In life you often come across people who are extremely crafty. You know what kind of people I'm talking about; they see a duvet cover they like and decide to replicate it, they make a homemade shadow box for a loved one, they build a bookcase because they have all the materials and the inspiration. Well, I am not one of those people.
My entire life I've watched others wield this profound ability to make something out of nothing; seeing the end result before even beginning. Meanwhile, I'm huddled in the corner, frustrated with my awkward attempt to cut shapes out of paper or make a scrapbook. My only knack has been the task of doodling cartoon characters, which—let's face it—really isn't crafty at all.
After many years of searching for a creative craft outlet that I not only enjoy but do well, I finally found my niche in the act of painting furniture.
I worked tirelessly to get them ready in time for my move back to school. That meant navigating the typical rainy summer by working in the damp garage to ensure I avoided fumes and the paint dried in time. In the end, I carted one large wardrobe—finished in a white paint, with new brass knobs and a few antiqued edges—and a vanity table I painted bright turquoise. (I also got a piece of glass cut and fitted to the top of the table as a fun way to display keepsakes.)
For many years, that turquoise table suited my style. I was a college kid who liked bright colors to contrast with the very white walls of college apartments.
Over the past couple of years, however, my tastes matured, my bedding changed to something more grown up and I acquired sophisticated pieces of furniture. The turquoise table had to go. Since then, it's been collecting dust in storage. I've missed having the table at my disposal, but I had no way of changing the turquoise—especially during this cold, wet winter where painting in the uninsulated garage (or outside) just isn't an option.
And then I heard about this really neat new way to paint furniture. Instead of using regular paints that have fumes and take forever to dry, you can use chalk paint. Not to be confused with the chalk painting that has taken over Pinterest, this method is fume free, safe to use inside and uses a wax as a top coat to seal the color and protect the wood. All you need to get started (other than the paint) is a drop cloth, a paintbrush and a few rags.
Here's How to Do It:
Note: If you give this method a try, I recommend buying the original Annie Sloan product. I know someone who bought an off-brand and instead of covering her furniture like a paint, it looked more like a colored stain. The off-brand also used way more product to sink in, while a little of Annie Sloan's paint goes a long way.