Green with a Touch of Blue

Adding a little Aubusson Blue to Annie Sloan Chalk PaintⒸ Chateau Grey will result in a green with strong blue undertones, as seen on the antique blanket chest above. French Linen and Country Grey for shadows and highlights.

Shamrock Step Stool

These old little step stools are easy to find for a few dollars and can be used in so many ways. My green one, shown above, is very primitive and delightfully imperfect. It has been used as a side table stacked with books, a tray, a foot stool, and a step to reach a higher shelf. It was pink when I found it. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, starting with a coat of Aubusson Blue, followed by some Florence. Antibes Green was mixed with Old White in various strengths for the top coat.

Here is another view:

I have had many questions about my "layering" technique.  I may do a post with step by step photos, but honestly, there are so many great tutorials already available on painting techniques.  Layering is just a word I  use to describe the process of painting on coats of different colors, to achieve depth and texture. It is the the finish that comes naturally on many vintage pieces and antiques.  I am trying to create that look of age and wear on pieces that may or may not be old. 

Before Annie Sloan Chalk Paint became available in the U.S., I used mostly oil-based paints, along with various stains,  dyes, glazes, shellacs, lacquers, and varnish. It works well, but it is labor intensive, takes a long time to dry, and you must use solvents. I have tried creating this, for lack of a better word, distressed finish, with latex and acrylics and was not satisfied with the results.  Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has made it possible  create a vintage looking finish, easily, quickly, and on a variety of surfaces.

I will continue to detail and explain my process in later posts. You can also leave comments and questions in the comment section, or contact me by email. I will respond as quickly as I can. 
Thanks for reading and following,

Leslie
lesliest4@gmail.com


For more little stools and benches see these posts you may have missed:  On the Bench,  Upholstered Bench,  and  Pretty in Pink.

Take One Stepback

Called Stepback Cupboards because the top shelving piece sits "back" from the front edge of the separate lower cabinet, they are most often made of pine or oak. It is not unusual to find one where the top and bottom were not made at the same time as one complete piece, but have been put together, sometimes referred to as "married".

This one has wonderful age and patina in its deep blues and greens. If you are lucky enough to have a stepback cupboard, layering the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors shown above, would give you a similar finish.

In Kentucky, antique step backs are easy to find and reasonably priced. To see more of these delicious cupboards check out my posts, Another Stepback,  Dark into Light, and Colorful Storage.

I like Annie Sloan Chalk Paint  for my craft and furniture projects, but for walls nothing compares to Pure & Original Fresco Lime Paint. I love the natural variations of shades and tones the lime creates within one paint color. You have to see how gorgeous it is! Checkout my most recent interior design make overs with Fresco. It can be purchased online at www.502paint.com

P.S  Pure and Original also makes a chalk based paint called Classico in 140 colors! Its amazing too!

Jams and Jellies

An old Jelly Cabinet in worn Annie Sloan colors.

Pop of Red

A pop of red in a Chalk Paint color group

Modern on Vintage

A contemporary color palette for vintage

Hearts and Flowers

Subtle layering of colors combine to create depth and texture

Verdigris Antique Door

Verdigris created from many layers of paint,

 in rich blues and greens. 

Antibes Green is one of the most popular Chalk Paint Colors. For more ideas to use Antibes Green, see these posts you may have missed .  Old Table, New Look,  Custom Purple and Lime Green, and   Stack of Bowls