Homemade Chalk Paint

Chalk Paint is my best friend. For reals folks. It's amazing. I use it on  99% of my upcycle projects.  You don't have to sand or prime, you can paint over stain, lacquer, laminate, paint etc.

But, it is EXPENSIVE to buy.  Seriously. Like $47 a pint.  So I have been experimenting with lots of DIY recipes, and found the one. I won't ever cheat on this one. It's amazing, and you can't tell the difference between it, and the really expensive stuff, well except for in price. 

Here's the recipe, cause I wanna share the love :)

1/2 cup HOT water
1/2 Plaster of Paris (if you use a coupon at Hobby Lobby or Joann's this is less than $5 for a huge box that will last you forever)
1 1/2 cup flat latex paint (in any color you chose)

Mix the water and PoP together until PoP is dissolved, then add paint, and voila! You have chalk paint.  Throw it on a piece of furniture that's seen better days, and give it a face lift.  If you want a vintage-y grainy feel don't sand, but if you are looking for a  more smooth surface, use a brown paper bag and go over the piece after each coat.  Wax, lacquer, or Polyurethane after.  (Note, use a polycrylic instead of polyurethane over white pieces, or it will yellow)

It also dries much faster than regular latex paint, so it cuts your work time in half.

Writing Desk

I've been busy this past month with several refinish projects for my friend Marlynn who just bought a new home.  It's been a lot of fun, and she has great taste!

She brought me this generic partially faux wood writing desk. It's a great size for a smaller space, and perfect to keep the kids out of her bills. It's been really fun to give this piece some personality. It was such a fun project, and I just feel in love with the vintage white, and mint combo she choose.

Cosco Step Chair #3

I have a friend that bought the Chevron Step Chair and wanted another one, so we found one at an estate sale and set to work.

This one was by far in the worst shape. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before picture. 

This time, we went with a rust protectant, hammered metal spray paint, and a cute floral fabric. It will be a great addition to her new kitchen!

Jade Jenny Lind Cradle

This cradle turned into a bit of the pain the behind, but when it was finished, all my hard work really came together. I forgot to grab a before pic of this one, but it looked exactly the same as this one:

Cosco Step Chair #2

I was asked to do this chair for a friend. I love the fabric.

Before... Pretty gross right?

After. Love me some Chevron!

Vintage Cosco Step Chair

I picked up this awesome chair on a facebook yardsale.

Please ignore the messy floor :) I had some "help"

Some new paint, and fabric, and viola! New chair!

Chevron Bench

Here's a little goodie I made from the hutch of an old computer desk.  Told you I love me some chevrons! 
I posted this pic right after painting it (it was distressed and sealed after) to get an opinion on pricing, and had dibs on it before I could even post it. 

I love me some chalk paint. This is laminate, and I didn't have to sand, or prime.