M~E~R~C~I~

For a while now, I have been wanting to paint some French words in wooden letters. I thought I'd start by using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the color Coco.  I have to tell you that this is a gorgeous color...sort of a grey/taupe color.  So, I painted two coats of the ANCP in Coco

Wooden letters

Then, I let it dry throughly (which did not take any time) before taking a dry brush and using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White.  (I forgot to take pictures of the Old White)  Using just a small amount of the Old White on the tips of the brush and wiping it off some before brushing onto the letters to give it a two tone look.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ~ Coco

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ~Coco With Dry Brush Old White over it.

I sanded with a 0000 sanding block and used ASCP clear wax over the top to shine it and...V~O~I~L~A

Finished with Annie Sloan Clear Wax

I finished the backs by painting two coats of ASCP and gave them a quick sand then applied wax to the back to finish them. I added metal picture hooks to hang them with. I love the way they turned out and that gave me the idea to do a series of French words in the wooden letters.

Painted Letters and hangers on Back

Antibbes Green

Provence

Versaille

Above are some colors in ASCP that I have ordered to use on this series.  I already have the Old White, Old Violet, French Grey and Coco that I can use to change the finishes on them. So, stay tuned for others as I complete them.

What do you think?

Some Of My Favorite Things

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday. Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things.  Sometimes it's the small things that bring a smile to my face, things I already have that I've rearranged or items that I have stored away that I bring out that seem new to me.  I'm not a photographer, but I did take a few photos of things that I love and that can make a simple but large statement when decorating a room or shelf.

Vanilla Candles ~ The sweet angel a gift from husband from Europe many years ago.

Ceramic Shell on a cigar box covered with music paper

Pale blue shabby chic frame with a photo of Coco Chanel  (I'm the figure snapping the photo in the background HA)

Grey/blue metal letters spelling Paris From Lisa at Burlap and Bees http://www.burlapandbees.com/

Ornament with antique fabrics from ~ Jo Farmer at Eliza's Interiors (http://www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com/) and En Suite sachet from ~ Sasha Smith of My French Dream (http://www.sachasmith.co.uk/default.aspx), silver hearts from ~ Kathy at Vintageweave (http://www.vintageweave.com/store/) purchased several years ago, and a framable photo also from Sacha of My French Dream  

Antique Mother-Of-Pearl buttons

German Glass glitter Paris sign since turned mottled grey/blue and glassware

Textiles ~ My Favorite

And a selection of some of my favorite books!

Most of these items didn't come with an expensive price tag and they don't have to because they all speak to my soul. Some are handmade, some a bit worn and a bit frayed, but most importantly these items are very much loved.  How about you?  What are your favorite things?