Upholstery & Soft Furnishings / Tapisserie et Ameublement

Hello fans and followers of The Bohemians boutique in Brantôme, southwest France! I am so pleased to let you know that we are now offering expanded home décor services.  Since becoming a stockist of the one-of-a-kind Chalk Paint™, decorative paint by Annie Sloan ... demand for additional products and services has grown. We now offer the complete line of Annie Sloan's fabrics, selected to compliment her range of colors.  These are available to order by the meter. We also have other fabrics available and can even source what you are dreaming of for your new project.

If you have furniture in need of reupholstering, Kim will work with you to select colors, fabrics and finalize the design scheme which will then be rendered by a professional upholsterer. We can also create cushions, slipcovers, curtains ... and of course, repaint your furniture to bring it back to life.

If you prefer to get your hands dirty, Kim offers workshops on painting techniques for getting the most out of your Chalk Paint™ and expressing your vision on your next project. Check the Annie Sloan tab on our site for dates and info.

Contact us at info@thebohemians.fr with your questions or project request! We love helping transform your design vision into reality!

~ check back soon to see the final transformation of these cool chairs ~

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Bonjour à tous les amis de The Bohemians boutique à Brantôme, sud-ouest de France! Nous sommes ravi d'annonce que maintenant, nous vous proposons les services design pour votre maison.

Avec notre commencement de la peinture Chalk Paint™ par Annie Sloan, nos clients a demandé pour plusieurs services d'ameublement. Nous vous offrons la gamme des tissus d'Annie Sloan, choisi particulièrement à correspondent avec la peinture. Vous pouvez le commander par la metre. Egalement, nous avons autre tissus et nous cherchons pour vous si vous besoin. 

Nous vous proposons aussi le tapisserie, ameublement et le service de design pour vos projets. Si vous préférez, nous avons les ateliers ou vous pouvez apprendre un range des styles pour la peinture.

N'hesitez pas à nous contactez pour plusieurs informations à info@thebohemians.fr. Nous restons à votre disposition!

Horaires de fin d'année / Holiday Hours

Nous Vous Souhaitons un Joyeux Noël et 

une bonne année 2015!

Nous vous remercions pour votre soutien en 2014

Horaires de la semaine 21 Decembre:

Dimanche: 14:30 - 17:30

Lundi et Mardi: 10:30 - 12:30 et 14:30 - 18:00; 

FERMES MERCREDI 24 DECEMBRE AU 1er JANVIER, 

REOUVERTURE VENDREDI 2 JANVIER, 2015 @ 10:30!

Aussi, nous avons étendu notre week-end promo! 

-50%: Vetements Vintage

-30%: Vetements Neuf 

-10%: Produits d'Annie Sloan (sauf tissus)

We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas and a 

Wonderful New Year 2015!

thank you for all of your support in 2014

Holiday Hours the week of December 21, 2014: 

Sunday: 14:30 - 17:30

Monday & Tuesday: 10:30 - 12:30 and 14:30-18:00

CLOSED December 24th through January 1st, 

REOPENING Friday January 2, 2015 at 10:30.

Also, we have extended our week-end sale!

-50% on Vintage clothes

-30% on New clothes

-10% on Annie Sloan products (except fabric)

We're closed 3 Sep through 10 Sep, 2014

Chers clients, The Bohemians seraient fermer mercredi, 3 septembre jusqu'a mercredi, 10 septembre; reouverture 11 septembre. Kim sera en formation avec Annie Sloan à Oxford et de ramener de nouvelles techniques pour les prochains cours chez The Bohemians! également, un peu de la chasse pour le belle vintage à Paris  Si vous avez besoin de la peinture, venez ce week-end ou faire un RDV pour lundi, mardi prochain: info@thebohemians.fr

Dear clients, The Bohemians will be closed wednesday, 3 Sep through wednesday, 10 Sep; reopening on Thursday 11 Sep. Kim will be in training with Annie Sloan in Oxford and coming back with new techniques for future workshops at the shop!! Also, a little treasure hunting for vintage in Paris ... le sigh. If you need paint, come by this week-end or make an app't for monday, tuesdays: info@thebohemians.fr

Danish Modern Vinyl in Chalk Paint™

Il n'est pas mon premier projet où j'ai peint vinyle. Il ya 2 années j'ai fait ce 4 chaises de cuisine avec un bleu marine et noir.  Je les aime encore. Ils étaient peint avec acrylique mat et après, vernis brillant. Les sieges sont vinyle avec les clues en laiton. J'ai utilisé 2 couches de la peinture et le vernis.  2 ans plus tard, il ya quelques fissures, mais pas comme le cuir (qui je pense va passer avec Chalk Paint™ également, mais plus comme le cuir.) J'ai toujours voulu faire une autre projet en vinyle.

This isn’t my first project painting vinyl, 2 years ago I painted these mismatched dining chairs (there were actually 4 chairs) in a strong royal blue and black theme.  I loved them then and still do!  These chairs were painted in flat matte acrylic paint and then varnished in a high gloss.  The seats were vinyl with brass nail heads.  I painted them all with a couple of coats (both paint and varnish). Two years later, a couple of the seats have begun to crack a bit and are missing some spots of paint through heavy use.  I wouldn’t say the cracking exactly mirrors what happens to leather (as I have been told you might expect with aging Chalk Paint™ on vinyl). I have always wanted to do another project painting vinyl.

 Récemment, j'ai acheté 6 chaises dans le style Danois modern. Ils étaient dans un état excellente sauf que le vinyle était une couleur moche et un peu sale. Encore, le bois était abimé et âgée.

Déja, j'ai un placard dans le meme style avec les pieds avec un forme Scandinave moderne.  J'ai l'envie a les faire avec les pastels très clair et moderne. J'ai décidé à incorporé la meme theme avec les chaises et, avec la chance, je vais trouver une table qui va completer l'ensemble.

Après avoir lu un peu sur les projets en tapisserie et vinyle avec Chalk Paint™, j'avais hâte d'y aller. 

Ici sont mes étapes et observations: 

Un simple coup sur le vinyle, juste pour voir si elle serait de nettoyer mieux et me convaincre de le laisser seul. Mais Non!!!

  Recently I picked up 6 danish modern chairs in excellent condition except that the textured vinyl in beige with brownish undertones was looking rather sad and dirty as well as the brown varnish being scratched and dated. 

I already had a side cabinet with legs that has similar modern Scandinavian lines that I had been itching to do with clean pastels in a color block style.  I decided to incorporate the same color scheme into the chair set and hopefully I will also come across a table that will complete the group.

Having read a bit on painting upholstery and vinyl with Chalk Paint™, I was eager to get going.  

Here were my steps and observations:

A quick wipe down on the vinyl just to see if it would clean up any better and convince me to leave it alone. Not!!!!!!!

Sélectionner les couleurs et le mélange de la peinture. Chalk Paint™ par Annie Sloan en "Antoinette" était parfait pour la rose j'ai voulu donc j'ai lui appliqué directement de le pot. J'ai voulu 3 couleurs en pastel car comme ça je peux avoir 2 chaises par couleur. Puis, j'ai décidé jaune et bleu avec la rose. J'ai fait un mélange unique pour la jaune (50:50 "English Yellow" et "Old White" Chalk Paint™) et les résultats m'a plait. Pour le bleu, mon but était un aqua pale mais un peu plus bleu. J'ai mélangé "Old White", "Provence" et "Louis Blue" (proportions 50:40:10). Pour achèvé mon vision d'un style "color Block" - j'ai fait les 2 pieds en avant en blanche ("Old White").

       Color selection and mixing. Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan in Antoinette was perfect for the pink I wanted and I used it straight out of the can.  I knew I wanted 3 pastel shades so I could do 2 chairs per … and decided on yellow and blue.  I mixed English Yellow and Old White Chalk Paint™ 50/50 and was happy with the result.  For the blue, I wanted something near pale aqua but a little more blue; so my ratios were roughly 50:40:10 of Old White, Provence and Louis Blue.  To achieve a style that integrates with my color block vision for the cupboard, I decided to do the front legs in Old White which also brings focus the the metal detail on these 2 legs.

Honnêtement, la peinture des chaises a pris beaucoup plus de temps que ce que j'imaginais. La surface est texturée et la couture étaient sale, donc il faut utiliser 3 couches de peinture et d'attendre que chaque couche sécher (très important). En outre, la forme unique du bois sur les chaises a créé le besoin de plus d'attention que d'habitude.

    Honestly, the painting of the chairs has taken quite a bit longer than anticipated.  The textured surface of the vinyl and the soiled stitching meant I needed 3 coats to get the coverage I wanted.  I have been careful to thoroughly dry each coat before reapplying. Also, the detail on the wood (cross hatched pieces underneath) along with my choice of where to the apply the paint meant going over several bits with an small artists’ brush to get coverage on all the areas.

Le cirage créé une transformation qui a dépassé mes attentes. J'ai appliqué 2 couches de cire avec une brosse d'Annie Sloan qui, en raison de la forme pointue, m'a permis d'obtenir la cire uniformément répartie dans la finition texturée. J'ai permis à chaque couche sécher pendant la nuit. Après le meulage, la finition est incroyable! Doux et souple, il ne se sent vraiment comme le cuir comme tous les autres projets similaires que j'ai lus sur dit. Juste Wow! Quelques clients qui ont traversé ont été tout aussi impressionné par le résultat.

        Waxing created a transformation that has far exceeded my expectations.  I have applied 2 coats of wax with an Annie Sloan Wax Brush which, because of the pointed shape, allowed me to get the wax evenly distributed in the grooves of the textured finish.  I allowed each coat to dry overnight. After buffing, the finish is amazing! Soft and supple, it truly does feel like leather as all the other similar projects that I have read about stated.  Just Wow!  A few clients who have passed through have been equally impressed with the result.

Je regrette que je n'ai pas utilisé une brosse acrylique sur le bois - en particulier les jambes blanches avant que je ne l'ai pas réalisé comme plat que je le voudrais pour ces pièces modernes. Je suis encore en train de décider si je veux repeindre les pieds blanches (ou au moins les fronts) pour les lisser davantage. 

      Je suis excité pour commencer sur l'armoire (brosse acrylique bièn sûr!) Et créer le <> en totale. Voici une photo avant de cette pièce, avec plus de suivre sur ce projet. Je souhaites la même palette en pastel avec une approche de <>. N'hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire ou envoyez-moi directement si vous avez des questions concernant le processus.

         I do regret not using an acrylic brush on the wood areas – particularly the front white legs as I haven’t achieved as flat of a look as I’d like for these modern pieces.  I am still trying to decide if I want to repaint the white legs (or at least the fronts) to smooth them out further.

I can’t wait to get started on the cupboard (acrylic brush for sure!) and bring the look together.  Here is a before picture of that piece, with more to follow on this project.  I am going for the same 3 pastel palette with a color block approach. Feel free to leave a comment or email me directly if you have any questions regarding the process.

Les Ateliérs d'Annie Sloan / Annie Sloan Workshops

The Bohemians à Brantôme, revendeur officiel de Chalk Paint™ une peinture décorative par Annie Sloan, est heureux d'annoncer que nous offrirons des ateliers sur les techniques de peinture les mardis à partir de 22 Juillet, 2014.

Mardi, 22 Juillet, 2014 10h00-13h00
Chalk Paint™ essentiels
Pendant les 3 heures, vous apprendrez quelques techniques distinctes pour Chalk Paint™ qui sont très utile avec tous vos projets de peinture, également des conseils pratiques pour obtenir le meilleur résultats. Nous travaillerons sur les échantillons en bois qui sera le votre. Tous les matériaux nécessaires et des rafraîchissements légers sont inclus dans le prix de cours de 45 € (Juillet Offre spéciale de lancement, le tarif d'atelier est de 60 € ). En plus, recevrez un reduction de 10% pour les produits Annie Sloan achetés le jour de l'atelier.

Mardi, 29 Juillet, 2014 10h00-13h00
Chalk Paint ™ essentiels, deuxième partie
Continuez votre voyage de Chalk Paint™ avec cet atelier de 3 heures où vous pourrez apprendre et pratiquer les techniques de dorure, pochoir et le découpage, et plein d'autre conseil. Nous travaillerons sur les échantillons en bois qui sera le votre. Tous les matériaux nécessaires et des rafraîchissements légers sont inclus dans le prix de cours de 55€ (Juillet Offre spéciale de lancement, le tarif d'atelier est de 70 € ). En plus, recevrez un reduction de 10% pour les produits Annie Sloan achetés le jour de l'atelier.

Tous les cours se déroule à:
The Bohemians
20, av du docteur Devillard
24310 Brantôme

Pour réserver votre place, email info@thebohemians.fr ou par téléphone: 0609.712.931.

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The Bohemians in Brantôme, official stockist of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan, is pleased to announce we will be offering workshops on painting techniques Tuesdays, starting in July.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014. 10:00 - 13:00
Chalk Paint™ Essentials 

During this 3 hour workshop, you will learn three separate techniques for using Chalk Paint™ with all of your painting projects, plus advice and practical tips for achieving the best result with your paint. Each student will have hands-on practice of the techniques using a board which is theirs to keep. All necessary materials and light refreshments are included in the course price of 45€ (Special July intro rate, normal workshop fee is 60€). All students will receive a special 10% discount for Annie Sloan products purchased the day of the class.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014. 10:00 - 13:00
Chalk Paint™ Essentials - Part 2

Continue your journey using Chalk Paint™ with this 3 hour workshop where you will learn and practice the techniques of gilding, stencilling, crackle technique and decoupage .. and plenty of other tips! Each student will have hands-on practice of the techniques using a board which is theirs to keep. All necessary materials and light refreshments are included in the course price of 55€ (Special July intro rate, normal workshop fee is 70€). All students will receive a special 10% discount for Annie Sloan products purchased the day of the class.

The workshops will take place at the shop:

The Bohemians
20, av du docteur Devillard
24310 Brantôme

To reserve a place, email info@thebohemians.fr or call Kimberlee at 0609.712.931.

Revendeur de Chalk Paint™, une peinture décorative par Annie Sloan ... Stockist of Chalk Paint™, decorative paint by Annie Sloan

Nous sommes ravis d'annoncer que nous vendons maintenant Chalk Paint™, une peinture décorative par Annie Sloan dans la boutique (et bientôt en ligne). Vous trouverez la gamme complète de couleurs à la fois 100ml et pots d'un litre. Nous offrons également des cires et des pinceaux, et une sélection de magnifiques livres de design d'Annie Sloan (en français).

"Annie Sloan est non seulement une légende dans le monde de la peinture décorative mais elle en est aussi l'un des experts mondiaux les plus connus". - Recettes de couleurs

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We are delighted to announce that we are now offering Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan at The Bohemians (and soon online as well).  You will find the full range of colors in both 100ml and 1 liter pots. We also have waxes, brushes and a selection of Annie's marvelous design books.

"Annie Sloan is one of the world's most respected experts in the field of decorative painting. She has written over 10 books and has featured prominently on PBS and HGTV."

In the coming weeks, we will share more information on products and upcoming workshops to be offered in our shop in Brantôme.

2014!

Il me semble il était trop long depuis nous avons partagé quelque mots ici ... mais avec tous les formes de média (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, tumblr, flicker, etc etc) il est dûr!  Je me trouve plus à Facebook que le reste, particulièrement pour The Bohemians.

Mais bon, il faut que j'utilise cet endroit aussi ... un ans sans nouvelles n'est pas correct!

Je suis heureuse pour la nouvelle saison! nouvelle ans, nouvelle direction! J'ai décidé à réduit un peu les vêtements et continuer dans une direction qui me plait beaucoup ... mes meubles, la déco et les choses fait main par les artistes de la région.

Bien sûr, je vais continuer d'offre les jolis truc de La Fiancée du Mékong, mes jeans Vintage, un plus petite collection des robes et Vestes Vintage.  Mais, pas la même quantité des vêtements Vintage.  Ca prends beaucoup de temps de les cherche, plus et plus difficile à trouver les chose qui j'aime.  Heureusement, ils sont plus et plus des boutiques Vintage dans la region qui je peux recommander.  Une nouvelle, "La Booty Deux" vas ouvrir premier de Mai à Verteillac. La propriétaire est une copine, Rachel Evans.  Bon chance à Rachel et sa partenaire Helen Mortimer.

J'ai un GRAND SURPRISE que j'ai travaillé sur depuis plus qu'un ans et j'espère que faire l'annonce en Mars!  un nouveau produit, très utile et beaucoup des choses associé!  je peux pas dire maintenant mais très bientôt!!!

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It seems to me it is too long since we shared a few words here ... but with all the forms of media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest , tumblr , flicker , etc. etc. ) it is hard! I find myself more on Facebook than the rest, especially for The Bohemians .

But hey, I must also use this place ... one year without news is not correct!

I 'm so happy for the new season! new year and a new focus! I decided to cut some clothes and increase the direction that I really like ... my furniture, décor and things handmade by local artists .

Of course, I will continue to offer the lovely clothes by La Fiancée du Mékong, my Vintage jeans and tees plus a small collection of vintage dresses and jackets . But not the same amount vintage clothes as before.  Since I try to find the best and not just be a big 2nd hand shop, it takes a long time to seek more and more difficult to find something that I love.  Happily there are some new vintage shops opening in the area that I am happy to help you find ... La Booty Deux is one opening March 1st in Verteillac, hosted by Rachel Evans.  I have had Rachel's clothes at The Bohemians for the past couple of years so I know they will be great and I wish her and her partner Helen Mortimer loads of success.

I have a BIG SURPRISE that I worked on for over a year and I hope to announce in March ! a new product, very useful and a lot of things involved ! I can not say now but very soon !

bises xo Kimberlee

l'Ouverture de la Nouvelle Saison - New Season Opening!

Nous somme heureuse d'annonce notre ouverture de 2013 pour Samedi, 27 Avril!

Pour commencer la saison, nous serons ouverts definitivement tous les week-ends de 13:00 - 18:00.... et plus comme inspiré!

Nous avons des nouvelles collections Vintage, de La Fiancée du Mékong, des bijoux et beaucoup des petits truc amusant!  et bien sûr, des belles meubles relooké!!!

plus de nouvelles à venir .... et à trés bientôt!!!   Kimberlee xo

We are happy to announce the opening of our 2013 Season on Saturday, 27 April!

To begin the season, we will be open all week-ends from 13:00 - 18:00 ... and more as inspired!

We have new collections of Vintage women's clothes, new styles from La Fiancée du Mékong, new handmade jewelry collections and lots of fun little things!  and OF COURSE, beautiful new revamped furniture pieces by yours truly!!!

more news to come soon xo can't wait to be back and see everyone soon!  Kimberlee xo

chalk paint vs. chalk paint

Un petit note sur la peinture craie que j'ai appris. J'ai déja essayé un version fait maison qui n'etait pas trop mal.  mais, pour ma part, je suis concernant avec l'environment et la durabilité de les choses je fais.  Il y a beacoup des produits qui vous pouvez mettre dans votre peinture à fait un effet de 'craie'.  Mais, ils ne changent pas la composition de la peinture, les toxins etc.

Avec la peinture d'Annie Sloan <>, vous avez une peinture 'eco-friendly', verte ... sans odeur, et trés faible avec les chimiques.  Il est comme une rêve à utilise avec simplicité et sans complications!  Les couleurs sont très pur et durable, ils sont fait par une artiste donc, voila! tant mieux!

si vous êtes comme moi et vous avez l'envie une ambience ecologique a votre maison, les chose vous aspirez et touchez ... vous allez trouvez cet peinture la meilleur, c'est sure.
+++++++++++++++++++++

A note sharing a little more I have learned about chalk paint.  Doing some research led me to homemade chalk paint recipes which I indeed tried with some success.  That homemade version and many you will find on the market, involve adding chalk or chalk-like substances to the paint.  This results in a mixture that sticks better to an unsanded, unprepared surface.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which I also tried in comparison, is not called chalk paint because of the addition of chalk.  It has that name because of the flat, almost chalky finish it produces when dry and before treated with any waxes.  Unlike many other mixtures, it also is very eco-friendly being low in VOCs and practically odor free.  Its colors are formulated from an artist's point of view and remain true even when diluted.

I am just learning more about these varieties of paints, but one thing that stands out to me is if you are buying/using a chalk additive to put into your paint ... you may be achieving a chalkier mixture that adheres differently.  But the paint is still the same, it is not an eco-friendly paint and the same elements remain in the paint that affect how it mixes and goes on, the color quality, the texture of the paint, etc.

So if you, like me, are concerned about the environment, about what affects the quality of your home environment...even to the point of what you might be breathing in or have touching your skin ... you might want to take a closer look at your DIY projects and how you accomplish them.  Annie Sloan also has wall and floor paints which are worth checking out.

I am of the conclusion that Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, around for more than 20 years, is the original and best out there.

au nord! up north ...

Je suis dans le nord pour faire beaucoup de choses, y compris les lieux de chasse pour de nouveaux <>. J'ai entendu parler de certaines sources intéressantes dans Reims ... également, j'ai mes favoris à Paris.

Je vais aussi visiter Les Couronnes Sauvages
à coté St. Malo pour acheter un grand choix de peinture <> et trouver quelques meubles pour les relooké.
J'ai retardé l'ouverture du magasin quelques semaines à cause de tous les travaux ici. Tous les jours la route est fermée dans un nouvel endroit et il est presque impossible de se garer ou à venir avec la route et les ponts fermés. J'espère que pour la mi-Avril maintenant, il me semble que les routes seront ouvertes comme d'habitude alors!  à très bientôt!

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I am in the north to do many things, including hunt new sources for vintage.  I have heard of some interesting places in Reims ... also, I have my favorites in Paris.

I am also going to visit  Les Couronnes Sauvages
 to buy a big selection of Annie Sloan chalk paint and scout some fun furniture for using it on.  They are near St. Malo, so I am looking forward to a nice lunch there as well since it is nearly four hours away!
I have delayed the store opening a couple of weeks because of all of the road work.  Every day the road is closed in a new place and it is almost impossible to park or come in with the road and bridges closed.  I am hoping for mid-April now, it seems the roads will be open as normal then.  Hope to See you SOON!  xx

Annie Sloan vs homemade

en francais bientôt!

so I have been wanting to get to this post for a bit. Last update was about homemade chalk paint. here I go with the professional version .... drumroll ... Annie Sloan. I am kind of a day late and a dollar short, as the expression goes. Once I randomly started googling about ways to simplify my painting life given my abundance of projects and scarcity of time ... I discovered that my problem (endless preparation time for redoing furniture) had been solved ages ago. le sigh. because of the myriad of plaudits for the Annie Sloan brand, I decided to try it for my professional test. And now I will join the angelic chorus in shouting hallelujahs to painting high heaven, amazing amazing where have you been all my painting life?

First thing I noticed when opening the can is the luxurious whipped texture. Now this is a can that was shipped to me from Northern France. so it did not come to me fresh off the paint can shaker thing at the paint store (technical term there) so this texture is obviously inherent to the product. It is smooth like frosting, but a little less thick. I chose the Old White because it is presented as devoid of any color pigments (yellow or pink) and thus a welcoming base to any color.

I used the paint on a client project I had overwintered. A large, 2 piece buffet from the 60/70s, pine, covered in a hideous orangey varnish, so well known on pine of this timeframe. I felt this would make a handsome test for the Annie Sloan chalk paint claims of no sanding, no priming, just paint. Normally this sort of finish would reauire either complete sanding or 1-2 Coats of primer to avoid bleed-through to the new finish. especially a light colored finish.

My client had already chosen a color, somewhere between a seafoam and sage green ... the Annie Sloan duck egg made a close match. So I wanted to test not only the ease of using the product, how it matched up to its claims ... but also the economy of it as I have seen some complaints about pricing. For this project I ordered 1 liter of Old White and 1 test jar (100ml) of the duck egg paints, and one tin of the clear wax. I wanted to lighten up the color to get to my client's desire. I mixed approx. 1/3 of the white liter with 3/4 of the sample pot and several tablespoons of water to create the supply of paint for the exterior of the piece. I anticipated I might need to do 2 coats.

For the interior, I blended about 1/2 cup of the white with a yellow acrylic I already had. Also wanting to see how well the Annie Sloan product could integrate with other brands. I covered the entire buffet with one coat that went on smooth as silk, no streaks. I kept the consistency pretty thick like a pancake batter, not very watered down. I did a second coat solely on the top surface of the buffet as this area would experience the most wear.

I did the interior more as a wash because the old wood / veneer was fragile and slightly warped in places and I did not want to get it too wet. I had already contracted with my client not to do any repairs and I did not want to create any more work for myself! After the paint had dried, I was ready to wax.

With chalk paint, you apply wax vs. a clear topcoat of varnish. This goes against everything I have done for years and was the more awkward step of the new process. The weather was super cold here and the wax was not soft (as when it arrived in my warm kitchen) but really firm and difficult to get on the brush. I warmed it up a bit to room temperature and took another go. This will take some adapting on my part, but I can already see where I can improve my approach ... and a little extra research has given me some good tips. Like heating the wax to form more of a glaze you can lightly brush on and then go back to buff. In warmer weather I can see where this would not be a problem, but in my unheated atéliér in the frezing winter of countryside France it is a different story. You apply wax BEFORE sanding which also goes against all instincts for a clean final finish but trust me it worked! only sand what you want to distress or change the look of, you do not have to sand the whole piece to achieve a clean final finish. once you have done your sanding, you can buff the piece to the desired glow or shine. If it is a little streaky or you want it glossier you can add some wax and polish on. The wax adheres to the paint and through buffing creates a finish that will continue to harden and age to a nice patina.

One thing that kind of stumped me was the interior of cabinetry. I usually paint and topcoat the interiors and drawere for a more finished and clean outcome. I don't think it is feasible to wax and buff the interior of cabinetry. No worries there, you can topcoat chalkpaint as an alternative to wax. Which I did.

I am impressed by the ease of working with this product as well as how easily it adhered to the original finish on the furniture! As far as the cost goes ... here it was 22€ for the liter and 9€ for the sample pot. I estimate I used about 20€ of product on this very large two part piece. I did not sand and I did not pay for primer. I used my existing brushes and tools. At a minimum the expense was about the same. I still have plenty of the white paint and wax to use on another project. Which I already have planned! I also purchased a sample pot of their Antibes Green which I was immediately attracted to. I think I can stretch this for 2 projects I have ... wait and see!

I know there is a plethora of other techniques to discover with this paint such as layering more than one color and revealing with water vs sanding, using the dark wax to achieve an aged patina and some of the other specialized finish products like crackling ... but for now I give an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up!


  

winter ateliér .. ateliér d'hiver

So while I wish I could say I lead the cosmopolitan life, shuttering the shop to take wild adventurous voyages ... I must confess that it is the period where I truly lead the modern pioneer life! At the coldest point of the season, my kitchen is converted to workshop. Paints and implements are dragged in and used close by the fire. Paint is splattered on the (thankfully) painted and distressed floor. At some point in the future I may or may not sand the offending colors off ... or decide that they lend a more 'bohemian' aspect to the room. (lazy girl's obfuscation). I usually look around and think, "wow, if anyone saw my life now, they'd think ugh, what is this woman thinking? who wants a kitchen like this?" I now understand that whole fable about the cobbler's shoeless children... my many home ideas and projects typically give way for the latest shop brainstorm.

Imagine my glee when I stumbled across this blog post from Les Couronnes Sauvages. (more on that stumble in a future post!)

Not only is the author a lover of furniture and design and beautiful paints ... but I recognize myself in that kitchen. A thing of beauty and whirling dervishes and lofty ideals and circus-like juggling.

You will have to visit my other blog, Je Regrette Rien for more musings on why we soldier on, the trade-offs of a life in a foreign land.

But how encouraging to see familiar territory, familiar travellers braving it all with vigor.

Not to mention that Claire, the propriétaire hosts a lovely boutique in the north with wildly colorful blooms, all mention of sweet treasures, beautiful paints and workshops ... just the sort of spot I would careen to a halt for in one of my week-end meanderings.

I suppose, to be fair, I should share some sort of snapshot of my kitchen .... ok, well, just a corner then

et maintenant, je vais essayer en francais ... oo la. bon. Je voudrais vous dire je suis un vrai cosmopolite et chaque hiver, je travers le monde pour la vie 'jet-set'. Malheureusement, c'est pas vrais. L'invers, il est le moment de la vrais vie pioneer. Le froid, le silence, le sobriété...

Il faut faire un ateliér dans la cuisine! j'amene tout mes peinture, mes outils et j'attaque mes projets en face de la cheminé! mon plancher, heureusement déja peint, souffre de la peinture renversée en silence. quand je la regarde, je me demande .. imaginez si quelqu'un a vu cela, ils ne pensent qu'à une personne folle voudrait cette cuisine!!! mais c'est comme ça, toujours mes projets à la maison sont fournis après mes projets de The Bohemians!

donc, imaginez mon joie quand j'ai vu un blog à Les Couronnes Sauvages. une femme comme moi avec une cuisine pareil! une cuisine qui reflet un spirit un peu pioneer et un peu jongleur, sauvage, artistique...formidable! EXCELLENTE!

et plus, visitez son site! elle es amoureuse avec tout les choses déco, les petits trésors, les fleurs bien coloré .. la belle peinture.

je pense peut-être une vrais ame-soeur?

vous pouvez visiter mon autre site de blog personnel, Je Regrette Rien à decouverte plus (seulement en Anglais ... desolé) ou si vous voudrais me corrige, bien sûr, laissez un commentaire pour moi!

Paint ... Peinture

So I have been playing around with paint, investigating options to make it easier, prettier, EASIER, for myself. 

I have been dabbling in painted furniture for about ten years now.  When we first opened Mignonne Decor many years ago, we didn't paint the furniture, we bought it from artisans. My daughter, the artist, became inspired to try her hand at it, first for the savings .... but finally as her passion. 

I had dabbled here and there in various crafty projects for a while, but never seriously until moving to France. But before that, I started collecting painted furniture for my homes ... never thinking so much about technique but just being drawn to pretty pieces.  

There was a little shop on the coast of Oregon, a collective, where I met Darla, someone whose furniture continuously drew me back and sparked a flame in me about the beauty of the old becoming new again. I blab on about this because she has been on my mind while I conduct my experimentation with chalky type paint and its merits. See, this little table I am working on is one of the first pieces I bought from Darla. It was just a plain creamy color. But so many little details ... the rollers, the lion paw feet, the gateleg, the insert, the carved edging ... she has travelled far with me, this little lady and is in need of a touch-up! I hope to learn something new and do her justice for one of my early inspirers! Darla, if you are out there ... I think of you often!  

So, regarding paint. I stumbled across some videos demonstrating and debating the virtues of various paints...milk paint, craft paint, chalk paint...various brands like Miss Mustard's Milk Paint, Ce Ce Caldwell's true blue American paint, Annie Sloan's sophisticated English Chalk Paint ... I found homemade recipes for paint that include grout, calcium carbonate, baking soda, plaster of paris ... antiquing treatments with boot polish, walnuts, coffee grounds ... wow!!! talk about Alice's hole of painting wonderland! 

I will be honest. I have too much to do and not enough time to do it. Last year, my furniture inventory suffered because I was stretched too thin. I love doing my furniture but there were not enough hours in the day or energy to do it all. And since I have been considering offering some workshops, I want to make it easier for my customers too. So when I started reading about chalk paint eliminating mountains of prep time, I made one of those Scooby Doo snorts and started researching.  

Being in one of those too much to do moments presently, I decided to start my experimentation with the homemade version. I am leaving in a day or two to head to Paris for the Maison et Objet show in Paris.  

I opted to mix up the Plaster of Paris/paint version to create a type of chalk paint. I am no expert, the little I know is that the chalky substance allows the paint to adhere much more strongly to the surface you apply it to, theoretically allowing you to eliminate the sanding and priming prepwork I so judiciously adhere to with all of my furniture.  

I whipped it up and painted my little table. It was slightly gritty in bits, even after looking like the pancake batter texture recommended. It dried like a matte paint, a bit rougher and brush strokes were evident. I used two coats on a painted, polycoated surface. It sands like a dream, becoming smooth. For the bottom, legs and such, I proceeded zith the recommended wax vs. poly, applied with a brush and then I buffed it. Nice result. Since this is a kitchen surface piece, I think I will poly the top. This format was easy enough to work with but from what I see, would be most useful on distressed furniture vs. modern slick undistressed effect you might use on later dated furniture. 

After the conference, I am ordering some Annie Sloan product to test. I have heard nothing but rave reviews about this paint and I am looking forward to testing it out. If anyone has thoughts to share, please do? how interested would you be in having this product available in the Dordogne? perhaps with some workshops? have you used it before and what did you think? inquiring minds and all!!!  

so that is it for now, my slam packed agenda calls!!! more updates soon about the great paint experiment!!  

Mesdames et mademoiselles, tous les filles ... je vais ecrire un traduction trés bientôt, sûr tout mes aventures en peinture! bisous!  

kimberlee