Introductions

This little gem today is a piece that I picked up from a local dealer...and let me tell you, it is one heavy hitter. I paid more for this piece than I normally would , and I typically do not buy pieces that have the yellow and gold finish on them {or any other finish} simply because I do not like previous colors showing through in the final finish. However, this piece was gorgeous, thick, and solid compared to most french provincial pieces and I decided to take her home with me.

It sat for a bit in the studio while I worked on others......to be honest, I have had it since January, but about a month ago I had a new client show up at the studio, fall in love with it, and commission me to paint it for her home. After planning together, and lots of sanding and painting.....I can finally say that I am super happy with this piece and think it is one of my new favorites. This piece presented a few problem solving challenges {one of which I'll be sharing a little tutorial on soon} so it felt really good to complete it, and complete it well... with a feeling of solid satisfaction.

 One of the tricks that I will share with you is this.....I highly dislike primer, {I think you all knew that?} but because of all of the chipping paint that had to be sanded down until it was super smooth so as to not show up in the finish, and because I needed to cover up the yellow and gold finish that I did not want to show through....I  found that chalk paint is the perfect paint to use as a "primer"! I know that this is unfair because it is a great paint by itself as well, but it is also a really great "primer" since it sticks to anything and tends to have a smoothing effect. It also has great colors for showing through in the distressing, and tends to give a really nice faded look when sanded together with the latex. {I would like to add, that in my experience so far....chalk paint is a good primer underneath latex paints, but not so great under itself....or painted on top of latex. Painted over itself is fine but tricky, and over latex it gets "glumpy". Chalk paint works best as a virgin finish first and foremost.} Just a tidbit, from me to you....

Anywhoo.....hope you enjoy miss Ju Ju. I am thrilled with her results and glad that she will be in her new home this week!

I will have a saweet new gray/green chest in the etsy shop by the end of the week so be looking for her ...... and p.s.,  I finally came up with a solution for my studio planter boxes.....just wait till you see!! Hopefully Friday I will have that little project completed to show you...

Have a great day!

xo.

Barb