reclaim restore restyle
We are heading out to the Brimfield Antiques Show! The shop is closed this Friday and Saturday May 11th & 12th. Please visit us at the New England Motel & Antiques Market, 303 A & B from Wed-Sat May 9th -12th. Contact information at the show (Tel: 401-297-7232). Learn more about the Brimfield Show here . Hope to see you there and happy hunting!!
New workshops have been posted at Sea Rose Cottage. Register now to learn how to restore and restyle your own vintage treasures with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (TM)! No need to bring your furniture, all the supplies and sample surfaces will be provided in this fun and lively workshop. Class size is limited to 6 participants, spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Photo by Christopher Drake
What will you learn? For a full workshop description follow the “Register now” link above. I’m also linking to Chris Glynn (Tuttichic) and Danielle Driscoll’s (Finding Silver Pennies) blog posts about their workshop experience at Sea Rose Cottage. These very talented ladies captured their experience much better than I ever could with a workshop description. While you are there, check out their wonderful work!
To paint or not to paint? This is a question I often ask myself. I love chippy old finishes on furniture and the characteristic dings and scratches that make them unique. Regardless, I’m almost always tempted to paint them.
When I found this vintage wicker stool I wasn’t quite sure what to do.
Then I came across this old green skirted wicker chair. The chippy finish seemed busy and distracting in comparison.
You can barely detect the woven diamond pattern centered on the back of the chair.
I decided to paint the chair in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint —a mix of Old White and Provence thinned with water.
I didn’t attempt full coverage of the paint over the wicker. I like how the original green color peeks out in places.
To paint or not to paint?
Sometimes the answer to that age old question is an emphatic “Both!”
If you are lucky enough, others will agree!
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When I found this old ship’s wheel mirror, I thought it would be perfect for a fun makeover.
The frame was in fair shape but the mirror was desilvered in sections giving it an antique look. While I find that appealing with many old mirrors, it didn’t match my plans so I removed the mirror from the frame.
The paper backing was date stamped–Valentine’s Day 1949 to be exact. I love to find out a little history about furnishings…even if they are of a newer vintage.
The plan was to replace the mirror with a chalkboard. First, I used the mirror to outline a circle on a piece of MDF that had a similar thickness as the mirror. My husband cut the MDF to size using a jigsaw. I painted the MDF with three coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (TM) in Graphite and let it dry overnight.
For my other paint colors I chose Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (TM) in Greek Blue, Old White and Primer Red taking cues from this fishing boat for my color inspiration.
When the paint was dry I applied one coat of Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax to seal it…
and christened the new chalkboard for its maiden voyage…
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It is hard to believe it is almost time for the Brimfield Antiques Show again! I shared an earlier post about how much I love to take my annual trek to the mecca of all things antique and vintage.
For those not familiar, the Brimfield Show is held in Brimfield, Massachusetts three times each year (May, July and September). Yankee magazine describes it as both the Ultimate Antique Treasure Hunt and a three ring circus. It has become a rite of passage for many antique lovers in the region and attracts visitors from around the world. According to Yankee Magazine, the number of antique dealers (6,000) alone outnumber the town’s population (3,500) which swells to upwards of 130,000 during the show.
I will be one of the dealers at the show in May. If you’re in the area please come by for a visit! I will be at the New England Motel & Antiques Market (303A & B) at the center of the action from Wednesday May 9th through Saturday May 12th, 2012. Look for me on the right just after you come through the main entrance. The New England Motel Show hours run from 6am to 5pm on opening day (Wednesday) and 8:30am to 5pm for the duration.
As I gear up for the May event, I thought it would be timely to share some of my tips on attending the show. To learn more, check out this link.
1. If you see something you love, buy it on the spot.
One lesson it has taken me too long to learn is that if you see something you really love and you can afford—buy it on the spot. There is so much to see and so much geography to cover that even if you had the time to circle back, it is easy to forget where you found your vintage treasure in the first place! It is also very likely that in the meantime someone else has found it a new home. If you absolutely have to walk away, it is good to note the name and location of the show and dealer in the event you want to take your chance at a return visit.
2. Don’t worry if it is too big to carry.
If you buy something, you can get a receipt from the dealer and a business card with the name of the field and the location of the booth. Before heading home you can drive to most spots or a pick-up zone to load up your car. Just check to see what times pick-ups are allowed in that particular field. Also, if you need to come back for your fab find another day, be sure you confirm with the dealer a good day and time to return. Some shows are open all week, some one day, some have optional days.
3. Consider getting help with Shipping & Delivery.
Shipping services are available along the Show route and you will see places where they sell rolling shopping carts to carry your wares and even porters to help you collect your purchases. It is a good idea to check with the services first about shipping large or heavy items and the costs and logistics. It is great to have options for those larger items that won’t fit in your car. Last year, I bought an oversized storage cabinet and the dealer offered free delivery since it wouldn’t fit in my van. Lucky for me the dealer lived in a neighboring town! Some things are just meant to be…
4. Cash is king.
You will get the best deals if you pay in cash. While there is a cash machine at the New England Motel Food Court, it is better to come prepared and hit the ground running.
5. Dress comfortably and bring some baggage
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will do a lot of walking. Layers work best so you can adjust to the changing temperature. After experiencing the rainiest Brimfield ever last September, I would say ALWAYS bring a rain coat and galoshes just in case. Not only will they keep you dry, they will allow you to hunt out some better pricing while those fair weather shoppers stay home or go running for cover. For the smaller and medium purchases that you might carry with you, consider a fold up bag, backpack or rolling cart.
6. Kids and carriages can slow you down
I’ve had lots of fun and success going to Brimfield with my little ones but our usual 6-8 hour shopping window shrinks considerably. In general it is easy to navigate Brimfield with strollers. Be aware that a few fields have gravel and the carriages can be hard to push in those areas. I can vouch for that! If you are bringing the little ones have realistic expectations of how much of your shopping they can endure! Sun screen, sun visors for the carriage or hats, layered clothing and a bag full of snacks and beverages. A stop at the Food Court for a breather may buy you some extra time but try to avoid the Noon rush by opting for an earlier lunch (11am).
7. Familiarize yourself with the Show Schedule and locations.
Brimfield is not just one antique show but a collection of shows. Some shows are open for one day, some for the whole week and some opening dates and times are staggered. Look at the show schedule to help you select the best day or days of the week to visit.
8. Pick the best day for you.
In general I like going to Brimfield earlier in the week for the best selection. Of course that depends on the weather forecast and childcare coverage among many other things! I have friends who always go on Sunday because there are more deals to be had—especially on larger items that have to be packed up and hauled back. In my book, any day at Brimfield is a good day. Go when it is convenient for you, but realize the trade-offs.
9. Arrive early and expect to pay for parking.
If you are driving to Brimfield the day of the show—leave as early as you can stomach. Set your GPS and grab breakfast on the road. Early birds will be rewarded with prime parking spots in central locations and first crack at what the day has to offer. Expect to pay $5 -$10 for parking per day. If you get there on the early side park at the New England Motel & Antiques Market. If you get stuck in lots of traffic, keep an eye out for signs for parking. You may be better off parking and hoofing it rather than waiting in traffic if things are at a standstill.
10. Enjoy the hunt!
My very best memories of Brimfield are scouring the fields first with my husband (who takes a vacation day each May to attend Brimfield as my birthday gift), then during my pregnancies (although the frequent trips to the Porta-Potties nearly killed me), and now with my daughters who have developed their own sense of affection for all that is Brimfield. My youngest came home with a few finds last year including a free vintage basket from a sweet dealer that just liked her spunk. Not a bad deal for a 4 year old! We have brought home some great finds from Brimfield but even when I come home empty handed the sheer joy of the hunt is enough to keep me coming back year after year. It looks like I will be in good company!
If you have some favorite things about Brimfield or tips for the hunt, please share! Hope to see you there!
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In celebration of spring and Bristol’s Daffodil Days, Sea Rose Cottage is hosting fun and informal Paint in the Garden Workshops.
Workshops will be held from 10am-Noon and from 2-4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 13th -15th at Sea Rose Cottage in Bristol. The shop will be open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm (including during scheduled workshop sessions).
Workshops are limited to 6 participants each ($50 workshop fee includes all materials). Walk-ins welcome! Learn how to use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for exterior applications while painting a French inspired garden plaque. I will answer any questions you have about using Annie Sloan products and also do demonstrations on how to use the clear and dark wax for interior surfaces.
Call or email to reserve your space (nan@searosecottage.com or 401-254-1166) or just drop on in! Make it a day and enjoy Spring in Bristol and all the fun Daffodil Days activities!
I am happy to announce a special Sea Rose Cottage Giveaway! Enter here to win a free ticket to attend Annie Sloan’s Boston Tour Event! There will be two winners. Each ticket is valued at $350. Annie’s Boston Tour Stop will be held at the Sheraton Boston Hotel on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 . Many fun activities are planned for the day–learn more about it here.
No purchase is necessary to enter. Just visit SOCO Magazine‘s website to check out their March Cover issue and view the short clip featuring Annie Sloan at her Oxford Shop. Name one of the colors featured on Annie’s painted chest of drawers and leave your answer by commenting on this post. If you are correct you will receive 1 entry. For another entry, visit my Facebook page (you must “Like” the page if you haven’t done so already) and post the comment “Annie Sloan Boston” on the Giveaway link.
Winners will be chosen Friday, March 2nd at 5pm and notified immediately.
Hope to see you at Annie Sloan’s Boston Tour Event on April 2nd! Good luck!
Ever since seeing Marion Parsons most excellent Union Jack Dresser, I have wanted to paint one of my own. I figured when I came across a piece of furniture that screamed to be painted as a British Flag then I wouldn’t hesitate to start the project. That never happened—or so I thought.
Many moons ago I bought this sturdy dresser at a local consignment store but did not have a plan of how to paint it. It sat unattended for quite some time.
I liked that is was a sturdy piece of furniture with interesting details that could be better showcased with a painted finish.
That said, I was quite stumped as to how to proceed. The furniture is a more formal piece than I would normally purchase. Its regal bearing demanded attention with its carved columns that grace the front corners of the dresser, the fan carving at its base and its Queen Ann legs.
Finally it struck me—a royal makeover would be in order (in the British style of course)!
I quickly selected my paint colors (Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Napoleonic Blue, Emperor’s Silk and Old White) and got down to painting. I did have a few hiccups along the way. I thought I would sketch the design out on the front of the dresser and forgo the taping off (bad idea when the drawers are not flush with the face of the dresser). I also had incomplete instructions on how to draw the Union Jack (an even worse idea). Luckily my friend Danielle from Finding Silver Pennies came to the rescue. Funny enough we were both working on Union Flag dressers at the same time! She shared this “how to”with me that she was using for her own project (which by the way came out fabulous!)
After painting over my mistakes the work in progress looked like this:
I finished the piece with Annie Sloan Clear Wax and used Annie Sloan Dark Wax for an aged effect.
I highlighted some of the carvings and details with gilding wax. The original drawer pulls were given the gold treatment as well as a few new additions.
Finally after much primping (and a few episodes of Masterpiece Theatre’s Downton Abbey)–the royal makeover is complete! Just in time for the next best British invasion—Annie Sloan’s 2012 US Tour!
Cheers!
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I am so excited to have these new Sample Decks in stock that showcase 28 of Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint Colors!
Some have admired the exact same Sample Deck in my shop and have wanted to purchase one for themselves. So happy that it is now available for sale !
In celebration, I decided a Sample Deck Giveaway would be in order. The gracious giveaway host is none other than Kelly Bernier of Restyling Home by Kelly. Kelly is a talented designer and blogger who helps to make homes happy with color selection and room makeovers in a day using existing furnishings.
I first met Kelly when she visited my shop last year to learn more about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Since then Kelly has fallen in love with the paint and has taken on restyling projects like this sweet Hope Chest makeover.
Please hop on over to Kelly’s blog to learn more about the Giveaway and to catch up on her recent posts.
The Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Valentine’s Day. Good luck!
Get your pink on with Annie Sloan’s 2012 American Tour!
Annie’s newest color Antoinette--a soft pale pink–is being introduced as the 2012 Tour Color to show support for the fight against breast cancer. A portion of the tour proceeds will go to breast cancer research. Additionally, for each quart of Antoinette purchased this year, Davis Paint will donate $1 toward the cause!
Now Annie Sloan Unfolded is sharing the love with a special Valentine’s incentive. All registrants for Annie Sloan’s 8-city American tour that REGISTER before 11:59 pm Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2012) will be entered into a drawing for their tour location. One registrant from each stop will be selected to receive 29 FREE quarts of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint valued at over $1,000 (1 of every color if they choose). This means 8 lucky winners!!!!!!!!
Time to do something sweet for yourself (or a loved one) for Valentine’s Day and register now for Annie’s 2012 tour and a chance at the Giveaway! Enjoy a hands on workshop with Annie and a fun filled creative day–you deserve it! Hope to see you at the Sheraton Boston on April 2, 2012 for Annie’s local tour stop.
Sea Rose Cottage is pleased to announce that Antoinette is now available for purchase in quart sizes
Go pink and help spread the word!
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