Paint the town red - how to do it properly!

It's not often that I get to participate in a course that's not run by the Ministry, so motivated by the challenge of renovating a wooden two seater chair, painted in an unattractive mohogany varnish and upholstered in a country tapestry (you get the picture!) it seems the right time to learn how to paint furniture, but properly, rather than using my own 'rules'!
 
After reading about Annie Sloan Chalk paint in the bible that is Mollie Makes, I was immediately attracted to the fact that you don't have to sand or prime before you use the paint - ideal for a busy working mum like me!

I then booked myself onto an Introduction to Furniture painting using Annie Sloan Chalk paints at The Bunting Queen, a gorgeous little shop that sells gifts, paint, fabrics and hires out handmade bunting for events and parties with the option to create your own bespoke designs, in the heart of Chester.

Arriving to a warm cup of tea and an equally warm atmosphere, Lucy, The Bunting Queen owner, took us through Annie Sloan story and the range of paints and then set us to work on the four different effects we'd be painting onto our pieces of pine board. We set to work crackling, distressing, waxing with  dark, clear and coloured wax, with the step by step reassurance and knowledge of Lucy, where every question was answered and laughter was encouraged!

I was blown away by the amount of effects one tin of Annie Sloan Chalk paint can provided and then combined with the wax a whole new range of ideas and possibilities appear. Whether it's furniture, metal, walls or floors - this paint can cover it, as well as creating aged effects to achieve period furniture to be proud of.

Even though I run Ministry of Craft, I usually enjoy the challenge of figuring out a new skill by myself, but this time I'm really glad I didn't! This course has set my imagination racing, inspired me and armed with the 'Old white', 'Paris Grey' and a tin of clear wax, I can't wait to get started. If you get the chance book a place for yourself or explore the range of Annie Sloan paints for yourself. I promise you'll be addicted.