Chalk & Milk Paint Tips & Techniques. Helpful How-to’s & DIYs

Piano Bench Makeover with Old World Clay & Chalk Paint & Stencils

29/10/2017

It was a "Paint Therapy Day" where I
needed a bit of creative fun to clear my head.

And what better than this picture-perfect
sad little roadside rescue bench
(that I'd spotted earlier at a garage sale for $10)

BEFORE

The fabric top was still in good shape, it just needed a scrub up.
I used vinegar with clove oil to combat any mildew.

The underside had a quick coat to tidy it up in
Old World Clay & Chalk Paint in the
oh-so-pretty shade of Ocean Pearl,
a soft grey-white with a hint of lavender.

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Painted Kitchen Inspiration — Fusion Mineral Paint, Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint & Old World Clay & Chalk Paint

10/10/2017

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"Can I paint my kitchen with your paint?"

It's a question we're asked all the time.
And pretty much every time, the answer is YES! You can!

This isn't a room you can cut corners in,
prep is vital (grease removal, a light sand in most cases)
and you've got to be honest with yourself about
your expectations and commitment...

But other than that, here are some of our clients' fabulous results:

Fusion Mineral Paint

Tracy's Kitchen Reno in Fusion Mineral Paint, Champlain

Tracy prepped the cupboards by giving them a good sanding. She hand-painted two coats by in the gorgeous neutral Champlain which used 1 pot of paint plus another 1/4 pot. Not bad! She sealed with Fusion's Tough Coat Sealer for extra protection.

When asked if she would do anything different, Tracy said:

"I don't think I would change anything with the way I did it, it was my first time painting something so big and I was really happy with how it came out. I was actually amazed at how easy it was. They have really held up well, they haven't marked at all."

BEFORE

AFTER!

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Making a Wood Barrel Fabulous with Old World Paint and a Secret Bling Weapon

25/7/2017

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When my lovely neighbour Darlene gave this half-barrel to me, I'm pretty sure I didn't hear what she said about it because my mind was already whirring with the possibilities...

Shall I Hemp Oil it? Add some fabulous stencils? Do I keep it? It would be great to use for off-season boots by the back door? Or maybe by the front door with my shopping bags? I can store potatoes and onions in it. Or what about using it for recycling?

I know you all understand this feeling. New beginnings! All the possibilities! How do you decide?

starting-new-project-beginning-inspiration

Before: The endless possibilities of a new project

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Painting a Brass Lamp with Old World Clay & Chalk Paint — A Vintage Decor Save!

20/6/2017

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I fell a bit in love with this super heavy solid brass lamp that was marked down to $3 at the local Goodwill.

What a perfect opportunity for a painted decor update to demonstrate the amazing coverage and durability of Old World Paint.

Yes, please! SOLD!

Before: A $3 brass lamp in need of some paint love!

In good working order, just dirty and dusty and in need of love!

Sometimes knowing the "feel" you want a piece to have can be of great help in selecting a colour (especially when Old World Paint has more than 50 to choose from!)

I knew I wanted a bright, happy shade . . .

I narrowed it down to Coral Reef and Lemon Drop — each would transform the lamp wonderfully!

choosing-paint-colours-australia-interiors

Choice, choices! So many colours!

I LOVE Coral Reef and I would paint something with it every day if I could, but I saw my opportunity to sneak yellow into my world (oh yes...I'm definitely keeping this beauty). I have a husband that just doesn't love yellow. How can that be?

So Lemon Drop for the win!!!

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The Spontaneous DIY Bathroom RENO REVEAL!!!

13/3/2017

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There are so many reasons to NOT do what I did.

An unplanned, unbudgeted bathroom renovation is just plain irresponsible.

But one reason makes my irresponsbility not matter.

It's this...

I admit it...I love my new bathroom.
It's one of those projects that came out better than I'd imagined.

For those new to this crazy story, here is where
it all began more than 6 months ago with
Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the
Spontaneous DIY Bathroom Renovation.

It started like this:

Before: The bathroom renovation that took on a life of its own!

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From Roadside to Romantic — Painting Fabric on a Vintage Chair Restyle with Old World Paint

3/11/2016

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You know when a project finds you?

I wasn't looking for this vintage beauty, but my gosh,
I'm glad I caved on this one and loaded it into the back of my car
while out for coffee with a friend.

Here is the romantic after . . .

Sitting pretty and romantic with an Old World Paint restyle

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My DIY Bathroom Renovation Part 3 — Creating Weathered Barn Walls & the New-Old Vanity

17/8/2016

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Darn Gumtree and its siren call...

I was perfectly happy repainting my existing vanity with all its useful drawers and storage.

Until I spotted this beauty:

The Gumtree vanity I thought I was getting

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Hello Miss Creative — Behind the Scenes at Miss Belle's Restorations

12/6/2016

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I'm super excited to introduce our first-ever
Hello Miss Creative profile --
a series of blog posts featuring
Vintage Vixens, Marvelous Makers, Prolific Painters & Dedicated DIYers.

You may already be familiar with their names on
social media and our Shop Talk Group Page on Facebook
but here is a chance to learn what makes them tick.
Enjoy getting to know your fellow creatives!

We are honoured to begin this series with...

Belle Kemmis of
Miss Belle's Restorations

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The Spontaneous DIY Bathroom Renovation — What Was I Thinking?! Part 1

2/5/2016

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What's that saying about a silk bow on a sow?

I've always felt that way about my bathroom. It's not the worst bathroom in the world...but I sealed my fate the day we first looked at the house and I said to my husband, "Well...I hate the bathroom. That would have to be the first thing we change."

Gah!

The entire house has been renovated inside...except for the bathroom!

Here are the befores...

Before: The DIY Bathroom Project

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How This $7 Sweetie Became a Chalk-Painted Beach Babe & 7 Steps to Mod Podge

6/4/2016

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It was one of those rare finds that happen every once in awhile.

I popped into an op shop, had a look around, there was nothing much, on my way out I see this little sweetie with all those curves — and a $6.99 price tag.