Hi Sweet Friends! Hope this finds you having a good day.
My continued thoughts and prayers are with those touched by the events in Boston and Texas.
Lately I have been painting more and more furniture for the shop, but never in a million years did I think about doing commission work. Well, I have just completed my first job for an interior designer who hired me to paint a pair of French chairs and a few other pieces for her clients!
My thoughts on painting…
I don't enjoy having to do a lot of prep work prior to painting a piece of furniture. The thought of stripping the old paint or varnish, sanding, wiping down, painting, sanding again, painting another coat, adding a possible sealer coat…oh my, so much work! I'm not crazy about painting walls in our home either because I'm too messy!
Mr. Heart could paint a whole room with red paint and a paint brush and when he was finished there wouldn’t be a drop of paint on his hands, the floor, or on his clothes and the paint brush would only have paint half way up the bristles with not a smudge on the handle! He's so neat!
Mr. Heart could paint a whole room with red paint and a paint brush and when he was finished there wouldn’t be a drop of paint on his hands, the floor, or on his clothes and the paint brush would only have paint half way up the bristles with not a smudge on the handle! He's so neat!
And then there’s ME, who can just open the can and by that one act will already have paint on my
hands, the brush, the floor, the bottom of my feet and the top of my head...just from opening the can! No matter how hard I try, how neat I try to be, I end up wearing the paint. It baffles me!
Which is why I am so happy chalk paint came on the scene. It requires very little prep, easy to use, and is easy to clean up. (off the brushes and off of me!) Truth is, the fun part for me is when the painting is done…over…finished! I like the finished product way more than the process of getting there, but with chalk paint I do enjoy painting more than I used to.
I am always so excited when a piece I painted sells. Makes me feel that I must have done a pretty good job for someone to buy it for their home. Guess it doesn't really matter how messy I get while painting it, just so it's pretty once finished! I was excited to be asked to paint these pieces, but I was also nervous. Here are the French chairs that were just completed…
Originally they were stained a dark wood tone. She wanted a soft off-white with just a bit of antiquing to show off the detail, and preferred no distressing…
Here we go and look…no paint on the floor! (yet)
After two coats of Old White, waxing still to come…
Once finished I was asked to send her some pictures because she was out of town, so I took them outside…
The detail shows up better in this picture. Antiqued, waxed and buffed to a shine…
There they are! I can’t wait to see which upholstery fabric is used, she’s promised to send me pictures!
How about you … do you love to paint or just glad when it’s finished?
Blessings,
Cindy
Come join AMAZE ME MONDAY this Sunday afternoon to share your vignettes, DIY, remodels, home tours, garden...however you've put you heart into your home come and share it!
Hi Cindy! Oh, look at you doing commissioned work! The chairs are beautiful and you've done a great job on them. I'm sure the lady will love them.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I want to thank you so much for featuring my home. I've tried to comment back to all who visited. I'm really so honored, Cindy, and thank you so so so much.
You are the sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Wow they turned out awesome !!! You should feel great ! Have a wonderful day
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence Cindy, I just finished my Craft room/space and I painted all the cabinets and walls too! Your french chairs, commissioned no less, looks fabulous especially under those tress! Great job, can't wait to see it with fabric too!
ReplyDeleteI get paint all over me too Cindy. You are not alone. I do love these chairs. I paint one or two pieces of furniture a year. I did just sell a coffee table I painted.
ReplyDeleteCindy-Those are amazing! LOVE the finish on them. I hope we get to see them once they are upholstered. I like to paint actually...but really LOVE seeing each project finished, too.
ReplyDeleteThey look great, Cindy. I'm sure your client is pleased. I've done commission work for many years. It can be very rewarding. I just know you'll get referrals.
ReplyDeleteI am always nervous doing custom work as well Cindy. Your chairs turned out beautifully though!:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous job you did! You must be so happy and proud! I had to laugh as I too am a messy painter. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
I'm horrid with paint. I just don't have the patience. Now show me a bird in a tree and I'll stare at it endlessly until I get a good photo. You did a fantastic job! And the tree in that last pic: it all looked like a magazine page. Pat yourself on the back. You've found your calling.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Those turned out just beautifully Cindy! Well done! :-)
ReplyDeleteVanessa
Oh my, your husband sounds like my husband and you sound like me! So funny! I went to church one Wednesday night with a turquoise stripe in my hair...
ReplyDeleteI do love to paint when I'm in the mood, but not if I'm not...when I'm in the mood I love it.
Hugs, Cindy
Painting is not my thing.... I get paint everywhere & that's before I even
ReplyDeletetake off the lid ~ Those chairs came out wonderful, when she sends you
photos of the finished project, I hope you'll share....
Cheryl
zany-mayd.blogspot.com
Love the chairs. I have two I would love painted. Want to come for a visit? lol
ReplyDeleteI love using chalk paint! Makes it so much more fun - but I do have to admit it's the finishing that is really what I love! And I'm like you - I end up wearing the paint from the minute the can is opened. It does seem like I am better with the chalk paint than I ever was with latex - wonder why that is??
ReplyDeleteI love painting furniture too, Cindy, but I am not as good. You did a great job. These chairs are gorgeous!...Christine
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteThese two look outstanding!!! Congrats on getting this job. I kinda like to paint:)
Blessings,
Linda
The chairs are wonderful, I'm not surprised someone wanted to hire you!
ReplyDeleteYou did a lovely job on the chairs, hope you will be able to share the completed project when the owner adds the fabric!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you would be hired to do some work.Excellent makeovers. I sure could use your Mr. Heart at my place.
ReplyDeleteThe chairs look just gorgeous! I love the waxed details.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the fabric.
Hugs,
Patti
Hi, Cindy! I'm visiting from Pink Saturday, and I applaud you for this kind of talent!!! I am SO impatient when it comes to painting!!! I have probably 20 pieces of furniture in my home that I would love to paint like this, but I know I could never make it through even one! :-( Thank goodness for people like you who not only have this talent but are willing and able to share it with others!!! Beautiful job!
ReplyDeleteCindy I am just like you with paint. No matter how careful I am or how hard I try. I am not a fan of painting at all but using AS paint makes me like it a little bit more. Love that stuff. The chairs are beautiful. Love the finish. Have a great week! Wanda
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy. I do like painting but like the finished product better! It's exhausting! You did a great job on the chairs. They are very beautiful. We just found you at Savvy Southern Style and have joined your lovely blog. We will be linking up to your Monday party as well! We would love it if you would would join us.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Linda at The French Hens Nest
what a pretty picture !~ super sweet French painted chairs (incredible job btw) framed by a glorious flowering tree ~ so lovely!
ReplyDelete