I rediscovered a little birdie planter that I bought probably 10 years ago at Marshall's (or was it TJ'S?) I love little birdies, they remind me of my sweet little grandmother we lovingly called Sissie. In her younger days she was always darting around with her baking and sewing and knitting after she was finished with her farm chores and taking care of her four beautiful daughters!- she just always reminded me of a little Chickadee! Sissy introduced me to so many crafts and will forever be my inspiration. Oh how I wish she were still here so I could ask her for advice. (She lived to be 100 years old! - Now that's real inspiration!) But, she was such an amazing lady and I know you all have somebody in your life that has influenced and inspired you. If you do then you know what I am talking about. They are priceless.
Well, sorry for the short sentimental detour and on to the project. Hang tight because there are a few twists! Here (above) is a not great photo of the empty planter. It had been hiding in a closet collecting dust. I cleaned it up best I could.
I wanted to try to change it up a bit with Annie Sloan Graphite paint and clear and dark wax. (Found the most wonderful shop in an old mill near me where I bought the paint and wax that I hope to share with you soon.) I really enjoyed using this paint on the clay pots from my Pink Shutter post. Beginning to think I like small projects over big ones. I don't do complicated well. :)
Here it is distressed with clear wax. I'm new to distressing so I have a lot to learn but, I hope you get the idea!
And here is another side distressed with the dark wax over the clear. Not a drastic difference and I like both looks.
I added some of my favorite succulent plants leftover from my pink shutter project. Love these tough little plants! And I like the Graphite but........
Just had to switch it up again. While I loved the look of the Graphite it just wasn't what I wanted for my little birdie! But,I'm oh so torn! (Love it on the table for my son's first house I hope to FINISH soon!) So I grabbed what is left of my AS Old White and painted once more. Added a coat of clear wax and then attempted to distress. (As best I could)
Sweet birdie with a light coat of dark wax
Got a little carried away here on this side. Ouch! But see the mango color in the background that I'm using for another project? It's yummy and I can't wait to finish it and share :)
I think I like this side the best with a little distress and light coat of dark wax. And yep! Go figure - after all of this I remembered that Chris, from the Mill at Gibsonville where I buy my Annie Sloan, told me you can mix the dark and clear wax. I have one side of the planter left to test that mixture next!
It's been fun experimenting with this paint. And I am so loving how you can mix the different colors as you please. Possibilities! Now, that gets me going. Heading to the Mill next week to get my next color. Just have to decide which one it will be.
MONDAY
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adorable birdie! love what you xoox, tracie
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little planter! I think it looked good dark as well as light!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
I love the finished produce. Really like the final paint choice. I would love for you to share this project on my Inspiration Board.
ReplyDeletehttp://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/07/inspiration-board-link-party_12.html
carolyn | homework
I love the white! And thanks for sharing all your Annie Sloan chalk paint experiences! I need all the help I can get....just picked up a ceramic planter at Goodwill today and wondered what I could to make it prettier.....and thanks for linking up over at Tuesday's Club G.W. with Charm Bracelet Diva! Hope to see you again next Tuesday!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Kathleen
I love the white AND the graphite! I'd have had a hard time deciding which to keep! That's why I love the chalk paint and wax -- you can change it up over and over! I just finished a project that changed wax and paint more than a few times! Probably wasted too much paint, wax and time but oh well!
ReplyDeleteCute. It looked good both ways.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, it turned out so cute! Love the succulents...
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! I prefer the white as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little planter and so much fun to remind you of your grandmother! Thanks for linking up with DIY under $5!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I love the lighter look with the dark distressing. So cute!
ReplyDeletePam
The Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop became the coolest party on the block because of your participation :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi! I do love your little birdie planter (white AND graphite). I am having an experience with Old White and Dark Wax...wish it was a little project but its a dresser. I am having issues getting it to have the same look all over...I think I will go to smaller projects to take a break after I get it finished.
ReplyDeleteLove the birdie planter-so cute!
ReplyDelete-lynn
I generally love anything to do with birds, so I found this adorable! Great blog, I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeletehttp://marleeindebt.blogspot.com
Well, that just turned out wonderful! It is so pretty. You did a wonderful job on this redo!
ReplyDeleteMimi, I loved your "short sentimental detour", learning about your grandmother and what an inspiring lady she was! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the graphite finish looked great -- beautifully done, but the white is absolutely, positively, heirloom fabulous!
Jenn
Beautiful! I like the finished color choice! Thanks for sharing at the party!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I like the finished color choice! Thanks for sharing at the party!
ReplyDeleteThe birdie planter turned out great! I am all about the birdies too! I am lucky enough to live in an area where there are lots of bird nests from finches, hummingbirds, wood doves and black birds :)
ReplyDelete