Chalk Paint and an easy DIY centerpiece

I received my shipment of Annie Sloan's chalk paint about a month ago - I LOVE IT! I had this chair in my garage for 5 years - I'm such a procrastinator. It was another curbside find.  When I discovered this new paint I knew this was the perfect piece to experiment on. It distresses beautifully and makes that country french worn finish very easy to obtain. I did prime this piece last summer but that was as far as I got. Priming isn't even necessary with this paint. I gave it a coat of Old White and then a coat of Duck Egg Blue, a coat of clear wax, distressed with a sanding sponge, coat of dark wax and then finished with the clear. I gave it a new seat covered in some leftover painters drop cloth.

Here is what it looked like before - it had a really nasty cushion which I ripped off before I took the pic.

So, I have a garage full of furniture that will receive some special chalk paint treatment.  I hope I will be able to part with them. The chair above is a keeper - my new desk chair.

I also used ASCP on some new boxes my husband put together. When we make these, they are new pine which we hand distress, and apply the finishes to make them look like they've been around for years. If you are handy, these make a great DIY centerpiece for your rustic-chic wedding or event.  So pretty with mason jars, a bundle of dried flowers or you can place a plastic liner inside and arrange fresh flowers in them. They are so useful after the event. They are a really nice seasonal display for your table, or mantle - filled with moss, spring eggs, punpkins or winter sprigs, pine cones and berries. You can even use these in the bathroom to hold soaps or hand towels.

Easily distressed with Annie's chalk paint in Old White and Paris Grey.

These cast iron handles are available in my shop. They add such a nice touch to the rustic box.

Simple burlap and ribbon wrapped mason jars with hydrangeas.

We also sell these boxes on our website and in our etsy shop.  Any size/color/quantity can be done.

Want some more project inspiration?

This post is linked up to the following blog events:

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest
Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Project Parade at DIY Showoff
Tuesday's Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Cool Cucumber Salad

The temps were over 100 degrees here plus humidity this weekend.  We cooled off in the pool and with this simple cucumber salad and iced green tea.  Sorry, I don't usually measure salads like this - so you can make it to your own taste.

long island cucumbers
red onion
kalamata olives (from Astoria)
greek feta (from Astoria)
extra virgin olive oil (just a little)
fresh squeezed lemon
oregano
fresh pepper

So good! and refreshing!

Where Bloggers Create

Looking for some inspiration for your creative studio? Take a peak into the spaces Where Bloggers Create. Thanks so much to Karen at My Desert Cottage for hosting this party for the 3rd year in a row!

Click here to see my creative studio. They are pics from last year's tour - a few things have changed but because I am in the middle of a number of orders - I can't show you my mess of a room right now! I promise to update the photos when it's all cleaned up!!