So a few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of being part of a much coveted Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshop. It was held at The Painted Cottage and hosted by the lovely Ilana Tani. If you recall from a previous post of mine, The Painted Cottage is a quaint, yet awesome new store, that Im completely gaga about. It recently opened up in Jan 2014 out in Parklands, Cape Town.
I was out of my pants excited about this workshop. Partly because I was just about emerging from the baby fog, brought on by my then two-plus month old baba, and, thus very keen to get my brain wrapped into some form of creative release. And partly because I’d become ridiculously excited by the magic of chalk paint.
If you’ve heard any of the hype about chalk paint, let me be the first to tell you, they’re not kidding. Chalk paint is THAT awesome- all of that and a bag of Niknaks! When they say that absolutely no priming or prepping is necessary, they really mean no freaking priming or prepping is necessary! Just decide on your colors and the “look” you want, and go! Paint on any kind of surface? You bet your bottom you can really paint anything…plastic, glass, wood, metal. That means you can paint anything from your dining table, your photo frames, your kitchen sink, your floor, your curtains, your outdoor walls, even your fridge! Nothing in your house is safe anymore – not even the dog!
Did I mention you can even dye your fabrics? That’s right! Need a new couch? How about you just chalkpaint the old one! Who needs to upholster when you can just paint it?!
And the resultant painted material does not crack with wear and tear, nor does it feel hard nor plasticky. Its freaking amaze-balls!
And if you haven’t yet been sufficiently swept off your feet by Chalk Paint, all you need do is google “Annie Sloan” or “chalk paint” and you’ll discover what all the fuss is about. Better yet, let Ilana show you some of her before and after’s pieces she’s done. I’ll bet you’ll be a convert in no time!
I promise you, you’ll start LOOKING for things to paint! Annie Sloan wasn’t kidding when she said it’s a bit addictive. I suspect it’s mostly because its so dang easy!
And in doing the workshop, you’ll see just HOW easy it is! If you ever get Ilana going on all the awesome little projects she’s got going, you’ll most likely be filled with envy as to how easily she can transform a simple piece into a very dramatic or interesting pièce de résistance…I often felt,”why not me?” Well, I promise you, Ilana will have you feeling very capable of inspiring similar jealousy in others with YOUR own pieces in no time!
The workshops are fairly informal and last about three hours, including a tea break, and time for questions. As you enter the store for the workshop, you’ll be greeted by the divine waftings of good coffee. In fact, if you’re a lover of gooood, strong coffee, you’re in luck! Ilana’s hubby is Italian, so naturally she’ll serve up some of the loveliest cuppas in town. Perfect to keep those brain cells perked up and pumping out the creative juices. And of course she sorts you out with some snacks, because Rome wasn’t built on an empty stomach, you know!
This particular workshop I attended, we were shown four different types of application methods,
1) A simple white-wash
2) One colour chic finsih
3) One colour textured/cracked
4) Two colour distressed
It’s a completely hands-on workshop, so be warned, do not come dressed in your best. Remember I mentioned that chalk paint can also be used a fabric dye, so read: “Permanent”. However, you are equipped with the loveliest of full-length aprons, so no need to rock up dressed like a hobo either.
Speaking of which – equipment, not hobos- they supply you with ALL your materials; Brushes, paints, waxes, and test pieces to test drive your new found skill on. You’ll also receive a small workbook with all the notes needed. So all you need is you and your tank full of creative juice. And maybe your wallet, because she has such irresistible pieces for sale. From cushions, to crockery, mirrors to unique and pretty draw handles, from furniture to the chalk paint itself!
Just be warned though, these workshops fill up quick sticks! Its limited to five participants in a session, that way Ilana can give you maximized attention. So if you’re keen to get your chalk paint action on, give her a call today!
She had hinted at future workshops where you could possibly bring in your own piece, or where you’ll learn how to paint your upholstery. The possibilities are endless.
In fact why don’t you pop on over to The Painted Cottage this weekend, and ask about the forth coming workshops? Ilana is more than helpful, and will probably get you giggling like a school girl, as she whets your artsy appetite with more of her ideas for future workshops.
You’re in good hands with Ilana. She’s clearly passionate about what she does, which is evident in the goosebumps she gets when she shares her joys about chalk paint and all the goodies in her store.
Even if you think you’re not creatively gifted, trust me, you’ll feel quite empowered and confident enough to go ahead and create master pieces in your own home after Ilana is done with you.
Have a look-see at some of the test-pieces that we did:
And if you’re still not convinced enough to just go pop in at the store just yet, why not visit her website over here.
As working mom of two, trying to fit in time for some creative release is truly challenging to say the least. However, Im never sorry when I actually DO manage to get that time in, One’s time is so precious, that you also don’t want to waste it on arb things. This workshop however, definitely did NOT disappoint. It was time well spent, and invested in. I cant wait to get started in my home! All I need to do now, is order the colours from Ilana at The Painted Cottage!
What you need to know:
- 1) This introductory course cost R500 – which is pretty awesome for the skills you are injected with.
- 2) Address:
- Shop 12 B Lifestyle Center, Builders Warehouse
- Sanddown Road
- Sunningdale
- Cape Town
For other details have a look at my previous post on The Painted Cottage here.
Has the chalk paint bug bitten you yet? Or what chalk paint projects have your started on? I would love to know.
Happy painting!
You have got me completely psyched up to get chalk painting. Will have to get hubby to sponsor a workshop ASAP!
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