

So guess what I did after I opened all the cans? I painted stir sticks to get a true reading of all the incredible colors.

I have to say these are my favorite. Every time I opened another paint can of these cool and elegant tones, I would just swoon. Opening a can was like opening a present....just what could be inside, and then as I took off the lid, I just sighed. Oh my...the beauty and the softness and elegance of the colors.....really, really gorgeous.

And then the neutrals...entering the room with such elegance, confidence and grace. How in the world could I possibly not be smitten? I immediately wanted to get on the phone and order another pallet of every single color and double the cool tones, especially, because these are my favorites. However, I have to remind myself that I am in the business of selling to customers who have all different kinds of preferences just as I do. My answer to this? They are all incredible. I can't wait to begin my job in spreading the word that these are, the best paints on the market!

Paint Projects

2011-06-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

I had a discussion on the phone recently with a potential customer asking me about Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint and how it was used. We talked for some time about the many uses of this great paint as well as how easy it was to apply, no prep work and how the finish was simply a wax application. Then I recalled a project I had completed in 2003 in a small studio in Mendocino, California.

It took me many days to complete. I used a milk-based paint, casein, that I had to heat in a double boiler before I could mix it with the powdered pigment that I intended to use. As base, I used a yellow ochre and after I completed the four walls with this, I applied the red powdered pigment, Irgazine Ruby. I wanted the yellow to show through in parts so I applied it in large brush strokes. At first, I used a rag, but I was not achieving the look I wanted. However, the chalky look was just perfect and to this day wears the colors and the matte finish beautifully. I did not put any glaze or wax over it so it took awhile to cure.

Long story short, it was all a long process to achieve the same look I could achieve today with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint with a much simpler method.

My first project with the paint was a small table using Annie's "Old White".

I started with the table upside down as Annie suggests and continued painting until all the wood was covered, no sanding or prep. The color was beautiful, a very soft and creamy white.

I added a second coat, but if I had to do it again, I would have painted the first coat another color and then the top coat, Old White so that when I stressed it later after buffing the wax coat, this other color would have shown through in parts of the piece.

I painted the inside of the drawer with "Paris Grey" and then stenciled some birds inside. I liked the idea of the drawer having another color and surprise element.

This is my current project, a small end table with barley twist legs.

I loved the Paris Grey so much that I decided to do a base coat with it and then either add another color on the piece or do something interesting with the waxes or another color just on the top.

I am still undecided. It is completely covered in grey now so my next step will be the one that adds a bit of magic. The paint is amazing, so forgiving, and so much fun to play with. I get the first shipment of all the colors tomorrow and can hardly wait to open the cans and take in all the beauty!

Inspiration and Resolve

2011-05-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

This is where my inspiration began...with this book by Annie Sloan, Creating the French Look. I had gone down to visit my youngest daughter in LA, and we were looking for bedding in a shop. I saw this book and loved the ideas in it. When I returned home to Portland, I realized there was a special paint made by Annie Sloan that was now available in the US. I contacted a source from the book and was led to a stockist in California, Anne Skougard of House of Anne. And the rest is history!

I ordered some paint from Anne and started painting a small table. There was no prep work, just put on the paint, let it dry, add another coat, rough it up a bit for texture and character, apply some wax, let it dry overnight, buff, and voila! Magic is revealed! Now I wanted all the colors.

And then I found THE book, the one that explains all the attributes, the beauty of the colors, and the talent behind this incredible paint, Annie Sloan. I think I have every book on paint and technique that she has ever published. And the names of the colors are pure bliss. How about "Paris Grey" or "Duck Egg Blue" or "Emperors'Silk" or "Versailles"? I wanted to be transported in time to the color and the place. How could I possibly go wrong? It was simply a feast of color waiting to be indulged.

So this is how and why I came to this place. It is the "tip of the iceberg" for me.

I am sure that those that followed my whereabouts via mendofleur am wondering where I am headed, but I will still be exploring my other passion, textiles and stitching on my other blog. Please visit me there as I hope to keep up an occasional post on textile history, a love of cloth as well inspiration, thanks to my mentor in this important part of my life, Jude Hill.

A Play of Light

2011-05-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have found that it is important to not think too much about names or choosing a title for what you want something to be. After all, "being" can get to be so complex if you try to pin it down to actually BEING. However, there is a part of me that wants to explain the meaning or the feeling or the mood that is behind my chosen name, Moonstone Designs.

I have a tendency to dream things into existence. That is fine unless you are doing accounting or business plans. And yet, this first post is really about addressing my dreams.....First of all, I think that moonstone is such a fine, descriptive term. In reality, a moonstone is characterised by an enchanting play of light, just as it appears in these photos. I love looking at the reflection of water and sun in carved ripples of sand, just as much as I love looking at the pearly coloration inside a shell, the play of light that constantly changes.

Although moonstone is actually a gemstone, it is known for its mystique and magic. It has been known to strengthen our emotional and subconscious aspects. Wearing a moonstone is also said to have the power to strengthen our intuition and capacity to understand. I like these ideas. They symbolize my dreams. They push me to the edge of wanting to see something beyond the ordinary. And this is how I want to envision my business. In the days ahead, I will be writing more about my ideas, the changes that formulated new goals and processes and actions. The questions behind the name will become clear and focused as I move slowly and more confidently into this altogether new blog. I hope you will stay and help me explore this meandering path. I feel certain it will be fun, exciting, and full of endless color and an enchanting play of light.