Refinishing the Past

Winds of change have been trickling around me for some time--like soft tendrils of hair that constantly tickle your skin.  The past 4-5 months have been sorely pre-occupied with another birthday, lots of personal entanglements that have tested me, then during these 5 months a growing internal pain/hurt, diagnosed, heavily medicated till I could have the required major surgery last week.  I'm now recouperating this week(thankfully and very blessed). 

I wasn't in a good place--sickness, long term can be an soul sucker.  I went through a lot of personal review---slowly feeling those soft tendrils of change.  Days when I could muster some creativity--it was doing new paint techniques with online classes by A Living Canvas, Roben Marie Smith, Jodi Ohl, and through Squam, a workshop with Sarah Ahearn Bellemare. 

Then, I heard of this new paint, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and lets say I won't be going back.  I spent alot of hours at night surfing blogs that were showcasing the beautiful rehab and refinish of vintage and antique furniture with this paint.  LOVE it...the best part is not having to strip off polyurethane or old paint.  I admit I was skeptical and my Dad was super skeptical--but the look is timeworn and lived in.  Found a local merchant and about choked on the price but bought some samples. 

My first was a table that I actually built from some pine.  I need to get some photos.  I had forgotten what a wonderful gift that building or repairing a beautiful piece of furniture can be like.  Sanding, pounding, wiping and painting --those few hours were time that I didn't think deep saturated thoughts, my pain took the background, and the sweat rolling down my cheeks was the best medicine I could have had. 

Then I decided it wasn't just for furniture.  I had bought this terrarium at Lowe's on clearance for $11.  Yeah, its okay as is.

After Annie Sloan Old Ochre, a bit of Antoinette, and some dark wax --very lightly.

So many projects on the go with this paint.  Now I need to try Milk Paint which is similar.  I would like to try the new  Miss Mustard Seed.  No local retailer yet that I could find. 

We had a bit of Fall weather (you know that's about 70 here in the South this time of year) and wow, I went ALL out decorating this year.  Next up with be another re-do--so sweet for my little one.

Sharing this sweet burlap bag I made--Feather your NestFeather, with a vintage inspired flowers, sari ribbon, crochet doily, and tag.  You can see a peek of my upcoming fall decorations.

Okay, off to bed and book for little one.  Take care, till next time, Kris

Linking up:
http://www.carterscottage.net/2012/10/my-monday-muse-viii.html?showComment=1349748616278#c8242892695097510815
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/2012/10/nifty-thrifty-sunday-78.html
http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/10/07/its-party-time-10-7-2012/