ASCP Addiction

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!!