I finally made it to class. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint class that is.
I just wasn't happy with the way my experiments were turning out using home made chalk paint, but I couldn't find a stockist in my neck of the woods. Through a blogging friend, I was directed to a boutique in south-western Ontario only about an hour from me! She offers classes in her shop on using the paint with different techniques. Heather, from New House New Home New Life, is the one who connected me with Diamonds and Toads and the owner, Michelle. Yeah!! Finally, I have a supply close to home!
Michelle is located in St. Thomas with an adorable boutique right on the main street. You walk in and are in awe of all the furniture and decor she has. I was in heaven! Sorry, I can't help myself but this has a lot of pictures...poor quality but I hope you can see the beauty here.
This is looking towards the front of the store. Love the sign, 'She Designed a Life She Loved'. Sorry I didn't get the whole sign in, but you can see it in her link above.
This is looking towards the back of the store. The room through the hall on the left is where the classes are held. And look at that display of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...oh yeah
How can you not create beautiful vintage pieces when you find a stockist? And she teaches, too!
She features product from local craftsmen in her store, like the candles displayed on the buffet.
Love the cabinet with all the pulls, beautiful way to highlight the product for sale inside
She started carrying Heather's creations recently, like these plush pumpkins.
And look at Heather's Parisienne pillow. I love this piece! It has a starring role on the wonderful bed in the boutique. 
Isn't this tablescape gorgeous?
She has another room with samples of the techniques taught in the classes using different paints...
...and the colours of ASCP.
And the wax, so wonderful to finally work with this wax
These are the 2 pieces of wood I used to learn how to use ASCP. My favourite, and the technique I will be using on my kitchen cupboards with Paris Grey and Old White, is the dry brush. It is so beautiful! You can see that on the lower board, the second from the left section.
We were invited to bring a small piece to work on. I had picked up two sconces at a yard sale in the summer, so I took one of these to the class. I love the details, but I'm still not sure where I will use them yet.
I painted it with Duck Egg. I love that colour!
I still have to do the other one, and I plan on distressing these. Might use a wash with Old White and then do the dark wax. That's the beauty of the paint...I can play around with it till I like it! And I got to use one of Annie Sloan's round brushes, which worked great in all the crevices of the sconce.
As part of the class fee, each of us received a quart of ASCP in our choice of colour, a tin of clear wax, a couple of brushes and a few rags. A lovely gift to go home with. I also bought another quart of paint and a sample size of Duck Egg.
I have already used these...no I haven't started the kitchen, but I made a plaque for my grandson when he was visiting. And he loves it!
I believe this was one of the best investments we have ever made. What I learned and what I'm going to do with that knowledge...I can't wait!
