Annie Sloan Demo House??? Can I do a house makeover???

Our house is a typical year 2000 suburban home. Medium oak woodwork everywhere, white vinyl panel doors, textured ceiling, two story, laminate wood floor, inexpensive white kitchen cupboards. The living area gets lots of use! And the kitchen? Well, let's just say I love to cook. Everything is pretty dated. The two rooms I like the most are the dining room which I feel I got "just right" and our bedroom that I did years ago in a deep blue Ralph Lauren suede paint finish. That was before my Annie Sloan Chalk Paint experience.

The redeeming part of this otherwise dull house is that it sits on .44 acres backing to woods and a park. Oh yes, I love to garden and am a Master Gardener. We have deer (often), occasional fox, ground hog, and a large variety of birds -- ranging from some very busy humming birds this year to turkey buzzards and bald eagle sitings!

So, now I am thinking ambitious. An Annie Sloan Demo House? Re-do room by my house using Annie Sloan products? From paint to wax to lacquer! Can I do it? Is it too ambitious? I'm thinking start small -- the ground floor guest bathroom. That will give me experience with walls, cabinet and floor. I'm excited and intimidated by the prospect -- but heaven knows this house needs a major makeover!

Only problem? So many color choices! That is why I will fall back on the color expert -- Annie herself! If you visit http://www.anniesloan.com/ you will discover that if you click on each color Annie gives combination advice! Or pick up one of her books.

Meanwhile get signed up for the workshop closest to you during the Annie Sloan American Tour I'll be at the Oak Brook workshop with lots of my colleagues. Will you be? Let me know! Good for another entry of your name into the Great Iowa Chalk Paint Give Away!

Name Your Price Day -- I'm off and running to The Brass Armadillo!

My booth is packed to the gills with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and products plus furniture and Christmas gifts galore! Come help me meet a goal of selling 50 indvidual items today.

Remember to show up and give the secret pass phrase or text it to me at 515-991-7383 for another chance at the Big Iowa Chalk Paint Give Away and possibly a stop on the 2012 Annie Sloan American Tour!

See you 9-4 at the Brass Armadillo in Des Moines!

Funk Your Family Fotos!

Had some fun with old photos my Mom (91) gave me. She (an archivist! LOL) didn't know who some of these folks were. So Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite and French Linen plus some ModPodge and....

you've got a new way to enjoy family photos, old or new. I will do these custom with photos and furniture and colors of your choice.

Meanwhile, mention this latest project of mine -- Funk Your Family Fotos -- in an email to me for another entry into the Great Chalk Paint Give Away. Also go register for the Annie Sloan American Tour in March and take a friend. What a great weekend outing! See you there. And also tomorrow at the Brass Armadillo!

Meet me at the Brass Armadillo Saturday -- Chances at my Chalk Paint Giveaway!

Saturday there is no place like The Brass Armadillo! You get to negotiate price with me and other antique dealers. Now I must give the caveat that I cannot sell chalk paint  and wax below our minimum retail price -- but otherwise everything in my booth is up for dickering! Meet me in Booth 226 (east wall towards the north end!)

I will be there from 9 am to 5 pm to negotiate deals! (Sorry, we have a company Xmas party to go to that evening). And wait for it ------ there is a secret pass phrase that if you read this blog you will know what it is and get an extra entry into the Great Iowa Chalk Paint Give Away!

READY??? The pass phrase is Annie Sloan American Tour . So drive on out to

Clever, huh? Even the Des Moines address is on the sign! See you there as there is a lot of merchandise and great gifts for those still on your "to shop for" list! Pick up some paint and wax for your next project!

And if you are not within driving distance Saturday for a visit and want another entry into the give away, Text me on my cell SATURDAY ONLY from 9 am to 9 pm and give the pass phrase! My cell is 515-991-7383! Make sure you give your name as I may not recognize your phone number!