CHALK PAINT® CLASSES :: what's the difference?

Hello and happy {rainy} Thursday!

This is what has been consuming my extra time lately….

Packing, cleaning, and organizing.  It feels so good to go through everything!

I am using the dining room as my packing and sorting room.  If I don't love it, or haven't used it in one year, it's donated or put in the garage sale pile.  It's hard to stick to my rule!!  I am always thinking 'someday I might use that'.  Yesterday,  I took six huge bags or little girl's clothing to the Blessing Room….and I still have two bags to give away and several outfits to sell at the garage sale! It feels soooo good to simplify!!

Speaking of simplifying, some areas of my home are looking pretty bare!  I am having a garage sale tomorrow, and the buyers are coming by to see if they want to purchase any of our furniture.  My goal is to hardly move anything…..either sell it or donate it!

So, the point of this post is not to talk about me, but to explain the different Chalk Paint® classes and workshops we offer.  I get quite a few customers asking about the differences.  Good question!  Below are descriptions for our most popular classes.

First Friday {which I am going to change to every Friday starting in March}!

The first Friday was something I started this year, and people seem to really love it.  As of March, I am going to offer this every Friday, instead of just the first Friday of the month.  I will be calling it OPEN WORKSHOP.

OPEN WORKSHOP is where you can bring your own project to paint, in our workshop.  We open our workshop from 1pm-5pm on Fridays.  

You bring your own paint and wax {or purchase when you arrive} and you can use our workshop space, brushes and tools.  I am happy to offer tips and advice, in between helping customers.  You can stay for the entire 4 hours, or just pop in for 45 minutes.  The goal is to provide an incentive {a fun and creative environment} for you to just start painting!

I have light refreshments and the cost is $10.  You don't need to rsvp, but just know we only have space for 5-6 people at a time.

BRING YOUR OWN PIECE

BYOP classes are offered once a month.  The class lasts 3 hours.  Here we guide you through the steps to paint and finish your own pice of furniture {a tray, box or shelf are great, nothing larger than 2 feet wide or 2 feet long.}  We teach tips and tricks and help to build your confidence.  We provide the paint, wax, brushes and tools.

Light refreshments, drinks and a tote are included.  The 3 hour class is $75.  You do need to rsvp for these classes, the maximum number of attendants is 6.

INTRODUCTORY TECHNIQUES

This is a fun class, meant to inspire your creativity and evoke confidence.  You will learn four techniques to understand the basics of this unique paint and proper wax application.  You will learn tips to achieving beautiful results on all of your painted projects.   You will paint and wax molding pieces that are yours to keep.

Light refreshments, drinks and a tote are included.  The 3 hour class is $75.  You do need to rsvp for these classes, the maximum number of attendants is 6.

To sign up for classes, you can call {503.857.8176} or send a note via our contact page.  I will send you detailed information about the class and add you to the list!

Happy Painting!

JANUARY GIVEAWAY :: a giveaway each month in 2014

Good Monday morning and Happy New Year!  I think with the new year right around the corner, it's a good excuse to start having monthly give aways!  Right?!?  I love to give gifts and I know we all like receiving them.    My customers and clients are the best.  Seriously, you guys are so supportive and I appreciate your business and the opportunity to get to know you!

Plus, it's an excuse to get more Chalk Paint® into the hands of my lovely customers!

DISCLAIMER ::  OK, I will work on my photography skills. Since I have very few, this may take a while!  I apologize for the lousy pictures that follow ;-}

1.  WARM AND COZY print from this darling website, and a red frame.

2. Chalk Paint® color card.  These sell for $5 at the shop and they are quite popular!

3. A cute little spiral notebook.  I have these little cuties stashed everywhere!  One for my ever growing grocery list, one for notes, one for little hands to color, etc.

4. a 4 oz. sample pot of LOUIS BLUE Chalk Paint®.  These little guys sell at the shop for $11.95.  They are perfect for painting picture frames, a little side table, lamps and so much more.

5. not pictured ::  home made fudge to enjoy as you paint your little project!

So, here it is.  A sweet little give away to get your creative juices flowing!

THE DETAILS ::

You have three ways to be entered!  You can do one, or all three!  If you already 'like' MD HANEY & CO. on Facebook and receive the blog posts via email, thank you!!!

1. If you are on the BLOG page of the website, at the top right hand corner you will see a spot to enter your email address.  When you fill that out, you will receive blog posts via email (2-3 times per week).

2.  Like MD HANEY & CO. on Facebook.

3.  Leave a comment at the end of this post, saying what you would paint with Chalk Paint®.

Easy-peasy and so fun!  The give away will be open for the entire month of January, the winner will be announced on the website and Facebook January 31st!

Have a great week and thank you for a wonderful 2013!!

WINTER PAINT CLASSES AND A CHAIR :: a darling vintage chair

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Our's was lovely.  And now I am looking forward to the New Year!  In some areas of my life, I love to plan, organize and dream.  {You should see my office right now, it looks like a bomb went off.  You would laugh in may face if I told you I am a 'planner, dreamer and organizer'!}  A few weeks ago I ordered this planner….bring on the planning and organizing!!  I can't wait to tell you about this planner!

Anyways, a couple of weeks ago, I found this darling vintage wing back chair.

I painted the legs 'GRAPHITE' {Chalk Paint®} and then waxed them with a clear wax.

I cleaned the upholstery and set her out in the sunshine for a few hours.

You wouldn't believe how good of shape this wing back chair is in!

I can't decide if I am going to sell her or keep her.

 I brought her over to the design studio and placed a price tag on her…..$225.

If you think this darling chair would be a good fit for you home, just let me know and I will be sure to not package her up and take her to my home ;-)

Pretty cute, right??

And, in other shop news, I have updated the website with the WINTER SCHEDULE.  Next Friday is the first Friday in January, so the work room will be open for you to bring in your projects and paint!  We had a great group at the last 'First Friday'.  

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT

I have been pretty busy with various design jobs, but not really any jobs that make for good 'before and after' photos.  Offices, bathrooms, material selections, etc., spaces or things that just don't photograph well.  Matt has been busy with drawing plans and various jobs that just don't photograph well either! But, in the next few months I will have some great photos to share with you!!

So today, I just have a little of this and that…..

My goal for the next month is to paint all of the random pieces that I have been collecting, but haven't taken the time to paint.

I must be craving some blue in my life! This morning I realized that the pieces I have been painting over the last few days are all blue.

I have also been working on painting cabinet doors with Chalk Paint®.  It really helps to have a big chunk of color when deciding on what color to use for a project!

My little helper!

I made Pioneer Woman's pretzel turtles this morning.  They are REALLY good!  Mine don't look as pretty as her's, but they sure taste good!

They are perfect little treats for delivering with Christmas cards.

I need to give them away because I am afraid I will eat them all!

We carry DASH & ALBERT rugs at the Studio….I love them!

I am going to use this rug in Addilyn's new bedroom.  I am also going to move the dresser from the master bedroom into her bedroom.  Don't you love the green dresser next to the rug?!? So fun!

I am going to paint Addilyn's bed and night stand 'SCANDINAVIAN PINK'.  I think it will be a fun pop of color!  Pictures coming soon!

Until then, have a great week!!

FIRST FRIDAY :: bring your own furniture

A few weeks ago I was chatting with a sweet friend of mine.  {She paints furniture and re-purposes old pieces into little gems.  We met this Spring.....she buys Chalk Paint® from me, and she has become a dear friend! I am so happy our path's crossed!!!} Anyways, she threw out the idea of me opening up the work room to the public.  A space where local people can come create.  I loved it!  Below are the details.....

FIRST FRIDAY || the details

What :: bring your furniture/lamps/frames {whatever you want to paint} and use our work room to paint and create!

When :: the first friday of every month

Time :: 1pm-4pm, come and go as you please during that time period

Where :: the design studio, 543 west main street, carlton

Cost :: $10

Extra Details :: bring your own Chalk Paint® and wax, or purchase when you come.  The work room space, brushes, rags, and tools will be available for you to use.  I will also be around to answer questions!  Not to mention we will have hot drinks and tasty treats ;-)  No need to RSVP, just show up!

Hope to see you Friday!

SNAP AND SHARE :: a fun Chalk Paint® contest

 

Annie Sloan has come up with a fun and creative contest!  They are asking customers to take their photo in front of their local stockist Chalk Paint® display, submit the photo online, and then encourage friends and family members to vote.  The wining contestant wins $1500 worth of Annie Sloan product.  How fun is that?!?

Can you imagine $1500 worth of product?!?  So fun!!

If you want to participate, you can always call or email and I will be happy to meet you at the shop.  I will even take your picture for you ;-)

OK, I am off to go bake some cupcakes with my little helper,  and cheer on the Trojans!!  Go USC!!

Have a great weekend!!

COME PAINT :: first Friday of every month

I am really enjoying being 'open' at the design studio on Fridays!  The girls and I are there every Friday from 9am-6pm.

I have a few exciting things up my sleeve for the studio.  The first one :: I have decided to open up the back work room to you....my lovely customers!

Yep, a time where you can bring your project{s}, ask questions, learn tips and paint away.  I have found that sometimes it's just easier to work on a project at a designated time and/or location.

I am hoping that by making the work room available to you guys, you will be inspired to create!!

Here are the details....

BRING YOUR PROJECT || EVERY FIRST FRIDAY

WHEN ||  every first Friday of the month

TIME  ||  open~come any time from 1pm-4pm

WHERE  ||  543 West Main Street, the work room

WHAT  ||  Bring your own project to work on.  Use our space, brushes and rags. I will be available {in between customers} to answer questions and offer tips.

COST ||  $10.  Feel free to bring you own Chalk Paint® and wax, or you can purchase it when you arrive. We won't have our opened paints and waxes available to use, as we do with our classes.

** no need to rsvp, just come and go at your convenience during the designated hours**

I truly value your input and ideas.  I want the studio to serve as a place of creativity and inspiration!  Please feel free to throw out ideas and thoughts on what you would like to see offered!!

NEXT CHALK PAINT® CLASS :: and a few pictures from this weekend

I hope you had a lovely weekend.  The weather here was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!  Love Fall!!

Just a quick note to say that the next Chalk Paint® {bring your own piece} class is Monday, November 4th.

These classes are a lot of fun!  You get to use our supplies, learn tips and tricks for working with Chalk Paint® {and the wax} and you go home with your own little finished piece of furniture!

I have quite a few 'maybes' for this class, if it fills up fast, I will offer another one towards the end of November.

And, since it's pretty boring to just post about an upcoming class, I thought I would share a few photos from this weekend....

We skipped church Sunday morning {Addilyn had a little cold} and headed up to Saint Honore Bakery.  Have you been there???  It's our favorite!!

Addilyn LOVES pastries....but she REALLY LOVES her daddy.

Sweet.

We also like to go walking around the lake {Lake Oswego} and the fountains.

Costco was also on our list.

We nailed it!

They had good samples and we left with a cart full of ridiculous groceries and spending way too much money.  As soon as we got the car loaded with food, and girls buckled in, Addilyn informed us she needed to go potty.

Oh boy.

Have a great week friends!!

BEFORE + AFTER :: a sidewalk treasure

 A few weeks ago, I was on my early morning walk.  I walked past a neighbor's house and she had just set out a dresser with a FREE sign on it!  I promptly walked my little self home, grabbed the car and wen to pick it up.  It's kind of funky, but I have been looking for a little drink station in the dining room.  I figured it was free, so if I don't like it, it's no big deal!

You can see the side of my little helper in this picture.  She seems to think anytime the camera is out, it's to take a picture of her!

I used Chalk Paint® to paint this little guy.  I mixed 1 part Pure White and 1 part Arles.

I applied a coat of Clear Wax and then a coat of Dark Wax.

I painted the existing brass knobs Graphite and then applied a Dark Wax.

I added a mirror and a little drink basket, then loaded the drawers with linens.  I am sure I will change things up soon, but this is a start ;-)  I don't love it, but it will serve just fine until I find something I do love!

Next week I will snap some photos of the dining room and share them.  But, girls are sleeping so I better get some work done!!  Oh, and I have to meet the delivery man at the studio soon, I have a really fun package arriving later today, I can't wait to share all about it!

xoxo~Darci

A COUPLE OF GIVE AWAYS :: to celebrate Carlton's Walk in the Park

Hello friends,

We are super excited to be participating in Carlton's a Walk in the Park this year!  We have volunteered and attended almost every year, but never participated.  In all honesty, I feel completely overwhelmed at trying to get a booth together, but I know it will all work out.....it always does!  Matt is going to help me at the booth all weekend, and we always have fun together, so I am looking forward to spending some time with my man!!

 We will have some special incentives, gifts and give-aways for you guys, it's going to be great!

Sign up {via the blog} to receive blog posts directly to your inbox, and 'like' us on FACE BOOK, and you will be entered for a chance to win a breakfast picnic basket.

The basket will be full of great breakfast items.....coffee, baked goods, jam, honey and more....a $75 value.

**If you already receive our blog via email, and have "liked" us on FACEBOOK, just leave a comment and I will enter your name in the drawing.**

Come visit us as Carlton's a Walk in the Park.

Purchase $200 work of Chalk Paint supplies, and receive a free FARM BELLE  jam, honey creame or marion berry syrup.

Farm Belle products are locally made and they are sooooo tasty!

We will also have Chalk Paint demonstrations, custom painted furniture {for sale} and all sorts of fun things!  Looking forward to seeing you next weekend!

Oh, and the design studio will not be open next Friday, August 16th.

We will be setting up our booth.  If you need supplies, just call or email and I can meet you at the design studio and get you stocked and ready to paint!

xoxo~Darci

DIY WOOD SIGN :: made from a cabinet door

 Hello and happy Monday!

I didn't take any photos to document how I made the wood signs for our covered deck {big surprise...wink}.  I am just awful at documenting things!  However, it was really simple, so I thought I would share a few tips.

Being that my sweet hubby is a {very talented} cabinet maker, we usually have new cabinet doors laying around the shop.  Doors that didn't fit or work for a job, for whatever reason.  You could use any cabinet door really.  But, the shaker style work best.  It already has a 'frame', no modifications need to be done!

• I took two matching cabinet doors and painted two coats of OLD WHITE Chalk Paint®.  The paint covered the laquer finished, maple cabinet wood perfectly.
• Next, type your phrase onto a blank document.  I used the HELVETICA font, and the font size I chose for my sign was 200.

• With a pair of scissors, cut each word.  If the word didn't fit onto the printed  page, roughly cut the letter to be able to make the word.
• Tape any letters together that need to be taped, and lay the entire word onto the painted cabinet door.
• Move the words around until you like the spacing.
• Once the words are right where you want them, tape them to the cabinet door.

• Once the words are taped, with a pencil, trace the outline of each letter.  Press hard!  You want the letter to be outlined on the wood door.
• Once your words are traced, fill in the letters with a paint pen {I use these} or an artist brush and paint.
• At this point, you may be done!  Wasn't that easy?
• I took a fine grit sand paper and distressed my sign.  I wanted the words to look a little 'worn and tired'.  Then, I coated the entire sign with clear wax, asked my hubby to hang the signs and we were good to go!  Matt had some really neat old nails, we found them when we remodeled our home {a 1908 foursquare}.  My guess is that they are original to the house!  Anyways, he centered the signs and attached them with the old nails.....

I love them!

Do you have a different way of making a wood sign?  I would love to hear!!

xoxo~Darci

JULY 24th :: BRING YOUR OWN PIECE WORKSHOP

Good Monday to ya!

Just a quick note to say we added a Wednesday night 'BRING YOUR OWN PIECE' Chalk Paint® workshop in the month of July.  This is such a fun class!!!  We teach four techniques, you get to use our paint and supplies, you get a super cute canvas MD HANEY & CO. tote, and you take home your beautifully painted piece!!  Here are the details....

BEFORE + AFTER :: our dining room furniture

 Happy Tuesday friends!

I thought I would show you a few photos of our dining room furniture.  I am in the middle of re-decorating {or really just shopping the house and re-arranging} our dining room.

Confession ::  I would love to buy a long, rustic dining room table.  Pair it with linen slip covered chairs and I would be a happy girl.  But,  it's hard to justify that when we have a dining room set that works just great!

I thought I would try painting our furniture to see if I would like it a little better.  If I hadn't been introduced to Chalk Paint®, I would have never dreamed of tackling our dining room furniture!  What a pain!  Sanding, priming, several coats of painting, yucky fumes.....just doesn't sound appealing.  However, with the ease and beauty of Chalk Paint®, I was willing to give it a try.

I tried a coat of 'French Linen' on the table top.  I was curious to see how well it would cover.

Two coats of paint on the top, and I was convinced it was worth it to paint it!

I painted the table top and bench a gray...."French Linen".  The chairs and base of the table are painted a soft white..."Old White".

Sweet little Pea was quite the helper.

She happily slept in the swing and gave me a solid two hours of painting time!

I distressed the edges and table top.  I wanted the original black to show through,  but just a little bit.

I applied a coat of Clear Wax, and called it good!

The table, bench and six chairs, took about eight hours to complete.

Start to finish.

And, I was able to do the entire project right in the dining room!  I am so lazy when it comes to painting.....yet another reason I love this paint!

I still have a ways to go until I get the dining room put back together, but at least the furniture is painted...

 and the table is set!

Now all I need to do is prepare dinner!

xoxo~Darci

BRING YOUR OWN PIECE :: a Chalk Paint® workshop

Summer is almost officially upon us!  I love so many things about summer....a relaxed schedule, fresh fruits and veggies from the garden, late night dinners with friends....the list could go on and on.  For some reason, summer always inspires my creativity.  Maybe it's the longer days, maybe it's the sunshine, whatever it is, summer is when I start a gazillion projects!

Summer is also the start of our creative workshops at the design studio.

The 'BRING YOUR OWN PIECE' workshop has sparked a lot of interest.  This Saturday's class is full, but we are changing the schedule a bit.  We are going to offer the 'BRING YOUR OWN PIECE' class on Saturday, June 29th instead of the 'HOW TO PAINT FURNITURE' class!

So fun....right!?!

Here are the details....

SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH 10am-12pm

A hands-on workshop using Chalk Paint®, soft waxes and varied techniques. Use our paints, wax and supplies to complete your own project. Your project must be small enough to complete in a 2 hour session {i.e. frame, shelf, mirror, small side table, etc} This workshop will give you the confidence to complete your next -and bigger- project!

WORKSHOP FEE :: $65 {full amount due to reserve a spot, deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another date}

WORKSHOP INCLUDES :: 2 hour class, use of Chalk Paint® paint, brushes and wax, {supplies} painted sample pieces {to take home}, MD HANEY & CO. tote, beverages and snacks. **Space is limited to 6 participants.** 

Call {503.857.8176} or email {info@mdhaneyco.com} to reserve your spot!

BEFORE + AFTER :: coffee table

Hello friends!

Last Saturday I loaded Addilyn into the car, left a crying baby {with Matt},  and ventured out to a garage sale.

If I am completely honest with you, I don't enjoy garage sale-ing.  I know a lot of people who love it.  I wish I was cool like that.  I am just not.  But, I need a few pieces of furniture for the new covered patio, and I hate asking my sweet {and quite talented hubby} to always build something for me.

We went to one garage sale.

One.

Pretty pathetic.

But, we did see some old friends so it was a great time of chatting and catching up with each other.

Also, I walked away with this little gem.

$10.

Done.

Sold.

I am not a negotiator, it's just not my thing - kind of like garage sale-ing - but I digress.

It is sturdy, and just the right size for an outdoor coffee table.

The legs are wood, and the top shelves covered in a wood laminate {quite 70's}.

I lightly sanded the laminate and wiped off the dust.

Then I painted her Old Violet.

Just two, light coats.

Slightly sanded, then waxed.

The entire process took less than two hours.

Did I mention that I painted right over laminate?!?

That is the beauty of Chalk Paint® decorative paint, it's made for impatient girls like me!

Happy Painting friends!

AND THE WINNER IS :: a giveaway

At the Open House last weekend, we had a little drawing for gals who signed up to receive periodic newsletters from MD HANEY & CO.

The winner receives 2 dozen freshly baked chocolate cookies {I am thinking double chocolate chip with sea salt, but I haven't quite decided}, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers!  All delivered to the front door, or place of work.

So fun....right?!?

And, the winner is....

Betsy, I will email you to get your address and find out when I can drop off "the goods!"

Have a lovely weekend ladies!

PS~  If you would like to sign up for the newsletter, just leave a comment and I will be sure to add you to the list!!

OPEN HOUSE :: and inspiring creativity

Thank you to all of the lovelies who made their way to Carlton to help us celebrate our Open House!  Friday marked our first official day of this new chapter in our business.  I have dreamed {for years} of having a creative space to inspire others and work on projects.  I feel so blessed to now be at that point in my life!

Every Friday, the design studio will be open from 9am-7pm.

My little collection of home decor, vintage items and handmade goods continues to grow.  My hope is to have items rotating every week.  So, for the fabulous gals {and men} who want to stop by every week, there will always be something new and different.  We will have our various classes every month in the new workroom Matt remodeled.  Once I have finished decorating the workroom, I will post pictures!

I am really excited to offer unique and fun party supplies!  I always struggle with finding items I want when it comes time to throw a party.  I searched high and low to find my favorite items.  There are still items I want to add, but this way it is super easy for YOU to find little treasures when you are ready to throw a party!

My little assistant truly is a joy to be around!  She loves helping and 'painting'.  What a treat to get to be with my sweet little girls all day.  Some days they drive me crazy, but I know before long they will be in school and I will miss all of our times together!

Thanks again to new friends and old friends that made their way to Carlton this weekend, it truly was a treat!

Have a lovely holiday!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND OPEN HOUSE :: at the design studio

Chalk Paint® :: summer workshops

So, my little assistant has been helping stock and decorate the design studio.  She is quite entertaining!  Although the process would go much faster without her help,  she brings such joy and laughter to the table, it would be too boring without her help!

I just finalized the Chalk Paint® decorative paint summer workshop schedule.   It's going to be so fun!!  If you haven't used Chalk Paint before, you  are in for a real treat!  It is a easy and unique paint, one that almost guarantees amazing results each time.  Seriously!

For anyone attending one of the workshops from out of town, we are happy to offer a 25% discount off of their nightly stay at the Loft!  Pretty fun.....right?!?

If you have questions, or would like more details, feel free to call or email!!  I will post some fun 'BEFORE + AFTER' Chalk Paint pieces later in the week.

Until then, have a lovely day....

shop update :: adding CHALK PAINT decorative paint soon!

Matt gets back late tonight from a two day training in North Carolina.  Why would a sweet man like my husband fly all the way across the US just days before our new little bundle of joy is due???  Because I encouraged him too...and we are crazy like that!!  {Well, anyone who knows us knows we are not crazy, actually a bit too practical and even boring at times!!;-}  And, it's a really cool product that we want to be able to stock sooner than later!

We are really excited to be offering Chalk Paint decorative paint at the shop.  This product is amazing.  Seriously, I can't wait to share more about it.  If you haven't heard of it, you should check out the website.  

I hope to have the online shop updated {with the Chalk Paint} by the end of the week.  I will keep you posted!!

Look at a few of these beautiful furniture pieces done with chalk paint....

 All of these beautiful images are from the Annie Sloan website.

Aren't they lovely?  Soon I will post a few pieces that I have refinished and currently have sitting in the shop.  We plan on opening shop next month....I promise to share more details soon!

In the mean time, have a lovely Spring day!