Not too long ago, I decided that I really needed to learn how to paint furniture in order to solve a decorating dilemma on a budget.  Here’s my dilemma:  I used to LOVE anything and everything Tuscan but now I love vintage French.  Uh-oh!  What to do?!  While the shapes of furniture pieces can sometimes work between both styles, I’m finding that the colors are somewhat different.  So out with my gold, cranberry and terracotta and in with gray, blue and beige!  But instead of buying new things, I’ve decided to paint some of what I have.  And in comes chalk paint.CeCe Caldwell's Paints

I have now taken two chalk painting classes, including an all-day class on Saturday hosted at the Paris Flea Market and taught by Karen Berg of Redoux, Shelly Andrade of Shizzle Designs and CeCe Caldwell herself!  And now that I’ve finally finished my first chalk painting project, I’m ready to share it with you.

First, let me clarify that chalk paint is NOT the same as chalkboard paint (I’ll be quite unhappy if my kids draw on the side table I just painted!).  Chalk paint is actually a mineral paint that is very easy to work with, has fantastic coverage, and requires little to no preparation before painting.  This last part is particularly important to me because I lack patience when working on a project.  The prep work is always “work” and I’d rather just jump right in and get to the fun part!  Also, I tend to be a very messy painter, so for me, one of the best things about chalk paint is that if I make a mistake, I can just wipe away the paint with a damp cloth to “erase” any mistakes!

CeCe Caldwell and Karen Berg of Redoux
CeCe Caldwell (left) and Karen Berg at the Paris Flea Market painting class

CeCe Caldwell’s Paints are made from two types of clay and chalk in a water based solution.  I love CeCe Caldwell’s paints because they has NO Volatile Organize Compounds, are non-toxic and have no odor.  Even the wax is made from all natural products!  Another bonus is that the cans are recyclable, so when finished, I can just toss them into the recycle bin instead of having to make a special trip to dispose of the paint cans.  And did I mention the easy clean-up?  As you can guess, I like the cleaning up just about as much as I like the prep work, which is NOT AT ALL!  The great thing about CeCe Caldwell’s Paints is that the brushes can easily be cleaned up with a little soap and water, even if the paint has already dried in the brush.

My First Chalk Painting Project

CeCe Caldwell Chalk Painted Side Table Tidbits and Twine

CeCe Caldwell Chalk Painted Side Table 2 Tidbits and Twine

CeCe Caldwell Chalk Painted Side Table 3Tidbits and Twine

I bought a little side table some time ago at TJ Maxx and decided to bring it with me to my first class taught by Karen of Redoux.   It started out green, but I painted it first with a coat with Virginia Chestnut and then with Pittsburgh Gray.  After it dried, I water distressed portions of the piece and sealed the entire thing with Clear Wax.  And I just found a fun little drawer knob at the antique faire so I added it in place of the generic one that was originally on the table. I’m happy with how it turned out and found it a spot in my living room!

If you want to learn more about CeCe Caldwell’s Paints, you can visit their website here.  You can also check out Redoux for an entertaining and down-to-earth read that features lots of information on chalk painting and a look at some of the beautiful pieces that Karen has created.  Plus you’ll never believe how she can transform trash!  (And I literally mean trash!)  Also check out Shizzle Designs to view her beautiful painted pieces and to learn about the techniques she uses!

Next on my “To Paint” list is a velvet side chair, two cement urns, one terracotta pot and a large, ornate frame.  Stay tuned!

Signature

P.S. – I am not paid or otherwise endorsed by CeCe Caldwell’s Paints.  I’m just sharing with you a product I recently found and truly love!

CeCe Caldwell Signed Paint
Signed can of CeCe Caldwell’s Paint limited edition color Chesapeake Blue

 

 

 

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