Adventures in using chalk paint

A few months ago I was browsing in Ikea, trying my hardest not to buy anything I didn't really need. But Ikea being the sneaky little minx she is, tempted me with the wooden drawer unit pictured above (along with a few picture frames, a couple of latte cups, a vanilla candle or two & the obligatory bag of tea lights!)

I had a vague idea of painting the drawers, then whilst visiting the lovely shop Tiger, I bought some little  decorative knobs with the bright idea of adding them to the drawer fronts. Unfortunately I'd forgotten about the cut out section on each drawer. 

Lets just say that the knobs looked pretty stupid next to the cut out section. Hmmmm, back to the drawing board.

One day, whilst washing up, I had a lightbulb moment. Leaving the washing up half done, I rushed to the drawer unit & pulled out one of the drawers to find that the back of the drawer was a solid piece, perfect!!

We (by using the term 'We', I mean the Hubby) then proceeded to drill a little hole in the centre of the back of each drawer.

Once all the holes had been drilled, me & a can of Annie Sloan 'Old White' got busy!!

Now I've used Annie Sloan before & whilst I loved the ease of use (no sanding or priming etc), I didn't seem to achieve the smooth finish I'd hoped for. 

This tin of paint had so far painted my dresser, a small side table & a chair, so it was just the dregs in the bottom that I was left with to paint with. I wasn't too sure it was going to give me enough coverage until I noticed on the back of the tin that this paint could be watered down. So I added a small amount of water & mixed well, then slapped the paint on. The coverage was brilliant, even better after a slight sanding, how had I not realised this before *smacks head against wall!!* 

I'm not too keen on the chalky feel of furniture painted with chalk paint, but you don't seem to get this when the paint is watered down. I still need to varnish or wax the unit, but for now.......

Ta Dah!!!!!!!!

Since these photos were taken, I have switched the knobs about. But I have to admit, I'm loving how well it turned out!! It sits on 'That Counter' in the kitchen, the one that everything including the kitchen sink gets dumped on, & so far, it's doing a great job keeping the side uncluttered & tidy. 

Now I just need to get around to painting the 4 chairs that are stored in the conservatory, I'm thinking of painting them in different pastel tones.

Have you used chalk paint? What did you think about it? Any hints or tips?

Xxx

This week.....

Has been a week where nothing has gone to plan.

All 3 kids were due to be in school full time this week. For the first time in 11 years, I wouldn't have a child at home with me for at least part of the day. It's something I have to admit that I was not looking forward to.  Whilst I love watching my girls grow up, & become individuals in their own right, I'm not dealing very well with the fact I won't be having anymore babies. People told me to enjoy having 'Me' time (what's that?), enjoy having time to craft, bake & take bubble baths in the day. My Hubby has been encouraging me to finally take the leap & start making things to sell. (It's a dream of mine to have my own little business, but taking the steps to realise that dream is pretty terrifying!)

So I was slightly dreading this week. I thought I'd ease myself in by just concentrating on a bit of housework, some baking & getting around to finishing a CK inspired quilt (the top has been assembled for ages!!) It was starting to sound like a pretty good week to me.

But Monday rolled around, & involved my eldest daughter being sick off school. No crafting or baking took place as she needed looking after ( I'm not complaining about looking after her, it was nice to have that time together). So my plans were postponed till Tuesday. 

Then Tuesday involved a emergency doctors appointment for my middle daughter, & picking eldest daughter up early from school as she was feeling poorly again. Plans postponed again.

This morning, I woke up to all 3 girls feeling poorly. Autumn has definitely arrived here, not only has it brought the cold, darker mornings & evenings & a fair bit of rain, it's also brought a bunch of nasty colds. So today I'm in full Mum mode, to 3 poorly girls home sick from school. I'm not holding out much hope for the rest of the week being easier, tomorrow is full of hospitals appointments for middle daughter, Friday will be spent grocery shopping & doing housework. Maybe this is life's way of helping me cope with the kids going off to school, as I'm sure I will appreciate a bit of peace & quiet & routine next week lol!

& because no post is complete without a photo

I wish we were back on the beach.

Hope you are having a good week.

Xxx

Prototype Ta Dah!!!

I made a needle book.

Well it looked better in my head but for a first attempt I guess it's ok.

I know what I will do differently next time.

But it will do me for now.

My stitching is a bit dodgy ( my machine needs a good clean, that's a job for the weekend) & the corners are a complete mess. It's been so long since I've sewn & it shows. But I've needed a needle book for ages & I've finally got around to it.

& I even made a space for my scissors.

Definitely need more practice, the one in my head had neater stitcher & corners lol.

But hey, practice makes perfect right?

Xxx

It's Friday!

The weekend is almost here, yippee! Hoping for a relaxing weekend at home (well as relaxing as it gets with 3 kids, the hubby, a cat & a dog, plus housework & washing!)

Big change in the weather today, yesterday was 27 degrees & blistering sunshine. Today it's 14 degrees, grey, miserable & threatening to rain. That seems to be the forecast for the weekend too. Perfect excuse to stay home I think. It's the last day home with my youngest before she goes back to school on Monday. So far today we've done the school run, gone for a walk & played on the iPad. She is now happily playing with Lego & I'm going to play here!

The weather seemed the perfect excuse to put on the fairy lights, I might even light my scented candles too.

Fingers crossed I will have a Ta Dah post for you later!

Hope you get some playtime today too?!

Xxx

The one where we went on holiday

We just spent an amazing week by the beach in Southern Ireland. 

The weather was gorgeous.

Couldn't keep the kids out of the sea!!

It was so relaxing & so needed.

Unfortunately it was over too soon, & we can home to a broken washing machine, broken dishwasher & the kids going back to school.

The summer was a good one, but over too soon.

But it's not all bad. There's a hint of autumn in the air (my favourite season) & I've got a few plans up my sleeve which shall be revealed very soon. 

Xxx