Saturday, April 12, 2014

Help for your painted furniture projects


Hi, I'm back and hoping to be a bit more consistent here!! Thanks to those of you who noticed that I've not been blogging much these last few weeks and contacted me. I really appreciate hearing from you. I've still been working and painting - updating Instagram and Facebook. Both those social media forums seem much more connective than blogging - so few people leave comments here these days but there's lots of interaction on those channels.  Is blogging passe these days?


Last week I received a lovely email that reminded me that all the effort I put into maintaining this blog is worthwhile. 

Kelly wrote:

Hi Fiona

I have been reading your blog for a while and want to thank you for your generous tutorials and information.  I recently painted an old chest of (orange) pine drawers for my niece - they were actually mine when I was growing up.  I followed all your advice, instructions and recommendations from start to finish even when the guys at Bunnings tried to talk me out of it and it came up perfectly.  There is quite a lot of pressure when you are doing something like this for someone else.  My sister and niece love it and it was nice to know that something from my childhood will be used for hers.  It is by no means a family heirloom or beautiful antique piece but still a nice feeling.  

It is hard when you are looking for advice/direction as most of the diy bloggers are in the US and the products are not available here or really really expensive - I genuinely believe that you offer the best advice in Australia and I know that I have really appeciated it.  I am sure I am not the only one.

Thanks again.  I look forward to continuing to read about your work.

Cheers


Kelly


I love hearing that I've inspired someone to pick up a paint brush and transform a piece of old furniture into something beautiful again. 

If you want some help with painting furniture or solving paint problems then these tutorials below might help you.







and this post is always popular as lots of people don't want a shabby chic look but want to use ASCP Chalk Paint or other brands. 


Here's a lovely comment about this post.

"After trawling the net and watching you tube videos researching Annie Sloan and home made chalk paints, I had all but changed my mind on using it it - after seeing several pieces of furniture on you tube ending up looking like my grandchildren had already been using them as climbing frames the whole "shabby" thing really put me off.

I'm painting my bedroom wardrobe and dressing table BECAUSE they look shabby and I want them to be clean and bright and new! However your page has convinced me to buy a tin tomorrow. I hope my furniture will look as pristine (at least for a while) as yours does. No doubt it will not be long before they do begin to look like everything else in my house - including myself ie both shabby and distressed. Thanks for your great advice and by the way I think Annie owes you a few complimentary tins of paint for promoting her great product in the way that the vast majority of people will actually want to use it!"


Hope you have a lovely weekend.

I'd love to hear what you are up to and if you are painting anything today

Fiona


13 comments:

  1. I've wondered where you've been Fiona. Thank you so much for all your fantastic advice on painting furniture. I have heeded your wise words on preparation prior to picking up a paintbrush and this tip has repaid my efforts. Although I'm fairly new to furniture painting, my admirers ( okay my husband and the kids) are pretty impressed. Any tips on how to keep most of the paint on the furniture rather than on my clothes?

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    1. hi Tina - I've just been working really hard - lots of painting, school stuff and business consulting work - it's a juggle but lucky that i love it. Glad I've been able to help you with your painting. Positive feedback from husbands and kids is the best to receive!
      I am always covered in paint so can't help you there~! LOL
      Fiona x

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  2. I love all your painted pieces and your advise. I personally don't like facebook because in my small town there's too much drama. I actually deactivated my account and opened one simple for my business. Please keep blogging. We love your ideas and I love the stories about your children too!

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    1. Thanks so much for the lovely feedback. I grew up in a small town and know exactly what you mean! Everybody knows everybodies’ business. Have a lovely weekend, Fiona

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  3. I haven't had good Internet or wifi for awhile now so reading a blog takes forever. FB or IG are much easier to get that instant gratification, but I still love reading blogs when I can. Especially yours :)

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    1. Thanks Alison. You definitely need the NBN then don’t you! I agree about the instant gratification of IG and FB – much easier to comment and interact. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Fiona x

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  4. ohhhhh, i am enchanted by photos of paintbrushes so you have succeeded beautifully! painting furniture is one of the best therapies i know.

    michele

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    1. hi Michele - yes so therapeutic - it only rarely feels like work!
      hope you are going well, Fiona x

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  5. You always have great tutorials. Love to read and learn. Hugs, marty

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  6. I hear you about the comments! Although it looks like you have a fair number here :)

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    1. hi Nat
      thanks , blogging is so up and down sometimes isn't it. hard to maintain the momentum when life gets busier.
      hope you are well
      Fiona

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  7. The furniture is looking really beautiful.

    I would like to inform that I too have recently came across a site called animadomus who is providing different types of high-end contemporary Italian home furniture from past 14 years to create a great ambiance to home or office.
    AnimaDomus Furniture Warehouse In Aventura

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Thanks for taking the time to comment! Sorry if you have trouble commenting, you can always email me at lilyfieldlife@bigpond.com