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Showing posts with label restore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label restore. Show all posts

July 29, 2013

Reimagined Monday: Country Grey Console Table

Who doesn't love a console table?  They fit well in most spaces and complement any room.  We've used them as sofa tables, foyer tables, hall tables and vanities. And when they are painted with Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan... well, they are just that much better!

Today's Reimagined Monday feature comes from Nancy Allen, friend and part-time buyer for Apple Box Design Studio. In Nancy's travels, she found this adorable console table and decided to give it a makeover:


This is what Nancy wrote us about her project:

"LOVE LOVE LOVE CHALK PAINT!"

"I was so anxious to get started I forgot to take a "before" picture...oops!  This picture is from auction photos as this little gem was bought at an antique and estates auction for $50....guessing it fell under the "estates" part of the auction as it was not an antique.   I was looking for a small console table for my mom's garden room and this was perfect....well, almost perfect...it still needed Annie Sloan Chalk Paint."

And this is the transformed table:

It was finished in Country Grey and lightly distressed, then buffed with clear Soft Wax.

Nancy, we all agree... you did a fabulous job!



Don't forget to enter our monthly contest for your chance to win!

Here's the info:

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 using Chalk Paint™ or Milk Paint 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 for your chance to win!

, 
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

July 22, 2013

Reimagined Monday: A Diamond in the Rough


Stop in at any thrift shop, and you will likely find at least one of those boxy, outdated end-tables that is a throw-back to the heyday of chunky, oversized furniture.  Most people would pass it by without a second glance.  Others, however, ferry it home with excitement from the aisles of Sally Ann, or from their parent's basement, or from a neighbour who is tired of looking at it or a friend who just can't use it anymore.

And what separates the passer-by from the person who sees it as a diamond in the rough?  In our world, that would be Chalk Paint™ and Milk Paint!

Today's Reimagined Monday project is the perfect example of seeing past the cosmetics, but also a lesson in how easy it is to go back and make changes if your tastes warrant it!

This was Marguerite Velthuizen's end table:


...and this is her experience:

"A few weeks ago, a friend of mine gave me some old furniture that she no longer had room for.  It had some great bones, but I wanted to give it a fresh look.  My on-line search led me to Annie Sloan chalk paint, which, in turn led me to Apple Box Boutique. There is only so much you can learn from the internet, and  I so appreciate all the helpful advice I was given by your super-friendly staff."

"For my furniture, I wanted a  look that was somewhat antiqued, to bring out the detail, but not overly distressed.  This is what I ended up doing:  I cleaned my night table with TSP, and rinsed well. I knew I wanted new hardware, so I  removed the existing hardware, and filled the holes with a wood filler. I sanded the filler flat, and wiped off the little bits of filler. I gave everything two coats of CoCo paint, using a cheap chip brush from Home Depot.  Since I wanted to minimize brush strokes in the finish, I diluted my paint; roughly 4 parts paint to 1 part water.  The paint went on beautifully, and gave great coverage."

"Next I clear-waxed everything.  I was glad to have invested in a good wax brush. I wiped off the excess wax with a lint- free cloth.  I then applied and wiped off dark wax in the same manner, and hated the dark blotchy results!  On went two more coats of paint, and one more coat of clear wax. Next I mixed my dark wax with an equal amount of clear wax, and applied it with the wax brush, immediately wiping off the excess as I went along. Much better!" 

"I found some great hardware at Home Depot, and after 24 hours, buffed the living daylights out of the cabinet.  I love how it has turned out."


The finish has a gorgeous sheen, and I have noticed it has become nice and hard over the past week or so.  I can't wait to finish the rest of the furniture!"

"Thank you so much for your help. I know I'll be back for more paint."
  

It is our pleasure, Marguerite! Thank you for sharing your fabulous project with us... we can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the pieces!

We wish Marguerite good luck in this month's Reimagined Monday Draw!


Don't forget to enter our monthly contest for your chance to win!

Here's the info:

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 using Chalk Paint™ or Milk Paint 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 for your chance to win!

, 
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

July 06, 2013

Announcing our June Reimagined Monday Draw Winner!

CONGRATULATIONS
to

Our June winner of the Reimagined Monday Draw!

Shelley won a $30 Gift Certificate
...and then bought more Chalk Paint decorative paint by Annie Sloan!
 
Don't forget to enter our monthly contest for your chance to win!

Here's the info:

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 using Chalk Paint™ or Milk Paint 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:
 
, 
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

June 24, 2013

Reimagined Monday: Three Times The Charm

We've said it before, and it never changes... one of the best things about spending time in the boutique is meeting all the fabulous folks who visit and shop with us. Folks like the trio of vivacious, fun ladies who recently stopped in to browse and ended up with (among other things) a selection of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan.

One of those ladies is Shelley Oosterhoff Holzman, who after leaving the boutique proceeded with the other lovely ladies directly to the nearest garage sale, then returned for more Chalk Paint!

It didn't take long for Shelley to whip out the brush, and finish these fantastic projects.  Without further ado... here are Shelley's reimagined pieces:


We love every one of them!

Thanks for sharing your projects, Shelley... you've been entered not once, not twice, but three times in this month's Reimagined Monday draw!

Don't forget to enter our monthly contest for your chance to win!  
Here's the info:

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 using Chalk Paint™ or Milk Paint 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:

, 
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

June 17, 2013

Reimagined Monday: TV Console Goes Green & Natural


Just over a year ago, Abi Roberts inspired many of our customers with her first ever paint project when she reimagined a french provincial cabinet she'd found on Kijiji (check it out here).  She chose to use Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan in Emperor's Silk, and explained that even she was surprised by the results of her first DIY project!

Having experienced how fun and easy Chalk Paint is, when Abi found a TV Console on Cherished Bliss that she loved it was an obvious choice to use it again for her new project.

Abi shared her latest DIY success with us and we're happy to be able to share it here with you!
 TV Console by Abi Roberts
("ASCP" is Abi's reference to Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan.)

"Although I'm not handy I was pretty confident that I could do this console. I knew the painting part was going to be pretty because I was going to use ASCP. I bought the chest of drawers on Kijiji. 
 I painted the whole thing in Olive green and was pretty satisfied with the results. Painting with ASCP meant I was finished in no time at all.
Then I thought I'm going to do something a little fancy. I was going to put a stain on the top. This is where the hard work came sanding, striping, and staining the top took a few days. It was also very messy.
For the final finishing touches I changed the drawer handles. I then took out the top two drawers and I asked my handyman to build a sliding top shelf to hold my electronics. He also drilled a small hole in the back to pass cords through. 

 All in all, I love my new console. It has the character and the pop of colour that I needed for my living room. If it wasn't for ASCP I would not of attempted such a project. I'm happy that I didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars for a new piece of furniture and I have a piece that I personally created.

We love it, Abi... it's definitely a one-of-a-kind piece
(and a big savings).

Thanks for sharing!
Don't forget to enter our monthly contest for your chance to win!  
Here's the info:

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 using Chalk Paint™ or Milk Paint 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:

, 
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

February 27, 2013

New Arrival: Miss Mustard Seed's Book, "Inspired You!"

Some girls get giddy over a new pair of shoes. Marian Parsons gets giddy over room makeovers. With a lot of ingenuity, a little bit of effort, and a tight budget, she has transformed her home into a beautiful space and filled her heart with a lot more contentment. Thousands have found inspiration at Marian’s blog, missmustardseed.com, and now she shares dozens of new projects, ideas, and DIY adventures in the pages of Inspired You.

Marian will remind you that homes don’t have to be magazine material to be special, comfortable, and inviting. The goal you’re working toward is home. Not a perfect home. Not an “impress the neighbors” home. Just home—one whose walls and rooms tell the story of the family who lives there. Beautiful homes start with inspiration and a willingness to try. So uncover your God-given creativity. Be encouraged, be willing, and be inspired.

Follow this blog to win your copy!

In two weeks, we will draw randomly from all of our blog followers.  Watch for your name and contact us within 48 hours to receive your book!

Like us and tell us on our Facebook page that you're a follower of our blog, and receive two more entries to WIN.

,
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

February 06, 2013

New Chalk Paint® Workshops have been scheduled!


This February...

Chalk It Up To Fabulous Workshop

This is the Chalk Paint® class everyone has been asking about!  Spend an afternoon reimagining your small furniture or home decor item.

Learn application techniques, distressing techniques and the how-tos of finishing using Soft Wax.  Then apply your new skills and reimagine your own piece, with expert guidance on hand.

Includes paint, finishes and all painting supplies for use during class. 
Lunch and beverages are provided.


People Are Chalking Workshop

This ‘jump-start’ Chalk Paint® workshop covers everything you need to know about Annie Sloan paints and waxes.  Learn application techniques such as washes, dry brush and layering, different distressing techniques and finally the how-tos of finishing and antiquing using Soft Wax. 

You will leave with the enthusiasm and expertise to go home and reimagine a piece of furniture with confidence.

Includes all materials, paints and finishes for use during class. 
Snacks and beverages are provided.


To register or learn more, visit our CHALK PAINT® WORKSHOPS page at www.appleboxboutique.com

We’re looking forward to seeing you in class!

,
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog: 

July 17, 2012

Get Creating with Annie Sloan Paint Books and Classes

At the boutique we do our best to share what we know about painting with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, but it is also really helpful to have step-by-step instructions and detailed pictures... which is why we keep Annie Sloan books on hand.

Quick and Easy Paint Transformations: 50 Step-by-step Ways to Makeover Your Home for Next to Nothing
Author: Annie Sloan

With this book in one hand and a brush in the other, you can learn how to create different finishes and effects with paint to change everyday rooms and furnishings into something special, all for the price of a pot of paint. The first section of the book tells you everything you need to know before you start - how to prepare surfaces properly, choose the right paint for the right place, use the best tools and select a colour scheme that will work with the room in question. Then, the 50 different techniques are divided into nine sections: colour washing; distressing and aging; fabric effects; wood effects; stone effects; metallic effects; stencilling and printing; stripes, checks, and spots; and, varnishing and glazing. 

There are step-by-step photos showing how to achieve the finished look, backed up by inspirational photos showing the effect used on walls and doors, furniture and floors. Learn how to bring old second-hand furniture bang up to date, or how to give modern pieces a softly aged appearance, as well as ways to treat and transform floorboards, doors and plastered walls, all with the aid of a pot of paint and a brush. Whatever the style of your interiors, "Quick and Easy Paint Transformations" will show you the best way to makeover your home.

Creating the French Look
Author: Annie Sloan

The French interior evokes a way of life to aspire to, with its good food, unhurried pace and, above all, its past for which many people feel nostalgia. Developed over hundreds of years, the French look reflects all tastes, from the cultivated grandeur of the chateau to the simplicity of rural living, and can be adapted to every home, including the Mediterranean style villa and elegant town house. In this book, the look is divided into 'Chateau', 'Country', 'Provencial' and 'Parisian style', and applied to living room, kitchen and dining room, bedroom and bathroom, and to living space in the garden.

As well as describing each overall look, focusing on colours and fabrics, Annie Sloan emphasizes the details and accents required by each one, and, aided by 25 clearly explained step-by-step projects, shows how to achieve it. Among other things, she explains how to paint and distress furniture, and describes how to cover an armoire door with embroidered voile. Whatever interior you desire, this book will guide your choices from the grand statement of the painted armoire to the finishing touch of a little posy of lavender.

Annie Sloan Paint Classes

Picture

We will also be offering Annie Sloan paint classes if hands-on learning is more your style.  And when you register, you can save money by using our coupon code: APPLEWatch On The Apple Box  for news on upcoming class dates, or visit the ASCP Classes page on our website to request email notifications.
Whether you feel you need a little how-to info or a lot of applied assistance, we want to help you feel comfortable and prepared to take on your summer DIY painting projects and more!

,
Apple Box Boutique
_______________________________________
We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

June 18, 2012

Reimagined Monday: Distressing... But In A Good Way!

Anyone who knows the folks at Apple Box Boutique also knows we LUV us a good laugh... even a cheap, slapstick, falling down on the job chortle will suffice but rest assured, laughing is a priority.  If you feel that way too, then you will love reading Dream Home DIY, a blog written by Michelle about her and her husband Justin's home reno trials and tribulations.

They are wacky and fun, and manage to make do-overs feel okay as they DIY their way to their vision for their newish abode.  Following is Michelle's first attempt at painting with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and Justin's reaction to said project.  Enjoy!

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Transformations

"Annie Sloan chalk paint is literally EVERYWHERE right now;
So naturally Ive been dying to try my hand at it.

No priming, no prep sanding, limitless color mixing options, amazing distressing ability, low VOCs, easy cleanup...
And it can be used on furniture, floors, cabinets, walls...
Applied both indoors and outdoors...
On metal, wood, brick, concrete...
Are you serious?  Where have you been all my life?? 
Just stop for a second and imagine the possibilities.

Well, a few weeks ago we spoke with Miss Patty Seaman from Classic Wall Finishes to get a bit more info on the product and after chatting with her, we knew it was a perfect fit for our home.
She is a HUGE wealth of knowledge and was oh so excited to talk about the paint.  I really loved that.  Not to mention she used to live in Virgina, so of course I immediately felt a bond with her.
Paris Gray, Louis Blue and Old White seemed like wonderful colors for us to start with so that's what we got.


Now Ive had an idea for a display piece on our new stenciled walls swirling around in my head for a bit.
Enter our $6.75 Goodwill find
(and some rough cut lumber.  But more on that later)

Because the look we were striving for was a layered, weathered over time vibe
I painted a first coat of Paris Gray right over the dark stained mirror.

Next, a coat of Old White was applied directly on top.
I was able to do this within 20 minutes as the first coat had already dried.
Uh.Mazing.

A thin application of the Annie Sloan wax (allow to completely dry) and a bit of distressing with fine grit sandpaper...
We're in love.
In fact, Justin walked through the door and Mr. I Never Get Excited stated:
"Holy beep.  That paint is the beep"
Yeah.  It's that good


When distressing traditional latex paints, they tend to roll off.
Chalk paint wears off.
And that makes a huge difference.

Now to flank either side of the mirror, we wanted a distressed piece of white washed old lumber and I thought this would be the perfect time to try out another technique.
White washing

Note- This was "new" rough cut lumber when we received it. 
We set them out in the driveway for about 3-4 months.
Mother Nature did the rest.

Dilute a bit of paint with a small amount of water and lightly drag your brush along the grain of your lumber.

Next, with a bit of patience, we hung everything in place on our pretty stenciled wall...
Voila!"


Update - The fork and spoon were purchased from Pier 1





We think it turned out (as Michelle puts it) Uh.Mazing.  Thanks for sharing your ASCP projects, Michelle!

,
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!


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We'd LOVE it if you shared our blog:

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