Getting my paint on!

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.