Drawing Strings

Like I always say, "If it's tedious and requires a black pen, I'm in".  What could be more tedious than drawing a tangle of strings? Well, lots of things, actually.

The strings were such a good time, I'm sure that I'll be doing more soon.

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I also crocheted a couple hats last night.

I just wish that it would get cold enough to wear one.  Today it was 83 degrees.

Peace,

Cyndi

Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition Finale Doodling

Tonight was the season finale for Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition.  I can't stand Abby, but I love watching those girls dance.

Of course, I had to have a black pen in hand while watching.  Here's this evening's reality TV doodle.  I finished up the pink while watching Shahs of Sunset.

Tomorrow, I'll show you the finished bookcase that I've been painting for my sister.  I have to put the dark wax on it, then it will be complete.

Peace,

Cyndi

Love that Paris Grey

I was busy today with Annie Sloan's chalk paint again.  Since the only color that I have right now is Paris Gray, I've have a lot of grey sitting in my art room right now.  I just placed an order for some Louis Blue, Old White, and Versailles from Robyn Storey Designs.  I hope that I get it tomorrow.

Here are a couple of my projects.

I started out with an old wooden jewelry box.  I did some taping to protect the felt and mirror.

Then, I put two coats of chalk paint on the exterior and as much of the interior that I could reach.

Using a sanding block, I sanded all of the edges, corners, and drawer pulls.  I used the wax brush to apply Annie Sloan Clear Wax over the entire piece, then wiped it off with a clean, soft cloth.

I'm pleased with the way it turned out.  I just listed it in my Etsy shop..

Next piece -

This shelf with paper towel holder was originally pink (actually, it was probably stained wood, then some other crafter painted it pink), then I added a couple coats of Paris Grey chalk paint.

I printed out this typography from The Graphics Fairy.  I put a piece of transfer paper under it and traced the letters onto the wood.  Using tiny brushes and black,acrylic paint, I filled in the letters.

I found these chickens on The Graphics Fairy site too.  I printed them, using my inkjet printer, cut them out with a razor knife, then glued them to the shelf with mat medium.  

I distressed the edges with sandpaper.   I still need to add a layer of clear wax.

Let's see, what else did I do today?

I've had a little train case for quite a while.  I painted it with chalk paint a couple months ago, bit wasn't quite sur what to do with it.  Since I was busy printing things from The Graphics Fairy, I found some other cute graphics, so I did a little decorating.

Obviously, I have a ways to with this little case.

I also painted a basket.  I plan to stencil a number on the top.

That about does it for today.  If I get my Annie Sloan paint in the mail tomorrow, I'll start some of the furniture pieces that I got last week.  I can't wait!

Peace,

Cyndi

Holiday Headboard

This is my headboard for the holidays.  I used two 300 light sets and it took about 5 minutes.  I'm getting into the holiday spirit.

Peace,

Cyndi

I hit the Jackpot!

Boy, yesterday was a great day.  I've been looking for a new piece of furniture to distress and chalk paint.  I answered an ad in Craigslist for a little dresser.  I ended up with a perfect, little dresser, an adorable roll top desk, a cute nightstand, a vintage crib and, not pictured yet, a small writing desk, a gorgeous mirror, a beautiful, pedestal dining table, and an oval coffee table with a pedestal base.  What a haul!!

I can't wait to get started.  I'm getting ready to place my Annie Sloan paint order.

I'm also getting ready to try something new.  Lately, I've painted some French Typography on a few pieces.  The painting can become a little daunting.  So, I'm going to try a new technique - Lasertran Waterslide Decals.  I'm going to try them out this evening.  I'll let you know what happens.

Peace,

Cyndi

Wood Burning - Who Knew!

I was at Michael's a few weeks ago and saw the wood burning tools right across from the Martha Stewart stencils.  I picked up the one for $5.99, figuring that if I'm totally bad at it, it wouldn't be a major, financial, loss.  Last night I decided to mess around with it.  I tried a little wooden tag.  

That went okay, so I moved on to a picture frame.  I have to say that I was pretty impressed with myself.

Tonight I worked on a little wood box, using the same pattern that I used on the frame.  All I did, was draw some curvy lines with a pencil, them started burning little abstract shapes inside the lines.  It's kind of tedious, but I love repetition and tedium.

I need to get some wood stain to finish the box and frame.  I added color to the tag by coloring with a watercolor pencil, brushed water on it to blend, then finished with a coat of glossy Mod Podge.  I stamped the letters for JOY on the tag, then traced around them with the wood burning tool.

The next thing I want to try is a piece of jewelry.  I'd like to find a large wooden pendant or a bangle to burn.

Today was a very exciting day for me.  I've been selling some things on Etsy - vintage items, some of my art, and things that I've up-cycled.  Today I sold the coffee table that I distressed and painted with Annie Sloan chalk paint.  I was so happy.  This was my first furniture sale!  I want to immediately start looking for another piece of furniture to re-do.  Here's the link to my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/ceeceestudio

Peace,

Cyndi