Friday, August 31, 2012

Annie Sloan & Me

Well, dears...I'm still "on the fence" about my experience with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...
No fault of hers, mind you.

"It's not you, Annie, it's me..."
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The urn (ceramic) was the most successful, I think... I like the way the gold glimmers though; however, the two coats was probably my downfall. I thought that a heavier application would sand down smoother and eliminate the brushstrokes. Not really. I should have followed the "one coat" instructions, but I just seem to have to have that initial nice, solid color before I distress (I know, that doesn't make a lot of sense, but I want the un-distressed areas to be, umm ~ solid).
;^)
  Learn from my mistakes, Ladies...if you are like me, honestly, we are probably better off with doing a nice even coat of satin spray paint, then distressing.
But, live and learn.
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Here's the piece of the chair rung I'm going to use as a decorative applique on the toolbox/planter.
I probably sanded it a little more vigorously than I should have, but I like it ~ the only thing that bothers me is that some of the bleed-though stain shows again now (I may have to do another light coat...or, just get over it...;^)
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Okay, note to self...
When sanding plaster, be careful...
Before you know it, you may lose a nose!
I know, with all the O'Kringles' noses I've sculpted, this little angel won't have to
go to the plastic surgeon ~ I can fix her...
But...
I should have been watching what I was doing.
Plaster goes away very quickly!
Honestly, this little planter is so roughly cast and heavy,
I wasn't sure if it was plaster or concrete...
:^(
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So, what I really think is...the AS is cool, love the clean up, and for those who worry about fumes, it's great (that wasn't a big concern for me, but then I usually just use anything that's too stinky either in the garage or outdoors...) ~
What I can see it being wonderful for, is using it as a top coat (one coat) in a two-color piece.
Because used lightly, it does sand off very prettily.
For solid-color pieces that you just want a little distressing (or a lot) on (personally), I would use a satin acrylic/latex, or, a spray satin. And, that's because I have that thing about brush-strokes and solid-color areas...
But, that's just me, and my initial experience with these little projects.
I may be a total convert by this time next week...

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
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30 comments:

  1. I don't even know if we have chalk paint here, but have seen where others have made their own by getting regular paint and adding plaster of paris. I think your pieces turned out great, but I've never distressed anything. Hope you have nice weekend. Tammy

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  2. Hi Anne,
    its always interesting to see a color paint in usage. Thank you for sharing your experiences. The little angels with the white nose looks as if it has licked out Moms batter bowl. Really cute.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  3. I am so glad you were honest--everyone raves about it and I always wonder why. I am going to try it soon--I have to find out for myself:) Chalk paint is blogged about so much!

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  4. Chalk paint has been taking the DIY furniture transformation world by storm, and I love how everything turned out for you, angel nose and all!! :o)!!!

    Enjoy your weekend!!

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  5. I think you do beautiful work. I am glad you can fix the angel's nose.

    Have a great holiday!

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  6. I have been putting off (or postponing as I prefer to think of them ;)) some lovely projects because I'm not so sure about the distressing part.
    Not the technique per si - which I love and reason why there's projects waiting - but in my myself. Afraid of distressing too much and ruin a wonderful coat of paint ahahahah.
    Your urn turned out lovely and the chair rung also (really love the distressing on the later).
    Congratulations. Well done!

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  7. Yes, Anne..Plaster goes away very fast..I prefer spray paint..Less mess...but all of you out there in blog land swear by Anni Sloan..I haven't tried it yet!!

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  8. Oopsie on that cherub's nose.
    Glad you can fix it.
    So many creative ideas and what I love is that there are as many takes on each of them as there are people.

    It was nice to have you pop by my candle blog. Hope to see you around again.
    Becky

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  9. I have used it several times. I like it but don't love it. I like a smoother finish for most applications. I am not fond of the brush strokes that it leaves- I know- I am old school but I prefer a "cleaner" look. I will use up what I have and I, too, may love it before I am finished- xo Diana

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  10. we covered a wall in chalk paint in our daughtes room. She had a ball with it. It was hard to cover when we repainted her room!!

    I think everything you did turned out great.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  11. firstly, I wanted to say thankyou for coming by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment regarding the pics. I took of my daughter...Thankyou and welcomeas my new follower, I too am following you. When I stoppedin and saw your banner it ade me smile.Your kitty is quite a cutie. Your urn looks great t me and hope you will be able to fix the problems you had with the angel. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Mica @ The Child's Paper

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  12. Anne,

    I love your blog and your banner is beautiful!

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  13. I think your painted pieces look beautiful!
    I had a hard time taking to the paint as well. I feel as though I didn't love it immediately. With some time & continued use, I do love it now. (minus the wax though, still don't love that!)

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  14. Thanks for the informative post, I needed that because I have some pots kind of like your urn that I am wanting to paint with something. Mine are going to be outdoors so I am not sure what to paint them with. They are not wood or metal, but some kind of composite that is light weight.

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  15. We don't understand much about art, but we are thrilled to find some more silver shaded Persians on the cat blogosphere! So exciting.

    We are now following you.

    Truffle, Brulee, and Mom Paula

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  16. What a great blog you have!!! Thanks for visiting me.....now I can follow YOU!!

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  17. I've been meaning to get me some Annie Sloan for some Projects too... everyone in the Land of Blog has such amazing results using it and pieces I've seen and bought in Person have been exceptional. But I'm glad you kept it real and in a way that I can probably relate to... since my Projects don't always go so effortlessly as some of the Grand Master Refinishers here in the Land of Blog and Elsewhere... *winks* Sometimes they turn out and sometimes they've been not so brag worthy for me too... so I'm glad to get an opinion that doesn't make AS all gumdrops and rainbows so that I'd feel like a total Loser if I was the ONLY ONE that bought it and didn't have Ideal Results???!???! Because I do hear its rather 'spensive... *LOL*

    Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  18. Hello Anne,
    Thank you very much for stopping by☆☆☆
    Really surprised that what an artist you are! We have many kinds pottery here in Japan.
    Lots of love and hugs from east, xoxo Miyako*

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  19. I have never used it but have heard so much about it! Thanks for sharing your opinion:) Oops on the nose, got hate when that happens! You will fix it, I know you will! Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by my place! HUGS!

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  20. Anne catching up on your last two posts - love that Tallulah...the urn and angel are wonderful. May have to look around and see what I have that could use a distressed look and try that Annie Sloan paint. Hope you have a wonderful holiday! xo xo Pix

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  21. The angel and the urn turned out very pretty despite it all! Thanks for sharing your experience with the chalk paint. I have never tried it and have read mixed reviews. I'm still on the fence. I have used latex primer mixed with tint (any shade of latex paint) to achieve a similar effect and it is easy to paint over if you don't like it. Hope your weekend is lovely. xx

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  22. hello I came from my friends to say hello and pleased to meet you.. I will come by again.. Hugs GJ xx

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  23. We are so pleased to meet you! We found you from Sweet Purrfections and are so happy we stopped by! Your kitties, your artwork and your blog are GORGEOUS!

    Mom knew she had to follow you when she saw "October" as part of your design name. Mom was born in October and it is her favorite month of the year!

    So nice to meet you!
    Love,
    Cody and Caren "Mom"

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  24. I don't know anything about this kinda painting, but I hope it all turns out alright for you!

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  25. Fascinating sculptures. It reminds us of some of the great minds of yesterday. Surely its one of the things that makes us appreciate our history.
    Day Spas Perth WA

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  26. Hi Anne..
    it's so nice to read your honest opinion about the paint.
    I too have wondered if it is as 'amazing' as some people have claimed it is.

    I've painted pieces for years, and have my own way of doing it.
    I guess I'll just stick with what works for me :)

    K.

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  27. I hope you are having a great long weekend ;o) Thanks for coming by my blog ;o) I think your project has turned out great, even with the nose ;o) LOL! Thanks for all the helpful hints ;o)

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  28. Hello!! We cam e to see you from Sweet Purfections!! Your Kitty's are very beautiful and your painting project looks pretty cool, too!
    Your TX furiends,

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  29. I like the pieces you've done, but I'm with you on the brush strokes and smoothness. I also do two coats, rub lightly to smooth then use wax overcoat, and then use very fine wire wool to run lightly overall. By the end I am covered in paint dust (!) but prefer the smoother shinier finish it gives me. The colours are wonderful, and no smell, as you said, but prefer the finish you obtain with other paints.

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I love your thoughts and comments, and I read each and every one! Sometimes life gets in the way, though, and it takes me a while to respond...Thank you for understanding! ♥...Time is precious, and the time you have taken here is truly appreciated!