The sun is shining... visit Highlands to see what we have in-store and more!

Highlands is a beautiful place to shop and take a stroll! 

Stop in to see what's new at Apple Box Boutique including great gifts for Mom, have a beverage and snack at Mandolin Books & Coffee Co., or a full supper and drinks at Creole Envie or La Boheme, visit Sabrina Butterfly Designs for fabulous fashions and jewelry, and peruse some lovely antiques at Chickies.  

It's a breath of fresh air along the river valley, and the exquisite historic buildings are a bonus! (Highlands was voted one of the Top 10 Historic Communities by This Old House magazine).

♥,
Apple Box Boutique

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We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog: 

Reimagined Monday: Tatiana's Bedside Table

It's our first official Reimagined Monday since returning from our Destination Downton trip, and we're really excited to share this one with you.

A few weeks ago, Kerry Engel visited the Boutique along with her daughter Tatiana.  They were on a mission to complete a project during spring break and it immediately became clear that these two lovely ladies were already experienced crafters!

Tatiana had been remaking her bedroom and wanted to reimagine her sidetable to work with her new decor. And WOW... does this teen have an eye for design!

Tatiana's Bedside Table

Arles... it is one of our favourite Chalk Paint® colours and it is a bold choice.  Tatiana, fabric swatch in hand, was fearless and confident that this was the right colour for her bedside table.

This sweet and simple table has great lines and is the perfect piece to showcase a pop of colour without being fussy or overstated.

Some of the great things about Chalk Paint® are that it has no smell, is low-VOC and dries quickly, which makes painting indoors a dream.  

Tatiana threw down a little cardboard to protect the floor and started her project on-the-spot.

Since the table was previously grey, Tatiana distressed through the Arles to let just enough peek through to create dimension, and to pull in the grey in her wallpaper and linens.

The result is this fabulous, custom piece:

 ... the perfect accent for an already stellar bedroom makeover.

All phtotos courtesy of Kerry Engel

Kerry and Tatiana breezed into the Boutique like a breath of fresh spring air and then infused it into the decor.  We think we may have a future designer in our midst!

Thank you for sharing your project, Tatiana... We can't wait to see what you do next.

♥,
Apple Box Boutique

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We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:  

Reimagined Monday: Double the Thrill!

When Marilyn and Jim stopped in at Apple Box Boutique, the visit started out with a conversation about how to refinish a couple of lamps. Marilyn took a keen interest in Chalk Paint® and made a command decision to dive enthusiastically into not one, but two projects straight away... fearlessness indeed. But after a few minutes of chatting it became clear that she comes by that courageous spirit naturally.

This lovely couple shared such interesting stories about Marilyn's father and his experiences and capture at Dieppe that I was mesmerized and humbled, to say the least.  I want to express how incredibly thankful I am for people like this brave and honourable man, who served our country as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.  My father-in-law served as well and so this story felt very close to home.

A short time later, we received an email from Marilyn with pictures of her painted pieces.  She wrote that she was 'thrilled' with the outcome.  We can see why!

Her first project was to take a pair of outdated but good quality floor lamps and make them at least cottage-worthy.

Two quick coats of  Chalk Paint® and they were transformed into pieces that Marilyn has decided are too beautiful to banish and have now found a place in her home.

Excited about the results, she decided to update a mid-century dresser as well.

  With those great lines and insets, this piece went from so-so to so-fabulous! 

Together, these reimagined pieces brighten up the room with their fresh and stylish new look!  That is definitely double the thrill.

♥,
Apple Box Boutique

Reimagined Monday Draw

We would like to highlight more customer projects!  Send us your before/during/after pictures and tell us about your creative process and you'll be entered into our monthly Reimagined Monday draw.

Each month we will give away a different item like paint, brushes, books, supplies, gift certificates and more. You don't have to be featured to be eligible... the month you enter is the month you will be included in the draw. 

Send your name, pictures and story to:

info@appleboxboutique.com and win!

_______________________________________

We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

Reimagined Monday: Repurposed Mid-Century Cabinet

Yayyy -- It`s Reimagined Monday!

Tomorrow we will be announcing the prize and winner of the February Reimagined Monday Draw.  If you would like to be entered to win really great stuff from the Boutique, just send in before and after pics (during too, if you have them!) and the story of your paint project using Chalk Paint® or Milk Paint.

We will include more information about the draw at the end of this blog post, but for now we`d like to share our first March entry!

This reimagination features a curvy mid-century cabinet, which came to us along with this lovely letter from Mary-Jane Downie:

"Hey!  Just wanted to share my little story.  I bought a vintage handmade piece off kijiji. It is some sort of china cabinet. Sadly I don't have the best before picture. There was a mirror in the background off the top portion.  The poor thing even tipped over in the back of the truck on the way home. That made removing the mirror easier though. :)  

I replaced the mirror with some antique ceiling tiles from Home Reuseables off Argyll road.  Such a great place!  It was my first time working with the Annie Sloan chalk paint and waxes and I had so much fun.  It was hard to take a break from my project to feed my family!   I think they are all relieved its pretty much done.  

I used Emperor's Silk with the clear and dark soft waxes. All were very easy to use. Lots of YouTube videos out there and information online.  Of course you were very helpful at the store as well when I called with questions!

I just need to pick out some hardware and she is all done! 

Thanks for the inspiration! I can hardly wait till my next project.
 
-Mary-Jane Downie"

Don`t you love the repurposing Mary-Jane did with this piece? Adore that colour, too!

We send a big thank you to Mary-Jane for sharing your story.

Read below to learn more about how you can enter our Reimagined Monday Draw! 

>What have YOU Reimagined?

Send in your project pics and be entered to win our Reimagined Monday draw!

Reimagined Monday Draw

We would like to highlight more customer projects!  Send us your before/during/after pictures and tell us about your creative process and you'll be entered into our monthly Reimagined Monday draw.

Each month we will give away a different item like paint, brushes, books, supplies, gift certificates and more. You don't have to be featured to be eligible... the month you enter is the month you will be included in the draw. 

Send your name, pictures and story to:

info@appleboxboutique.com and win!

♥,
Apple Box Boutique

_______________________________________

We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

Reimagined Monday: Ugly Duckling 80's Dresser to Swan

Hello!  It's Reimagined Monday and we are very excited to share this fantastic project with you.

One of the things we've been doing at the Apple Box studio is use legs on otherwise average pieces to give them some real 'stage presence'.  Today's entry is a fabulous example from one of our lovely customers, Kathryn Brandt.  Completed last summer, Kathryn's dresser is a real showstopper!

Here is the before pic of the dresser Kathryn bought on kijiji for $35:

Unremarkable, outdated and blah-brown veneer it is hard to envision this ugly duckling becoming a swan.  But with a little Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan and some reimagination, anything can happen!

Kathryn wrote, "...I sure loved the paint - super easy to use and such beautiful colors ! I also bought these legs from home depot for $5 each and had my hubby install on bottom to make it less dresser like and more entertainment unit ish!"

The legs are cute and inexpensive and an assortment of styles can be found at most hardware and home renovations stores:

Rather than make a heavy investment, Kathryn then sprayed the hardware with black spray paint and this swan took flight:

Kathryn Brandt's gorgeous cabinet in French Linen Chalk Paint®

Gorgeous! All of us at the Boutique just love this piece and continue to gush over it; but we'll leave the final words to Kathryn...

"So fun and can't wait to do another project!!" 

♥,
Apple Box Boutique

What have YOU Reimagined?  

Send in your project pics and be entered to win our Reimagined Monday draw!

Reimagined Monday Draw

We would like to highlight more customer projects!  Send us your before/during/after pictures and tell us about your creative process and you'll be entered into our monthly Reimagined Monday draw.

Each month we will give away a different item like paint, brushes, books, supplies, gift certificates and more. You don't have to be featured to be eligible... the month you enter is the month you will be included in the draw. 

Send your name, pictures and story to:

info@appleboxboutique.com and win!

_______________________________________

We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

Reimagined Monday: Dining Room Chair Makeover

Welcome!

As the first entry into our February Reimagined Monday contest, Evelyn's dining room chair makeover is an excellent example of how to make the most of pieces you already own.

Here is Evelyn's project, in her own words:

Our old dining room chairs were still in good condition, so when we bought a new dining room suite I wanted to hang on to them as extra seating for parties.

This summer, I spotted the perfect fabric to recover the chairs with. It is Waverly’s Canton Bazaar in 100% cotton. I thought the contrast between the black material with cream highlights would look lovely with Annie Sloan’s Old Ochre Chalk Paint®. I purchased enough material so that each chair would have an unique scene on it.

Each chair was hand-painted with 3 coats of Old Ochre. Then my husband hand-applied two coats of Varathane Diamond Wood in Satin Finish for protection. The product we chose was water-based and non-yellowing.   

Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint® has very little odor, but the varathane, although water-based, is still quite strong so it must be used in a well-ventilated area.

We then used a staple gun to attach the new material to the seat covers. As the old material was still in good condition, we simply recovered over the existing material and padding.

The chairs were a lot of  work to do, but we’re very pleased with the results. 

Talk about showroom gorgeousness.  We love them, Evelyn!  Thank you for sharing your project.

What have YOU Reimagined?  

Send in your project pics and be entered to win our Reimagined Monday draw!

Reimagined Monday Draw

We would like to highlight more customer projects!  Send us your before/during/after pictures and tell us about your creative process and you'll be entered into our monthly Reimagined Monday draw.

Each month we will give away a different item like paint, brushes, books, supplies, gift certificates and more. You don't have to be featured to be eligible... the month you enter is the month you will be included in the draw. 

Send your name, pictures and story to:

info@appleboxboutique.com and win!

♥,
Apple Box Boutique

_______________________________________

We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

This Chalk Paint™ Makeover Shifts into High Gear

We hope all of our Canadian friends enjoyed Thanksgiving weekend!   

Apple Box Boutique had yesterday off to give thanks, which meant there wasn't a blog post and so no "Reimagined Monday" feature -- but since this is a favourite article for staff and followers alike, we have decided to roar into Tuesday with a reimagination that has to be seen to be believed. 

 Buckle up, everyone! This Chalk Paint™ makeover shifts into high gear! 

THIS:

... is a truck clearly made mostly of testosterone.

A scary camo-engulfed monstrosity owned by Jennifer of Metamorphose Upholstery and Furniture.  Even the bumper cover had abandoned the poor thing.

Not too many girls would venture out in such a beast.  In fact, that is exactly what Jennifer had named it.  But she is a brave gal, and a few days ago with the help of Rose of The Shabby Chicas, a wild and wonderful reimagination took place.

First, a little background -- Jennifer along with Melanie of The Hoity Toity Peacock came up with a scheme to make over "The Beast" with Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan.

I'm always talking about how it sticks to virtually everything, no prep required -- and I have bottles and plastics and metals and outdoor signs to show folks it's true!  But I have to say ... even the examples are bigger in Texas!  

It was decided the transformation would take place during The Original Round Top Antiques Fair last weekend.   What a great way to showcase Chalk Paint™!

For colour, Jennifer decided on 1 part Florence to 4 parts Old White.
 

On Saturday, without any real pomp or ceremony, she mixed two cans of Old White + half can of Florence with 1 can of water -- then, with the spirit of fun and determination driving them forward, Jennifer painted one side while Rose painted the other.

One and a half hours later and two coats painted completely with brushes (and a quart of paint to spare), the difference is stunning.

"The Beast"...

became "The Beauty"...

She needs a sturdy clear-coat and Jennifer's sister Michelle is going to bling up the bumper (I believe it was referred to as "Bedazzling"), but WOW... talk about Metamorphose!  It's no wonder that's the name of Jennifer's Houston shop.

For more on this fabulous makeover and to enter the contest to rename the new and improved 'beast', visit Metamorphose on Facebook.

Yes ma'am... that is definitely a Chalk Paint™ makeover that shifted into high gear!

♥,  
Apple Box Boutique

 
Here is how to share your reimagined paint project at On the Apple Box:

Send us a description of how you used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ to get from your vision to the reimagined piece, before and after pictures, pictures of your project in progress or a couple of it in its finished state, and you may be highlighted on our blog!

_______________________________________

We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

Reimagined Monday: Giving Adoption Hope to Sad & Lonely Kitsch

Happy Reimagined Monday, everyone!

It's Leanne here, and I am very happy to be hosting Reimagined Monday today.

Why?  Because anyone who has talked to me about Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan knows that I am super-enthusiastic about it.  I have been since the day I first tried it, long before it landed in our little Boutique.  I love it for SO many reasons... its stress-freeness (hmmm... new entry in the lea-speak dictionary), its prep-free attributes, its look, its ability to stick to -- well, pretty much everything --

In fact, I haven't found anything yet that it doesn't adhere to and improve.  Which is one of my favourite things about Chalk Paint™ and the topic of today's blog entry... Giving adoption hope to those super-shiny, startlingly unappealing and outdated ornaments that are left sad and lonely on dollar store and thrift shop shelves across the nation.

Case in point... the great bunny makeover.  The lovely and always upbeat Janet of The Empty Nest has taken a pair of rather frightening, kitschy, over-lacquered rabbit types and transformed them into stunning little antiqued cottontails that anyone would be proud to display in a coveted spot on their mantlepiece.

Without further ado... Here are excerpts from Janet's blog post about her reimagined bunnies!

"Hello my friends!

Today I want to share a little painting project I worked on over the weekend.

Last week I bought two full size porcelain rabbits at a local thrift shop." 

"I mean really...look at this little guy.....way too shiny and a little scary looking.

Who's idea was it to dress this guy up with a funky blue ribbon???"

"He is just screaming out for some magical Chalk Paint™ decorative paint from Annie Sloan."

"Did you know Chalk Paint™ would adhere to glassy porcelain?

It absolutely does!"

"Here are my bunnies..yup, there were two ugly black mottled bunnies, after two coats of Old White."

"Ok...now I have found that the secret to painting on super slick surfaces like glassy porcelain is to not try too hard.

By that I mean don't try to get full coverage all in one coat. I painted one coat of Old White, not worrying about complete coverage. Don't overwork your brushstrokes. You need to apply a light coat quickly and leave it alone!!! Like overnight leave it alone."

"THEN apply a second coat and the same technique applies.

Lay on the second coat and leave it alone to dry..don't mess with it!

The above rabbits have two full coats of Old White, over the span of two days.

DON'T RUSH THE PROCESS!!!!"

"Here are two lovely rabbits  with two coats of Old White and a coat of Step 1 of

 Annie Sloan's wonderful 

Craqueleur  Varnish Crackle.

Have I told you how much I LOVE this product??

Yeah..I pretty much LOVE IT!!!"

"Step two is now applied and depending how thickly I apply it, will determine how bigs the cracks are.

Liberally apply dark wax all over the piece and rub it into the cracks.

Voila!"

"Pick up some clear wax and wipe all over your piece 

to clean off all the residue dark wax on your piece"

This is what the final effect will be.

Beautiful crackly, crazed and antiqued gorgeousness.

Can you say 

YUM!!

"The lovely thing about Annie's crackle medium is that it doen't touch the paint, but crackles the varnish."

"So cool!

You are able to achieve an antiqued old world varnish crackle."

"Hands down my favorite product!

You can get lovely looks with this product and try to attend a local workshop for some real fun."

"Until next time....be kind and stay creative."

                                                               

Thanks Janet!

I can say that I have successfully painted fabric, plastic, metal, enamel, laminate, and more... even those weird and unknown finishes that are slicker than a greased weasel!

But for many people it has to be seen to be believed, and Janet's bunny project is a wonderful example of how loveliness can be found in all things.  Sometimes it just takes a little reimagination!

♥,  
Leanne & Apple Box Boutique
 

Here is how to share your reimagined paint project at On the Apple Box:

Send us a description of how you used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ to get from your vision to the reimagined piece, before and after pictures, pictures of your project in progress or a couple of it in its finished state, and you may be highlighted on our blog!

_______________________________________

We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog: