Good morning!

I thought I’d share the types of brushes I use when I restyle my furniture. 

Good, quality brushes make all the difference.  Sure, you can get away with using a cheap brush if you are just doing one piece, but if you are painting on a regular basis, brushes are an important investment. That said, there will always be a better brush out there, so don’t feel like you have to have the very best.

I want to preface this by noting that I use a sprayer for many of my pieces.  It just depends on the project I’m doing, what kind of look I’m going for and what kind of paint I’m using.  I love chalk paint and while I have used it in my sprayer, I find I prefer applying it by hand.

For latex and oil-based paints, I use Purdy brushes.  Purdy brushes are handmade and are crafted right here in Oregon. They run about $10 –$25 each but they last forever if you take care of them properly.  The bristles stay smooth and do not shed into your paint.  Speaking of cleaning, a brush comb is a great tool and can be picked up for a few $.

For staining, I either use a brush or cheesecloth.  When using a brush, my favorite, hands-down, is by Wooster.   They are a little pricey but well worth it if you stain often.  I think I paid close to $30 for mine at our local home improvement store, but I believe you can find them cheaper online.

This brush is sensational.  It is a 5 1/2” Italian brush with soft, White China bristles.   The stain goes on smoothly and you will not see a single brush stroke.   
If you haven’t tried this brush, I highly recommend it. 

For waxing, I use Annie Sloan’s wax brushes.  I have not found another brush for waxing that I like better than these.  When they are new, you will lose some bristles – which is irritating - but after you’ve used them a few times, they stop shedding. 

I have two of them – one for clear wax and one for dark wax.  I purchased mine from Classic Wall Finishes for $34.95 + shipping. 

It is important to clean these immediately after use.  I clean mine with dish soap and then soak them in vegetable oil for a few minutes. 


Finally, I don’t hand paint lettering or other small details often, but when I do, I use very fine tipped brushes from the craft store.  I don’t necessarily have a brand that I’m attached to, but I do test them out by pulling on the bristles.   I try to keep four or five different sizes on hand for last minute projects.


Do you have a good quality brush that you use for any of the applications above?  If so, please share.  I love “discovering” new products. 

Be inspired,

Hey!

So most, if not all, of you are aware that Google Connect will no longer be available to those who do not use Blogspot/Blogger effective February 29th.

Rumor has it that it will eventually be discontinued completely.

That means that those who use Google Connect to follow their favorite blogs will no longer be able to do so unless they sign up with a different following tool. For more details, read my post from a few days ago.

The good news is that one option is Linky Followers.


Cheri, from Its So Very Cheri started a blog hop and I’m joining in. Here are the rules:

RULES:

1. you MUST have the LINKY FOLLOWERS tool on your site to participate.  REMEMBER:  It is FREE and does not require signing up through your Facebook or Twitter accounts!!

{You can have both the LINKY FOLLOWERS & GFC on your site but you must have the LINKY FOLLOWERS to participate in this party hop.}

2. You MUST follow the person who has the party on their site as a thank you.

3.Just add your blog button to the LINKY PARTY below.

4.Then grab the BLOG HOP code

You will find the code right under the Linky Party where it says CLICK HERE TO ENTER–
just under that it says: WHAT IS A BLOG HOP? GET THE CODE HERE
Click on GET THE CODE HERE and enter it into a post on your site.
You can grab the party button code in the FOOTER at Its So Very Cheri
You can grab info from my post if it helps you with your post.

5. Then you follow other bloggers–(as many as you want)
–leave each one of the blogs that you follow a comment letting them know you are following them and ask them to follow you back.

If you want to add the BLOG HOP to your own site you will get lots of new followers–(see rule #2)

Hey everyone!

Maybe this will lure them all here at the same time…(be prepared for a lot of pictures!)


So, let’s break it down…



I already had the paper doilies but you can get them at any craft store.
I got the miniature red berry heart wreaths from Michael’s for about $1.00 each.
And the truffles, as mentioned above, are made locally.


I don’t have any true “Valentine” dishes, but the fun of creating a tablescape is challenging yourself to use as many items that you already own. 
In this case, I had assorted scrapbook paper that I just cut into heart shapes and placed underneath my clear glass plates.


Layer, layer, layer!  I used my red acrylic chargers.  I’ve had mine for years so I don’t remember where I got them, but I have seen them in many different stores such as World Market, Pier One, Target, Macy’s, etc.. for about $4 each.

I added a second charger – my vintage pewters. If you don’t have a variety of chargers, don’t stress about it – just get creative with things you have such as linen napkins, nice dish towels, 12x12 ceramic tiles, large books, etc…



You will see a pattern with my tablescapes and that is that I always try to add a natural element.  This time it was the red apples in a couple of my hurricane candle holders.



Since there is a lot of detail on the table, I did not want to add the linen napkins to the place setting.  Instead, I simply draped them over the back of the chair.  It makes the scape go vertical, making it pleasing to the eye.

If you’d prefer a folded napkin,  here is my tutorial  for five different folds.


Instead of a runner, I chose to weave ribbon together.  If you wait until a week or so before the big day, you can get it at big discounts from the craft store. 



I like white, or ivory, candles in any setting.  It is just my preference.  for a dinner table, they need to be unscented as well.  To bling them up a little, I simply stuck on these bedazzlers from the craft store.  You can get a package of  them in the scrapbook section for a few dollars. Don’t laugh, but I have also created a design on my candles by pushing decorative thumbtacks into them (not pushpins. ha ha.) 

TIP:  Be sure to light your candles in advance.  It looks better if your wicks are “used.” It relaxes the table.

As you can see, it really is a simple process if you take it step by step.  Find something to use as a focal point, pick a color scheme, think outside the box.  Just make it fun.  And remember…you don’t have to leave a lot of room for food.  That is what butlers are for   Ok…that is what buffets are for.



So, do you think this will entice them? 

I think so, but it doesn’t matter anyway.  They will be here.

Because mom said so.

Be inspired,



Linking to:


MONDAY
HOme Savvy A To Z
Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle
The Southern Institute:Creative Me Monday
Everything Under the Moon-Bedazzle Me Monday
More the Merrier at DIY Home Sweet Home
Get Your Craft On at Today's Creative Blog
Debbie Do's Newbie Party
Metamorphisis Monday
Dittle Dattle
Crafts Keep Me Sane at Keeping It Simple
Home Stories A To Z
Time To Shine at Diamond In The Stuff
Thrifty Decor Chick
TUESDAY
A Bowl Full of Lemons
DIY By Design
Trash 2 Treasures at Kammy's Korner
Project Queen
Tip Junkie
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Elizabeth & Co.
Not Just A Housewife
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
House of Grace – Twice Owned Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
WEDNESDAY
Fireflies and Jellybeans
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Restore Interiors
Primp
Its Overflowing
domestically speaking: power of paint party
blue cricket design
AKA Design
THURSDAY
Saved By Suzy
No Minimalist Here – Open House Party
Somewhat Simple
radcrafter
bloggaritaville
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps On The Porch
My Repurposed Life
beyond the picket fence
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Delightful Order
A Glimpse Inside
designer garden
house of hepworths
36th avenue