So I signed up for a class at
Restoration Emporium (re:) to learn how to restore a vintage chair using
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. The main reason I signed up is because painting intimidates the dickens out of me. I know, I know! But the perfectionist in me and the mocking of a friend after I spray painted a table I found at the thrift store has made me nervous of painting anything. I saw the class and I was like here we go, I will get some first hand knowledge.
OK so that's the reasoning behind the class, but let me tell you I came super dog daddy close to not going. To say that today was rough is an understatement, I was grateful that I didn't wear make up today because I probably would've cried it off. Well the crying intensified my headaches which in turn made me nauseous which in turn made me a very grumpy person when I got home. I was racking my brain trying to remember the cancellation policy and since I couldn't find any information about it I went. There was no way I was going to pay for a class and then not go. Fortunately for me very bad, no good day (which included me splashing some iced coffee on myself as I walking into the store) ended the moment I walked in the door of re:
This store is a wonderland of fun & funky, sweet & chic, vintage wonderment. Go to this store! I will implore you once more, go to this store! I, however, was able to stay on my mission & headed downstairs to the studio. I was as I feared the last one there, but I was still able to have my choice of chair & I even had a painting station to myself. I know this may sound like a weird bonus to those who don't know me well but I'm kind of shy & a get the lay of the land kind of girl when it comes to new places & experiences. The teacher Sheila was FANTABULOUS!!! She is super nice, witty & genuine. She took time to answer questions; she encouraged our artistic leanings, & gave suggestions when asked. Sheila also didn't rush us, she encouraged everyone to work at their own pace.
Here are some things I learned:
- Ponytail holder, headband, hairpins are a necessity. I used a pen to hold my hair back because I lacked the mention items.
- Wear painting clothes. I know this is obvious but if you were in the grumpy state of mind I was in & just stomped out the house, obvious things aren't so obvious.
- Don't fret that you won't have enough time to go to the gym after class. I got a major arm work out waxing the chair & was grateful I was near a fan because I perspired hopefully 2lbs off.
- Don't be afraid that people are judging you, so you don't take a before picture. I still can't believe that I was THAT self aware of 10 women I will more than likely never see again.
- Spindles are the devil.
- Picking a shade that you might not immediately jump at can turn out pretty rockin. I picked the Chateau Grey because I wanted something different & am very happy with the finished product.
- I love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint!!! Check it out & your painting life will never be the same. (I understand I'm a painting novice, but there were more experienced painters & they were impressed as well)
- A dangerous side effect is the creative juices start following & you may want to paint everything
This evening was a blessing to me in so many ways & I'm grateful that my grumpy day didn't keep me at home.