Old Victorian Chair+BJC Paint Collection=AMAZING

This post is a little late but I guess better late than never.

A few months ago I scored this amazing Victorian style upholstered chair that was in pretty good shape. The fabric color left a little to be desired so I thought what better way to update it than to PAINT IT! Ya Im not just talking about painting the wood frame but actually PAINTING the fabric!
Mind Blown! Ya just wait!

So I decided I wanted it to stay yellow but thought it deserved to be a more Mustard color than a pale yellow. Be Junk Chic Paint Collection has this to die for Mustard that was perfect for what I was doing. I had read and read about painting fabric and had done some painting on canvas before but not on something you would actually sit on. If you know anything about me I am literally an impulsive person so I just brought the chair out grabbed my paint, a spray bottle of water, and some clear wax.

First, I took a damp rag and wiped down the chair pretty good as it was dirty just from sitting in the garage etc. Than I sprayed the chair down with a light mist of water. I grabbed my paint and my favorite chalk pro brush and put on a light coat of paint. Fabric sucks up paint pretty easily so you want to make sure your not putting on too much paint but rather layer it. After I got a good first coat and it dried I wiped some clear paste wax on it to keep the fabric softer. As you layer paint the fabric pores get harder. You can't completely soften it but you can help it not crack and soften the fabric itself.

I was doing this project in the heat of August so it dried rather quickly. The one pointer I would give you is to make sure that you aren't being impatient and painting over a wet surface. Let it all dry before you do your next layers. So I had every intention of getting this project done for the September market at Vintage Whites but I just didn't finish with all the other things I had going so I set this project aside.

I just recently came back to it. Finished my last layer and I have to say she looks awesome! It took this chair 3 layers of paint to get my desired finish. I finished the wood frame in Moon by Be Junk Chic Paint Collection. I think that she turned out amazing!

Some common questions I get are: Does the paint come off? NOPE! Once it binds to the fabric its not coming off. Does the fabric crack? If you paint to thick of layers you run a risk of cracking. The key is to paint in thin layers and be patient in the drying process. What does it feel like when finished? This chair feels like leather now that its done. It depends on the fabric your painting. If you have velvet fabric your process will be different and you need to make sure you research it before you try it.

This chair has been so popular that I am teaching workshops on fabric painting! I will be teaching a workshop in Plains Montana November 12th at 11am for all my Montana followers who want to try your hand at this. Bring your piece and I will teach you how fun this is!

My pictures are below of the process!

Style Me- Industrial/Retro Home Bar

Today we are featuring our style board of a Industrial/Retro Home Bar.  I think its easy to get locked into a design that is safe and be disappointed later because your personality didn't push through. Its your house after all, why wouldn't you show who you are in every room. 

I choose a playful industrial approach to a home bar that features pops of color, texture and playful art that speaks big in a space.

Below is the board...

Let's talk about the selections. First let's just talk about the amazing idea of the chalkboard cabinetry! 

When I say let yourself speak in a space this is the perfect example. When I saw this design concept my heart just leaped. Its the perfect mix of playful sophistication.  Do you see the pop up counter thats easy to put a chair in front of and have a glass of wine. This is perfect for apartment/loft living. You can have bold even in a small space. Check out the whole concept in this link to see how it fits in small spaces.

http://www.homedit.com/45-square-meter-apartment-with-a-crossword-puzzle-wall/

Traditional bars have connected cabinetry that when it has to be remodel because it becomes dated, it costs the owners a small fortune. 

Why not set up a space with easy changing concepts to keep that hard working money in your pocket and the ability to switch one concept without a huge renovation. This is why I choose the freestanding industrial reclaimed table. The combination of black steel and organic wood texture makes the space sing. Not to mention this table converts to a shelving unit! What! Double purpose! Sold!

You can find this amazing table at the below link.

http://www.dotandbo.com/collections/define-your-style-industrial-modern/convertible-shelf-table

Lets talk about bar stools.

While I love me some industrial bar stools, the actual comfort of the stool leaves my tosh lacking.

So I choose to go a little retro with some Mid-Century Upholstered Bar Stools. 

The fact that they are teal is just another playful pop in a space.

You can find these fun stools over at Chairish. 

https://www.chairish.com/product/45144/mid-century-upholstered-bar-stools-in-teal-s4

In any space the rugs are what really define and center a space. 

 I choose this Handwoven Black & Cream Wool rug.

It's texture alone makes the space warm up but add just a little bit of design and it's art on the floor.

You can find this rug over at Chairish.

https://www.chairish.com/product/48163/hand-woven-black-cream-design-wool-rug

Lighting is very important in a space. I choose two different ways to add lighting to a space. 

First lets look at the Caged Edison Bulb lighting on a pulley system. 

This is a perfect combination of vintage and industrial blended together. 

Makes a statement without having to spend a fortune. 

You can find those lights on Etsy. Lots of makers and easy to custom with a local shop in your area.

Instead of choosing Art for this space, I choose a lighted typography sign.

This adds a dim lighted feel and art all in one feel. 

This two is a custom piece and can be made locally.

I found the inspiration on

http://london-bride.com/gemma-pete-a-london-bride-mc-motors-wedding/

Finally there is the Atelier Chesterfield Sofa in a yummy mustard color.

This sofa is a beautiful and bold way to freshen up a space.

The traditional nailhead trim is a nice balance to the pop of Mustard color. 

You can find this couch on

http://www.houzz.com/photos/266130/Atelier-Chesterfield-contemporary-sofas

I hope you found some inspiration today and that your mind is working on how to redefine a space in your home. 

So Whats The Big Deal!

We get asked all the time what the big deal is with Chalk Based paints and what makes them so special. We thought we would write a quick blog to help you understand how Chalk Based paints work.

Ok, so whats the big deal with Chalk Based/Mineral Based paints. Are they really that different than regular household paint?

Chalk based/Mineral based paints are specialty paints designed to allow you the luxury of taking something beat up or needing a fresh coat of paint and being able to do it with a limited process.
If you have painted furniture in the past you would know that stripping the old finish off was a requirement and a must to do in order to get paints to stick to the surface.

 With Chalk/Mineral based paints you don't have to do as much prep work as you would have before. How many of you know that stripping a piece of furniture is hours of labor and sometimes in vain when a piece doesn't hold up to being stripped. If you choose to paint in a chalk/mineral based paint you can cut that time way down and still get a beautiful finish.

Heres how:

Chalk/Mineral based paints can be directly painted down onto any surface. Some surfaces require more prep than others but still no where near the amount of prep you would of had to do outside of these specialty paints. Most surfaces require a wipe down. Some people just wipe down with water. Depending on the age of the piece I like to wipe down with mineral spirits. That cuts the grime of years past off the piece and gives you a fresh pallet to work off of. Than I paint in thin even layers with a chalk/mineral based paint line. Lets say that you have a super glossy piece or fake wood surface, these require a for sure wipe down with mineral spirits and and rough quick sand.

After you paint your final layer and you like the outcome, I take a 220 sand block and buff the piece. Buffing is a process where it smooths down the grit of the chalk/mineral base paint and cures the paint to the piece. If you want to distress than these types of paints are perfect because if you press harder or take a palm sander to your piece it distresses like it would if it were aged. Rather than peel away it dusts off leaving a cleaner distress and one that lasts the test of wear and tear.

After your piece is completely done and looking the way you want than we like to add wax to the piece to add a protective smooth layer. The more your gonna wear and tear the piece the more wax layers you should apply. For example a kitchen table should have at least two layers of wax but even three to be safe (especially if you have kiddos).

So that is the basics of Chalk/Mineral Based paints. The big deal is it provides a way to refinish furniture without a huge investment in time for prep work and affordable prices in materials. Next time you want to refresh something, you should try a chalk/mineral based paint! Thats our opinion.

Most of our readers know that we just launched a new Paint Line called the Be Junk Chic Paint Collection. In this collection you have access to a high end, low VOC, mineral and water based paint. Our paint line consists of 30 amazing colors and the option to have us custom any color you fancy. Our product has been launched for 6 months and tested amongst some of the biggest named paint companies out there. It has stood against the big name peeps and we strive to keep it at an affordable price. We know just how frustrating it is to want to paint with quality paint and yet you have to drop a pretty penny to do so. Now you don't! Check out our Facebook page for colors and ordering of product. Stay tuned as we are launching an online store early October!

Our paint swatches are below...

Be Inspired! Go paint something!

Funky Junk 2014

Have you heard about the Funky Junk Antique Show? This is one of my favorite shows, it happens over Labor Day weekend every year and every year it is amazing!

This year we got to participate and be a vendor alongside many amazing vendors. There is such a variety of junk and chic, I literally walked the show 3 times to take it all in. The show takes place on a beautiful ranch with rolling fields, tall grass, cows, red barns, trees and mountains surrounding as far as the eye can see. Seriously! I'm not kidding that is where we get to spend our Labor day weekend selling beautiful handmade, procured items alongside amazing artsy people.

It truly is a piece a heaven. Some of my favorite things this year was the flower truck called Fresh Sunshine  she has fresh flowers that make your heart happy and a perfect smile that welcomes you right in. Beam Design who had headboards are to die for! Red Barn Junkista had some beautiful vintage procured pieces that were painted in delicious tones! Give these artists some love on there page and start following there adventures. You won't be disappointed.

Heres some pics of our booth and we can't wait till Vintage Whites Market next weekend! Are you coming?  See you in Montana!

Branding- Bliss and Tell Branding

Today were talking about how important Branding your brand is. I remember thinking that my DIY tendencies could handle doing my own branding and how very wrong I was! LOL. Now I am sure some of you could do your own Branding and it looks beautiful, but I quickly realized after several rounds of trying myself that I would have to find a brander.

When I made the leap to make in an investment in my dream I searched and searched for a company that would represent me and my dream well! That they would be able to pick up on my scattered vision and help me tailor it down to make a perfect representation of this beautiful dream.

Thats when I met Reni from Bliss and Tell Branding Company. I called her and company and guess what she actually called me back! Let me tell you that is hard to find in business arenas these days. She not only called me back but she spent an hour listening to my dreams, my scattered vision and helped me develop that beautiful mess into a tangible brand that is simply beautiful. I recently just saw some of the images below and I was so overwhelmed with how she heard me in my crazy descriptions that I was brought to tears seeing her translation.

If you are questioning whether Branding is important DON'T. It is vital for your dreams to be perceived just as you want them to be and to have a company that listens and gets you to your beautiful representation. It's worth the investment, the thought processes, the constructive critics to make your Brand marketable and truly a representation of you.

Below is some images of her beautiful translation of our dream and vision and we are so excited to be on this journey with a fantastic dreamer who has a talent that is quite extraordinary.

Pssst Did you Hear????

                                                     We are opening a store!!!!
We have been blessed to be able to open a store Downtown Sandpoint. We have been so busy working on inspiring, vintage just plain rad pieces that we haven't been able to blog lately. Don't worry we will be back next week with all the reveals and tips for the restorations we have been doing over the last few months. If your a local come on by Saturday April 26th 10am-6pm.
317 N First St Sandpoint ID 83864. We will be live demoing Junk Chic Paint a chalk based paint, kids crafts, and giveaways.

Our paint displays are fully stocked and ready for you to take home a pint of your favorite color. Our online site will be up in the next few weeks for all our friends who are afar.

Get your spring on and hope to see you there!!!

Elephant Yellow & Grey Nursery

I'm gonna be an Aunt again!!!! Baby Jax or Cruz or ??? will be joining the family sometime end of June 2014. The cousins are stoked to have a another baby boy in the family.

This of course gave me every reason to help my sister design her nursery for the little one. She wanted Elephants with some trendy yellow and Grey.

What I love about this Nursery is that it has some of the funnest trends of fabric while still maintaining a sweet baby feel.

I picked up a Crib not to long ago and will be revamping it with Junk Chic Paint low VOC of course and distressing for a little chic action.

Excited my nephew will have a Be Junk Chic nursery:)  Stay tuned for Crib Makeover.

Get Inspired!!!

Sources: 
Dresser-Babies R Us
Bedding-Walmart
Art-Etsy
Pillows-Etsy
Crib-Be Junk Chic