Creating a Perfectly Chippy Dresser

Sometimes there are pieces of furniture that just don't get the attention they deserve and they sit in the shop too long. This blonde dresser was measured time and again over the past couple years by people wanting to use it for a bathroom vanity -- fitting it out with a basin. But it just never happened.

So it was time for a new "old" look. Imagine it coming out of a farmhouse basement or attic after years of use and wear. TLC Vintage wanted to go for an authentically chippy look -- random, not too perfect of a paint job. Here's how you can do it...

First up, clean the piece with dish soap and water, rinse and dry. Next apply a coat of Chalk Paint® Clear Soft Wax, and wipe away the excess. Allow to cure at least a full 24 hours.

Next day, brush on just one coat of Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan. Don't try to be precise, just "slap it on" without regard to how thick or thin or in what direction. Here we used Old White, but color is completely up to your decor needs.

By the time a piece this side is completely painted, it is fine to start the "chipping" process. Or if you don't have time and have to wait a few days to get back to it, that will work just as well. The process is simple and random, but takes a little time. Grab a roll of duct tape and a scraper, which may or may not be necessary.

Applying pressure with just your fingers may produce the results you are looking for when you strip the duct tape off. Usually it is best to use four- to five-inch strips one at a time so you can position your chips to look random.

If the chips are too small and you want larger or more decisive looking chips, apply the tape and press down with a scraper. Be careful not to apply the corner of the scraper too hard or you will get linear chipping that looks unnatural.

How much "chipping" to apply depends on you and the look you want to create. Avoid very large chips -- several inches in size or the finish will be too "busy" and not particularly natural.

Once you have the look to your taste, apply one to two coats of Clear Soft Wax again to seal the painted furniture to protect against further chipping and to create a protective water-resistant finish. As usual, apply wax with a brush then wipe off the excess. Allow 5-25 days for the wax to fully cure, but you can use your piece gently during that time. I like to buff immediately or in a few days if I want a shinier surface.

In this case, the hardware was also painted and waxed. The wood carved appliques had Dark Soft Wax applied to the crevices to give an aged and dusty look. Once that was done, Brass Gilding Wax was lightly applied with a small brush to give a worn look.

With any old piece that is hand-finished, it is nice to add some personal details. I like to finish and wax drawers inside and out so they are clean for the next owner. Stencils and a pop of color give extra personality. Like many things, it's "in the details!"

Our redesigned piece is now ready for its new owner -- charming and subtle -- with an air of hard-use and vintage flair.

March TLC Vintage Newsletter

March Local Artisan Spotlight: Vintage Market Jewelry!

There are many outstanding artisans right here in our local community. They are a great way for you to buy local and support neighboring industry! Many of them are only heard of by word-of-mouth or if you happen by a local show where they exhibit. So what better way to introduce our customers to them than to do monthly displays featuring an artist and the first one is AWESOME!

Vintage Market Jewelry  – Come in this month and see the beautiful vintage-style jewelry done right here in Urbandale by Susan Espinosa. These items can be purchased in store at very reasonable prices and proceeds go to Sue. We will have cards so you can contact Sue if you have a custom order. Check out my blog to see photos! www.tlcvintagecollection.blogspot.com

What You’ll Find At TLC Vintage

Fabrics by Annie Sloan! – These linen fabrics are cross woven with two Chalk Paint® colors of dyed threads. Coordinate beautifully with your favorite painted furniture.  We also carry her collection of toiles, prints and twills.

Our New Chippy Knob Display – Pick out the perfect knob for your next paint project! Crystal, enamel, butterfly, numbers, letters and more!

Miss Mustard Seed's Outback Petticoat Paint Has Arrived! -- A dusky orange color will remind you of life on the Australian Outback of yesteryear. 

Coming in April – A new assortment of vintage reproduction papers in spring botanical designs!

Upcoming Events

Junk Jubilee – Find us once again at the spring Junk Jubilee! April 28-30 (Friday-Sunday) at the Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines. Enjoy over 100 vendors with crusty, rusty, chippy merchandise. TLC Vintage will be there with our own painted furniture and upcycled décor as well as many of your favorite DIY products! Visit Junk Jubilee on Facebook for updates!

Follow Us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter

For quick looks at our furniture projects, ideas, inspiration and tips – follow us on all social media! Daily updates on what is available new at the store and customer before and after transformations!

Workshop Schedule Through April 2017

NEXT UP

February Offering – Chalk Paint 101 on March 4; Kitchen Cabinet and Built-In Makeovers on March 11, Easter Cross Wall Art on March 18, Stenciling & Fabric Painting on March 25!

                                   

COMPLETE WORKSHOP LIST

TECHNIQUE

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® 101 Plus!

Seven popular paint techniques plus clear & colored wax methods! $85 in advance. All the info you need for successful projects! Everything provided plus refreshments.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturdays:    Mar 4          Apr 1        May 6      June 10

Chalk Paint® Kitchen Cabinets & Built-Ins! Renew dated cabinets economically. Step by step, hands on planning and execution. You create your own prototype and style. $65 in advance. Everything provided plus refreshments.

Noon to 3-4 pm, Saturdays:        Mar 11   

Introduction to Milk Paint
A variety of applications for the use of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. Wax distress, layering, staining and more! $65 in advance.      Noon to 3 pm, Saturday, Apr 15

Open Studio – Every Wednesday 10 am to 3 pm

This is not a formal class but your opportunity to work with us on an individual project or technnique. Book in advance to be sure there is room. Stay as long as you need up to 3 pm. $20 per hour plus retail cost of products you use.

ALL NEW - MAKE & TAKE SERIES!

Each workshop below includes a décor piece or two for your home or for a gift. Plus a variety of products & techniques taught during dry time.

Chalk Paint® Stenciling & Fabric Painting

Several stenciling methods plus painting on fabric and upholstery. $65 in advance. Everything provided, including  apron or tote project, plus refreshments.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturdays:     Mar 25

The Chair Affair!

Paint and simple drop-in seat chair re-upholster clinic. Bring in a chair from home or let us know and we will provide one for you. We will use drop cloth for fabric unless you bring your own. $50  in advance and provide photo of chair for approval.  Refreshments provided.

Noon to 2:30 pm, Saturday,  Feb 11          Apr 22

Chalk Paint® for Trays and Wall Decor

Create a serving tray and a piece of wall decor using decoupage, image transfer and crackle. $75 in advance.  Everything provided plus refreshments.

Watch for new listing for May 1 onwards when posted around April 1

Rust & Patina – Wall Art
Choose a five letter word in advance for us to order the supplies. FAITH or PEACE is popular. Or initials of  family members or five-letter family name. Learn five different techniques for iron, bronze and copper rust and patina finishes. $65 in advance.

Watch for new listing for May 1 onwards when posted around April 1

Wood Icing Memory Box & Wall Art

Ice wood like you ice a cake. Texture paste to add dimension to any surface! No one else is offering this product or class in Iowa. Two projects to take home. $75 in advance

Watch for new listing for May 1 onwards when posted around April 1

Ceiling Tin Wall Art – JOY, LOVE or NOEL

Back by popular demand, holiday magic with decoupage, stencil, crackle and gilding wax. $65 in advance, all materials and refreshments included.

By Special Request by Your Group

Easter Cross Wall Art

Back by popular demand – create an rustic Easter cross using your choice of paint and distressing techniques. Bring a brooch or other personal object for center of cross. $50 in advance.         Noon to 2 pm, Saturday,   Mar 18

Chalk Paint® for Outdoor & Summer Paint Projects

Embellished terra cotta pot, using Fine Stone and other techniques. Beachy finishes and barnwood techniques. $50 in advance incudes materials.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturday, Apr 8

Girls Night Out! Wine, Cheese, Paint Therapy!

Put together a group and spend 3 hours in the studio painting! Organize your group. Book it for $360 minimum for your group up to 8 people. Upcharges depending on materials. You bring the wine, we provide the cheese and paint!

Cancellation and No-show Policy: If you are ill or weather prevents travel, you may reschedule to another date within six months. If your plans change, we need a two-week notice before the class date if you want to be rescheduled. Under two week,s there is no refund but if your spot is filled we will allow you to reschedule, otherwise your fee is forfeited.  Check website for schedule changes. www.tlcvintagecollection.com

Very Best Must Haves For Your Workbench

Every DIYer goes to reach for the right tool, product or thingee mid-project and -- oops! It's not there. So off to the store for that last minute thing to get the job done. By the time the return trip has been made, time is lost and there's a distraction. Next thing you know, you have been interrupted mid-stride, not to return to the project for hours, days or weeks!

Been there....done that!

That's why it's good to have some go-to items on your workbench for those moments we all have. Here is my top ten list of things I cannot live without, ready and at hand after more than five years of daily experience. These are the things we regularly ask each other in our workshop, "Have you seen the ......" (fill in the blank!)  Usually someone just used it and not put it back yet in its -- ahem -- assigned spot.

1) A Dremel with interchangeable tools for sawing and sanding. Why I like it? Small, nice tool box to keep everything organized, electric, versatile.

2. Any good brand of screwdrivers in a variety of heads and sizes. Why I like it? Some come with a holder you can fix to the wall or bench for easy storage.

3) An electric staple gun. Why I like it? Easier on your hands than manual ones. Great for simple upholstery jobs, adhering foam board to backs of frames and more!

4)  Natural hemp oil. I use Miss Mustard Seed's. Why I like it? Great to refresh old wood, great resistor for paint when you want a chippy or worn look, refreshes dull metal finishes. Can also be used as a finish over wood or porous paints.

5) Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan. Why I like it? Goes over almost any surface with no stripping, priming and in most cases sanding. Versatile and no VOC's. Neutral odor.

6) Wood Icing Textura Paste. Why I like it? Great filler for cracks, missing veneer. Once dry, just sand it smooth with the original surrounding surface. Takes paint, stain and glaze beautifully. Can use to build up missing trim and corners. Plus great for decorative finishes to add design.

7) Shellac. I prefer Zinsser Bulls Eye Clear Shellac -- liquid, not spray. Why I like it? Thin coats stop bleed through of old tanins and stains. Liquid, not spray, as it is more effective and less costly. A little half pint on the bench at all times. Zinsser brand has a longer shelf life.

8) Saw tooth picture hangers with plastic guides. Why I like it? Easy placement, no smashed fingers as the guides hold the nail in place for hammering.

9) Felt or silicone adhesive pads. Why I like it? You can buy a multi-pack mixture in a variety of sizes and shapes. Great for under decor to stop scratches to table tops, back corners of frames to protect your wall, on feet of chairs and furniture for easy sliding and to stop scratches when moving heavier furniture.

10) Needle nose pliers. Any brand. Why I like it? This is our most reached for pliers. Remove nails, staples and upholstery tacks. Position nails to save your fingers from getting banged. Great for removing the metal base of light bulbs when the glass breaks off -- be sure to unplug the lamp for safety!

There are many more go-to products we love. But these will save you time and headaches just keeping them at hand! Happy DIY-ing!

February Newsletter -- Artisans, Bling, New Product Soon!

Introducing Local Artisan Spotlight!

There are many, many outstanding artisans right here in our local community. Many of them are only heard of by word-of-mouth or if you happen by a local show where they exhibit. So what better way to introduce my customers to them than to do monthly displays featuring an artist and the first one is AWESOME!

Pat Sloan Mosaics and Glass Windows – Come in this month and see the amazing work done right here in Windsor Heights by Pat Sloan. Birdbaths, tables, stepping stones, artwork, glass windows! Some of these items can be purchased at our store. Or we will have cards so you can contact Pat if you have a custom order or want to visit her studio.

What’s New Around TLC Vintage

Three Newest Colors! – Amsterdam Green, Honfleur (brown), and Giverny (blue) have been added to our color chart on the wall, plus to our color mix sheets so you can look at over 1,000 colors of Chalk Paint® any time you stop by!

Every Color with Clear, Dark, Black & White Wax – We have boards with every one of the 35 colors finished with clear, dark, black and white wax so you can see what effect the wax has on each color!

BLING French Style – Who doesn’t love a little bling? We have brought in a range of small gift and décor items themed with Paris. These are great girlfriend treats. Wine bottle stoppers with the Eiffel Tower, fleur de lis, crystal, sailboat and more. Mirror compacts, bottle openers.

New Batch of Necklaces – A new batch of vintage style necklaces from Susan Espinosa now available at the store!

TLC Lip Balm – Our own branded lip balm in vanilla, raspberry and herbal mint. Fixes those chapped lips fast!

Annie Sloan’s Newest Product – Shhhhhh! It’s a secret until the release in early February. Watch our Facebook page for the first announcement.

Workshop Schedule Through April 2017

FIRST UP

February Offering – Chalk Paint 101 on Feb 4; A Chair Affair on Feb 11, Rust and Patina on Feb 18, Wood Icing on Feb 27!

                                   

COMPLETE WORKSHOP LIST

TECHNIQUE

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® 101 Plus!

Seven popular paint techniques plus clear & colored wax methods! $85 in advance. All the info you need for successful projects! Everything provided plus refreshments.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturdays:    Feb 4             Mar 1          Apr 1

Chalk Paint® Kitchen Cabinets & Built-Ins! Renew dated cabinets economically. Step by step, hands on planning and execution. You create your own prototype and style. $65 in advance. Everything provided plus refreshments.

Noon to 3-4 pm, Saturdays:        Mar 11   

Introduction to Milk Paint
A variety of applications for the use of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. Wax distress, layering, staining and more! $65 in advance.      Noon to 3 pm, Saturday, Apr 15

Open Studio – Every Wednesday 10 am to 3 pm

This is not a formal class but your opportunity to work with us on an individual project or technnique. Book in advance to be sure there is room. Stay as long as you need up to 3 pm. $20 per hour plus retail cost of products you use.

ALL NEW - MAKE & TAKE SERIES!

Each workshop below includes a décor piece or two for your home or for a gift. Plus a variety of products & techniques taught during dry time.

Chalk Paint® Stenciling & Fabric Painting

Several stenciling methods plus painting on fabric and upholstery. $65 in advance. Everything provided, including  apron or tote project, plus refreshments.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturdays:     Mar 25

Chalk Paint® for Trays and Wall Decor

Create a serving tray and a piece of wall decor using decoupage, image transfer and crackle. $75 in advance.  Everything provided plus refreshments.

Watch for new listing for May 1 onwards when posted around April 1

The Chair Affair!

Paint and simple drop-in seat chair re-upholster clinic. Bring in a chair from home or let us know and we will provide one for you. We will use drop cloth for fabric unless you bring your own. $65  in advance and provide photo of chair for approval.  Refreshments provided.

Noon to 2:30 pm, Saturday,  Feb 11

Rust & Patina – Wall Art
Choose a five letter word in advance for us to order the supplies. FAITH or PEACE is popular. Or initials of  family members or five-letter family name. Learn five different techniques for iron, bronze and copper rust and patina finishes. $65 in advance.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturdays:          Feb 18

Wood Icing Memory Box & Wall Art

Ice wood like you ice a cake. Texture paste to add dimension to any surface! No one else is offering this product or class in Iowa. Two projects to take home. $75 in advance

Noon to 3-4 pm, Saturdays:     Feb 25

Ceiling Tin Wall Art – JOY, LOVE or NOEL

Back by popular demand, holiday magic with decoupage, stencil, crackle and gilding wax. $65 in advance, all materials and refreshments included.

By Special Request by Your Group

Easter Cross Wall Art

Back by popular demand – create an rustic Easter cross using your choice of paint and distressing techniques. Bring a brooch or other personal object for center of cross. $50 in advance.         Noon to 2 pm, Saturday,   Mar 18

Chalk Paint® for Outdoor Paint Projects

Embellished terra cotta pot, using Fine Stone and other techniques. Beachy finishes and barnwood techniques. $50 in advance incudes materials.

Noon to 3 pm, Saturday, Apr 8

Girls Night Out! Wine, Cheese, Paint Therapy!

Put together a group and spend 3 hours in the studio painting! Organize your group. Book it for $360 minimum for your group up to 8 people. Upcharges depending on materials. You bring the wine, we provide the cheese and paint!

Cancellation and No-show Policy: If you are ill or weather prevents travel, you may reschedule to another date within six months. If your plans change, we need a two-week notice before the class date if you want to be rescheduled. Under two week,s there is no refund but if your spot is filled we will allow you to reschedule, otherwise your fee is forfeited.  Check website for schedule changes. www.tlcvintagecollection.com