Random Sunday

I love shopping at ETC and being part of that community!  EVERY time I go in I see people I know.  Love chit chatting and catching up.  Recently it was Arlene, Shelly, Connie & Kim that I saw.  And then of course, the staff is great.  Last nite when I was there Angie, Lindsey and Sandee were working.  I love exchanging ideas, recipes and what-not with customers, friends and the staff.  It's certainly a center for inspiration and creativity.

I promised Miss Shelly that I would post a picture of my latest chalk paint project.  I painted this {five dollar} Goodwill find about a month ago.  I used Annie Sloan chalk paint on the first chair I posted a while back, but this time, I made my own.  I loved being able to go down to the local hardware store and select my own color of paint!  So MANY more options than using a premixed brand {such as Annie Sloan or CeCe Caldwell}.

Here's the chair with the homemade chalk paint

I am not going to lie...I am not that good of a distresser.  While I love the look I lack the skill!  This little guy was a dark brown with MANY scratches.  A few coats of paint, a little sanding and a coat of wax and I was done.  From start to finish a couple days.  I like to let my paint dry overnite before distressing and waxing.

Compare this to the Annie Sloan paint I used on this chair {which I love} 

I can see me using both the premixed and the home made version.  I think the premixed is ideal for bigger projects such as a buffet or a coffee table.

The neat thing about all chalk paint {premixed or home mixed} is that you don't have to do any prep work and it can be used on anything...wood, plastic, glass, ceramic, etc.  Think of all the things in your home or the gems sitting at a second hand store that could use a splash of color to bring them back to life!  The possibilities are truly endless.

Heidi Lynn Schreiber is teaching a chalk paint class at Etc on February 28th...the As Seen On Pinterest class.  I am not sure what recipe she will be using...there are several out there, but if you are wanting to learn more about making your own chalk paint, you can sign up here http://shop.scrapbooks-etc.com/collections/classes

I am busily creating valentines to gift to my co-workers.  If you are wanting to do the same, or need ideas for your little one's valentine exchange, here are a few ideas to inspire you. 

This little tall white cup holds shred from an old dictionary and a peppermint patty that is shaped in a heart.  Simply unwrap the candy and place it in a crinkle bag and tie closed with a piece of lace.  A silver tinsel handle, seam binding, dyed paper flower, small striped pole {1/2 of a paper straw}, Pink Paislee Chipboard heart and sentiment printed on Bazzill cardstock were added to complete the project.

For something with less pieces this little fold over treat would be perfect!  Cut your cardstock or printed paper so that once your treat is taped inside, it cannot be seen.  Score and fold over the top and punch a hole through both layers of paper at the bottom middle to secure closed.  Punch a hole in your sentiment and tie it into the bow.

For something even quicker, fill a crinkle bag with this sweet candy corn and tie closed with red seam binding.  Print sentiment onto Bazzill cardstock and hole punch to run thin twine through and attach.

This little crinkle bag is filled with valentine corn, a cute honeycomb heart is placed down into the center before tying closed with gray seam binding.  This would make a cute seating place card set down in old tins as pictured here.

This little sewn doiley brown sack pocket is filled with three miniature Hershey bars.  Adorned with a Fiskar's heart punched shape, washi tape, ribbon and an "xoxo" sentiment. 

This mini "cupid's vial" is filled with heart shaped red hots and the cap is sealed with a piece of red washi tape.  Two holes are punched in the little "me + you = chemistry" printwork and the ribbon is fed from the back to the front, securing the vial and then tied into a bow.  The little felt heart is attached to the ribbon using a miniature black safety pin.

All supplies used to create these little valentines are available for purchase at ETC http://scrapbooks-etc.com/ 

It's time to start kitting for my Do Me A Favor Class on Tuesday, February 5th.  There are still a few spots left if you want to join me just jingle ETC at 480.854.2303 and they will sign you up over the phone. or use the link above I listed for Heidi's upcoming class.  The workshop is 2 hours long, but we always finish early because everything is precut and scored.  It gives you time to sit and relax, shop or both!  :)