Pallet for Home

I had a big post all typed out listing the pros and cons, in my opinion, of Annie Sloan’s chalk paint, but then I realized I might be acting too quickly to lay it all out on the line when in fact I have only used two of the products one time.  So in fairness, I have decided to save the entire list for another time and share with everyone my first reaction.

The PROs:

The WAX.   I must admit that I am in love the AS clear wax.  It was easy to apply and easy to rub off, but the real WOW factor was in the finish, smooth and creamy like butter.  This step alone will make you look as if you were a professional at restoring furniture!

The COLORS:   While there isn’t a large selection of colors to choose from, the ones that are available couldn’t be more lovely.   In fact,  I have an idea for selecting the perfect color for a piece of furniture prior to ever picking up a paint brush.  I will be sharing my idea soon.

The CONS:

No PRIMING?  I’m not so sure on that!  I was very disappointed when it took 3 coats of paint to cover over my chest of drawers and I can still see spots (not sure if they are water spots or what??) peaking through my paint.  Ugh!

{I tried to trace just outside the discoloration}

The spots are not super noticeable via this photograph but it’s there and I notice it!  Also it angers me that I went against my better judgment and didn’t prime first.

The BRUSH STOKES.    This could be partly my fault.  A number of facts could have played a part in why I had brush stokes,  using a brush instead of spraying the paint on, weather was too warm and humid, the paint appeared too thick but I did not want to alter it for my first use, and I could have applied the second coat before the first coat dried.  

I found that if I used a fine sanding sponge between coats I could levitate the noticeable brush strokes, but doing so left me with a chalk dust everywhere! 

So there you go, my opinion, for what it’s worth?!?!?  I have another color that I purchased at the same time as the Old White and hope to find the perfect piece to try AS Chalk Paint one more time before I decide yay or nay.

The eyes are attached with velcro, so you can take them off to wash the shirt.

Nate brought it to my attention that I should put Marlo's baby announcement on our DIY blog. It made sense...we did "DIY" them (with a lot of help from Abby at Monogram Wedding).  Well before we had baby girl (back when she was just an idea), Nate made the comment to me that he thought a CD baby announcement would be neat. I was not totally convinced. Once we found out we were pregnant, he got right to work on a playlist for a "boy" and one for a "girl". He had the playlists ready and waiting. Once M was born, he played me the Jack Johnson song "My Little Girl". It brought tears to my eyes. I loved everything about it! With that song, he had me convinced that a CD announcement might actually be a neat idea.  I drew up an outline of what we were looking for and sent it off to Abby. Abby put our ideas to work and the CD baby announcement was born!

Marlo's Baby Announcement

We used a photo of M holding onto the necklace that Nate bought me after she was born of her first initial.

The inside flap listed her "baby stats".

The pocket held the CD along with a newborn photo taken of her.

On the back of the photo, we added our favorite line from Jack Johnson's "My Little Girl".

On the back of the envelope, we included M's return address and "M" monogram.

We tied the announcement together with dark brown string and placed them into envelopes to be mailed. The key to mailing CD's is to make sure they hand meter them otherwise the CD can get ruined.

My favorite part was the back of the announcement. We had a photo taken of all 3 of our feet and turned it into a label that we placed on the back of the announcement. Abby had to use photoshop to get the dog hair on my toes (the pugs were determined to appear the announcement somehow).  All photos used in the announcement were taken by Alisa Hayes Photography.

Marlo's Musical Playlist:
"My Little Girl" - Jack Johnson
"Sweet Pea" - Amos Lee
"My Front Porch Looking In" - Lonestar
"Nothing Else" - Dave Barnes
"Like My Mother Does" - Lauren Alaina
"Make You Feel My Love" - Adele
"I Won't Let Go" - Rascal Flatts
"New Soul" - Yael Naim
"Capri" - Colbie Caillat
"A Beautiful Day" - India Arie
"Diamonds and Pearls" - Prince
"Hello World" - Lady Antebellum
"Little Miss Magic" - Jimmy Buffett
"Daughters" - John Mayer
"Just the Way You Are" - Bruno Mars
"Born this Way" - Lady Gaga
"Good Life" - Onerepublic
"My Best Days are Ahead of Me" - Danny Gokey
"Isn't She Lovely" - Stevie Wonder

I couldn't resist the little pumpkins at Savemart today. I had a moment of weakness and bought some. :) I already had the mini straw bale from Wal-Mart, and the crate is one of the ones in my wedding arsenal. I used double-sided tape to wrap the pumpkins with different laces and ribbons.

I just realized tonight that I hadn't posted my fall shelf on my blog! I started off with my DIY Rustic Shelf, since I don't have a mantel. I kept the old window frame from my summer decor. I love it too much to ever take it down. (Won't it look great with a holiday wreath hanging from the top of it at Christmas?) I made these bead board candy corns last year and I still love them! I used a scrap block of wood and stained it, then cut words out with my Silhouette and tied it with jute. My hubby cut up a small log for me with the chainsaw. The ceramic pumpkins have a big hole in the base, so I was able to put one on my candlestick. (because of the sharp stick that holds the candle in place). I added my fall branches, and last year's acorn garland, cut a bit shorter.