Sunday 17 February 2013

Up-cycling




My name is Caroline and I'm a hoarder.

I noticed a trend lately in upcycling, I think it's thanks to Pinterest. As I have an interest in hoarding (It's an interest not a compulsion, right?) I've decided to start painting the old timey/vintage bits and pieces I've picked up over the years. As much as I appreciate the contemporary look interiors, it's not me.. my home was built in the 1860's, it's a very small terrace house, quite pokey. I think up-cycling suits the old-fashioned feel of the house. Recently I went to a vintage furniture painting class, it's a method of using a specialised chalk paint (named so because of the finish) and while I thoroughly enjoyed the class, the paint itself was quite expensive. (Annie Slone chalk paint) After alot of searching on the webs, I finally found a great recipe for homemade chalk paint, it's so simple and you can use left over paint from other projects. The Annie Slone wax is a reasonable price so you could still used the dark wax over this paint to give it the shabby chic look!



Chalk paint recipe;

1/2 cup of Plaster of Paris (cup = American baking cup measure)
1/2 cup of luke warm water
1 1/2 cups of paint


Method;
Use an old tin or plastic container that you are willing to throw away. Mix the warm water and plaster of paris, stirring out all of the lumps. Pour that mixture into the 1 1/2 cups of paint and mix super well. Wait until the mixture has cooled before painting your item.


2 comments:

  1. LOL, your like me I keep all containers and toilet rolls etc because I saw something on Pinterest and I have to make it, I am addicted....you should see my utility...Hubbie is going crazy, he is threatening "Use it or loose "
    J
    http://lifelovesand.blogspot.ie

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    Replies
    1. Hehehe I know right?! Himself tried to clear out under the stairs last week and he couldn't get over the bagfuls of jars I've hoarded, he was going to chuck them in the bin! Pure cheek! :-D

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