Currently viewing the category:
"Robin Story Designs"
COLOR RECIPES
for painted furniture
Annie Sloan’s new book is out and of course at our store
We have enjoyed reading it cover to cover.
We’ve played in Chalk Paint® and had so much fun experimenting with colors and techniques.
Here’s our latest project…..painting fabric.
This is how the chair started out. Old gold/orange crushed velvet,
the wood had an old Pecan finish
This is the after!!
The back is the prettiest I think. Lori painted a stencil design in French Linen and accented the piping and the buttons on the chair with French Linen as well. The wood on the chair was painted in Old White but the little wicker sides were dry brushed with the French Linen
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The chair was cleaned of debris and dust, then Lori applied the paint using her “dippy dippy” method. She dipped her brush into the paint and got a nice healthy amount of paint on her brush, then quickly dipped it into a little pail of water and applied it to the fabric. This was repeated until all fabric was coated.
The water helps the fabric absorb the paint evenly. One of the things that she learned along the way was to stay with the nap of the fabric. Again, this was crushed velvet so it definitely has a nap to it. Going in multiple directions when painting the fabric is fine but ending with the brush going in one direction kept the fabric from feeling too stiff and sand papery.
Once the first coat was dried, she applied her subsequent coats until all fabric was completely covered. When you are doing a fabric such as velvet, it may require more coats to cover the nap completely. After it completely dried she worked in Clear Wax a small section at a time. After each small section she immediately buffed it.
Once the entire chair was painted and waxed it felt exactly like leather.
Smooth and cool to the touch.
We then loaded it up on our truck to take to Fancy Flea in Lakeland!! I have to say, it could have SOLD twice in the first hour but I had separation anxiety!! I just loved it when it was done and barely had time to enjoy it. She actually painted this while I was out of town so I had about 10 minutes to enjoy it!! I finally gave in and sold it a couple of hours later.
This is THE PERFECT way to rejuvenate old upholstered furniture! Who needs to spend thousands of dollars on new pieces or reupholstering! Just grab your favorite color of Chalk Paint® and paint it…get a stencil to enhance it and VOILA, a new piece of furniture.
To all of you naysayers out there. YES, this adheres to fabric. NO it does not chip. NO it does not peel. YES it cracks (like an old leather bomber jacket) and YES it is water repellant.
It is fabulous! Seriously, what have you got to lose? TRY IT!!! Grab Annie’s new book
and give it a go……
Continue Reading → 
IF I COULD SHOUT IT FROM THEROOFTOPS—I WOULD!!!!!!Color Recipes for painted furnitureand more by annie sloanHas finally arrived at Robyn Story DesignsA new collection of 40 step-by-step projects Ideas range from painting tables and chairs, bedsp…
Continue Reading →We’re back!!!
We spent almost a week in Colorado getting our artistic mojo recharged~
We played with Chalk Paint® and Artisan Enhancements
and plenty of Gilders Paste too.
We will share more on that later…
Getting ready to head back to my store ROBYN STORY DESIGNS
Amy was anxious to get back to Boston!
We are feeling completely excited and restored after our Colorado Creative retreat!
We are thrilled to share the winner of our giveaway of
The winner is Karen Albert!!!
Karen, please send an email to rstorydesigns@aol.com
with your shipping information!
To purchase Pearl Plaster online click here
and get your Colorado Creative on with this wonderful product!
Continue Reading →We’re back!!!
We spent almost a week in Colorado getting our artistic mojo recharged~
We played with Chalk Paint® and Artisan Enhancements
and plenty of Gilders Paste too.
We will share more on that later…
Getting ready to head back to my store ROBYN STORY DESIGNS
Amy was anxious to get back to Boston!
We are feeling completely excited and restored after our Colorado Creative retreat!
We are thrilled to share the winner of our giveaway of
The winner is Karen Albert!!!
Karen, please send an email to rstorydesigns@aol.com
with your shipping information!
To purchase Pearl Plaster online click here
and get your Colorado Creative on with this wonderful product!
Continue Reading →Sometimes you just need to take a break
hang out with your girlfriends
be creative
and restore you soul
So that’s why I’ve invited some of my gal pals up to my home in Colorado for a little mountain getaway.
WOOOOHOOOO!
We’re getting our
“GET CREATIVE COLORADO”
groove on…..
groove on…..
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| (look for the girls hanging out on the left deck with martini’s in hand!!) |
We’d LOVE to take you with us to Colorado when
we go on our CREATIVE RETREAT to play with
we go on our CREATIVE RETREAT to play with
and
But since we can’t fit you all in on this trip – how about a
“GET COLORADO CREATIVE” GIVEAWAY?!
How to win????
All you have to do to enter is
FOLLOW both of our blogs!
You are already at my blog, but
don’t forget
Amy at Maison Decor
Leave a comment telling us which product
from Artisan Enhancement you would like to receive to be
“COLORADO CREATIVE”
(be sure to use this phrase in your COMMENT!)
For AN EXTRA CHANCE to win
“LIKE” BOTH
FACEBOOK pages
and
Then come back and leave a comment on one of our blogs telling us that you liked our Facebook pages!
Don’t forget!
You must leave a comment using the tag line
“Colorado Creative”
on the giveaway post.
And….
While you’re online please check out the other amazingly
talented girls that will be hanging with us!!
talented girls that will be hanging with us!!
and
We will announce the winner on the eve of our return to reality!! March 8, 2013
Continue Reading → 
is now stocking
These products are user friendly, eco friendly and produce the most
AMAZING RESULTS!
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| This gorgeous finish can be achieved using the CRACKLE TEX! |
CRACKLE TEX
(Crackle Tex will give you larger, chunkier, more textural crackle effect)
Description:
Crackle Tex by Artisan Enhancements® reproduces the sophisticated, aged, antiqued look of weathered paint and/or plaster. Crackle Tex is aclear medium that will allow paint or plaster to create a chipped/crackled effect. A unique feature is that it can be used as a “pull off” or “chipped” technique for added texture. Crackle Tex has no VOC. Cleans up easy with soap and water.
Recommended Use:
Crackle Tex is formulated for application on cabinets, furniture, walls and previously painted or primed surfaces.
Application:
Simply apply a base coat (if necessary) and let dry. You can apply Crackle Tex over natural wood if you want that to be your base. Brush or roll on a liberal coat of Crackle Tex and allow to thoroughly dry. You can speed up the drying process with a hairdryer. Once dry, apply a liberal coat of paint and watch as Crackle Tex does all the work. Cracks will appear as soon as the second coat starts drying (do not over work the top coat application). The base coat is the coating that you will see through the cracks. For larger cracks apply more product and paint.
To achieve a natural irregular crackle finish, apply Crackle Tex and your paint with a stipple effect (blot paint on). To create a linear cracked look, apply Crackle Tex and paint with linear strokes. Allow to dry and use Artisan Enhancements Clear Topcoat to seal.
**If cracks do not appear, not enough Crackle Tex or paint was applied. Try to first rewet top layer by spraying water on your piece and brushing it in lightly. Let dry. If cracks still do not appear, reapply product but with a heavier hand.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C ).
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| EASY CRACKLE |
Description:
Easy Crackle by Artisan Enhancements® reproduces the sophisticated, aged, antiqued look of weathered paint and/or plaster. Crackle Tex is a clear medium that will allow paint or plaster to create a chipped/crackled effect for a subtle classic appearance. It can be applied with brush or roller. Easy Crackle has no VOC. It cleans up easy with soap and water.
Recommended Use: Easy Crackle is formulated for application on cabinets, furniture, walls and previously painted or primed surfaces.
Application:
Simply apply a base coat (if necessary) and let dry. You can apply EasyCrackle over your natural wood if you want that to be your base. Brush or roll on a liberal coat of Easy Crackle and allow to thoroughly dry. To speed up process you can use a hair dryer. Once dry, apply a liberal coat of paint and watch as Easy Crackle does all the work! Cracks will appear when second coat starts to dry (do not over work the top coat application). The base coat is the coating that you will see through the cracks.
To achieve a natural irregular crackle finish, apply Easy Crackle and coat of paint with a stipple effect (blot paint on). To create a linear cracked look, brush Crackle Tex and paint on with linear strokes. To create heavier cracking apply more product and paint (or use Crackle Tex). Allow to dry and use Artisan Enhancements Clear Topcoat to seal.
**If cracks do not appear, not enough Crackle Tex or paint was applied. Try to first rewet top layer by spraying water on your piece and brushing it in lightly. Let dry. If cracks still do not appear, reapply product but with a heavier hand.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).
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| LEAF AND FOIL SIZE |
Description:
Leaf & Foil Size by Artisan Enhancements® is a clear no VOC water based medium with a long open time to be used for all foil and leafing projects. Once applied it provides a flawless tacky surface for the application of metallic leafing and foils.
Leaf & Foil Size only needs one pass and has an easy release. It will not discolor your treated surface and has been formulated for a smooth and easy application. Size can be rolled or brushed on, will tack up within 45 – 60 minutes (it will take longer on a wall) and will remain tacky until the top coat is applied.
Recommended Use:
Leaf & Foil Size can be used over latex, oil and water based paints. Can be used on furniture, wood, walls, and previously painted nonporous surfaces.
Application:
Apply using a brush or roller. If necessary, you can thin product up to 20% with water for brushing and rolling (this will alter product viscosity/performance). Wait 45-60 minutes for product to tack up, and then apply foil or leafing. Surface tack test can be achieved with your finger (when you remove your finger you will hear a snapping sound). Allow to dry and apply Artisan Enhancements® Clear Topcoat to seal (surface will remain tacky until Topcoat is applied). You can use hand sanitizer to get “tackiness” off your hands and sizing can be cleaned up with alcohol.
Tip: Best to be working with a darker base for foils to be more vibrant.
Product Storage:
seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below (50°F) 10°C. When resealing product use alcohol around rim before resealing or apply foil under rim so it won’t stick
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| TRANSFER GEL |
Description:
Transfer Gel by Artisan Enhancements® is a transparent fibrous gel medium that transfers a design/image printed (from a laser jet or professional printed material) onto a surface.
Recommended Use:
Transfer Gel can be used over paint on furniture, wood, walls, and any previously painted nonporous surfaces.
Application:
Brush Transfer Gel liberally on desired surface and printed material. Apply paper with print face down (make sure print is mirror imaged). Use a smoothing tool to adhere paper evenly to surface. Allow paper to dry to assure the image has transferred. Best to let image transfer completely overnight but drying time can be sped up with use of a hairdryer. Spritz paper with water, then use sponge or cloth to remove or rub away paper (do not over work the removal of paper, it is better for paper to be more wet and wiped away). Test small spot to assure drying is complete.
Tip: To get less of a “halo” once paper is removed cover entire surface with paper so no edges are evident (although edges created an aged look once dark waxed or color washed over). If you want to remove “halo”, lightly sand the edges with a fine grit paper (halo tends to appear less on lighter paint). Apply Artisan Enhancements® Clear Topcoat to seal.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below (50°F) 10°C.
Description:
Clear Topcoat by Artisan Enhancements® is a high quality, soya based, no VOC non-yellowing alkyd sealer that is formulated for ultimate clarity with a matte to satin sheen (appears more satin on darker colored paint). Clear Topcoat is water resistant (once cured). It dries to a clear finish that helps protect your painted, plastered and stained surfaces. Clear Topcoat is a highly versatile product which works well with the entire Artisan Enhancements® line, as well as other paint lines.
Recommended Use:
Clear Topcoat is formulated for application on surfaces that need a protective coating or seal. It is recommended for use on furniture, wood, painted or stained surfaces. Clear Topcoat can be used as an exterior application.
Application:
Stir thoroughly before application. Apply at least 2 thin coats using a brush, roller or sprayer and allow product to dry before reapplication. Topcoat dries to the touch very quickly, but for optimal results let each layer dry for 24 hours before reapplying next coat.
Tip: Topcoat is a sealer so if painting over old furniture use Clear Topcoat first to seal your piece before painting (that way you don’t experience any bleed through of whatever is on your furniture). There is no need to use shellac or other sealers. Can be used over wax and can be buffed.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).
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| FINE STONE |
Description:
Fine Stone by Artisan Enhancements® is a low VOC tintable plaster that has a “beach sand” aggregate texture. Fine Stone helps you create stone finishes on furniture, walls, etc. It can be brushed, towelled, rolled on or pushed through stencils. It has been developed for both indoor and outdoor use. Fine Stone is one of Artisan Enhancements most versatile products that will work well with the entire Artisan Enhancements® line.
Recommended Use: Fine Stone is formulated for application on cabinets, furniture, walls, concrete, columns, etc.
Application:
Simply use “as is” or mix Fine Stone with your choice of paint color (1 to 5 ratio of paint to Fine Stone tends to work best). Brush, roll or trowel on a coat of Fine Stone (or push through a stencil) and allow to thoroughly dry. Don’t apply too thickly or it can crack (although that is a look worth achieving for an aged effect). Sand down for finer look once dried. Use Artisan Enhancements Clear Topcoat to seal.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).
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| PEARL PLASTER |
Description:
Pearl Plaster by Artisan Enhancements® creates an opulent and luxurious pearly finish. Once applied, the finish will resemble velvet with a shimmering pearlescent vibrancy. Pearl Plaster is a low VOC coating that will adhere to any properly primed and prepared surface.
Application:
Pearl Plaster can be painted, towelled or rolled on for different results. It can be dry brushed, mixed with paint to be tinted (although it will still be opaque) or pushed through a stencil. You can wax over Pearl Plaster or just Topcoat (or both).
If applying to a wall…. apply a skim coat with trowel or brush directly on surface. If using trowel, place material on edge of at a 45°angle and cover entire area. Work material from wet to dry area. Once first coat is properly dried, repeat the process. As material starts to setup, smooth down with trowel to obtain velvet effect. Pearl Plaster can be painted or rolled on for different results.
Product Storage:
Seal container tightly and do not let freeze or expose to direct sunlight or extreme heat. Do not apply product when air and surface temperatures are below 50°F (10°C).
HAS ARRIVED AT
and do we have a
SWEETHEART OF A DEAL FOR YOU!!
There are so many wonderful products in this product line!
You will simply LOVE working with each one of them, and one of the BEST things……..
IT WORKS WITH CHALK PAINT® a decorative paint!
So go to our ONLINE SHOPPING CART and purchase all of your
and because we’re so excited for your to try them all
WE ARE OFFERING FREE SHIPPING*!!!!
That’s right FREE SHIPPING* ON
I’m doing the happy dance!!
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| YOU can achieve this with PEARL PLASTER and ANY stencil!! |
The FREE SHIPPING offer is good on
until February 18, 2013
Free shipping DOES NOT apply to Chalk Paint® Products, Gilder’s Paste or Gilder’s Waxes. We are still continuing our promotion of Free Shipping for Miss Mustard Seed Products. If you order multiple products, you will only be charged on those that are excluded from this offer!
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!
Continue Reading →
HAS ARRIVED AT
and do we have a
SWEETHEART OF A DEAL FOR YOU!!
There are so many wonderful products in this product line!
You will simply LOVE working with each one of them, and one of the BEST things……..
IT WORKS WITH CHALK PAINT® a decorative paint!
So go to our ONLINE SHOPPING CART and purchase all of your
and because we’re so excited for your to try them all
WE ARE OFFERING FREE SHIPPING*!!!!
That’s right FREE SHIPPING* ON
I’m doing the happy dance!!
|
| YOU can achieve this with PEARL PLASTER and ANY stencil!! |
The FREE SHIPPING offer is good on
until February 18, 2013
Free shipping DOES NOT apply to Chalk Paint® Products, Gilder’s Paste or Gilder’s Waxes. We are still continuing our promotion of Free Shipping for Miss Mustard Seed Products. If you order multiple products, you will only be charged on those that are excluded from this offer!
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!
Continue Reading → LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW
AT
Let me show you the wonderful finishes that
YOU can create on your
furniture and walls using these NEW PRODUCTS
They are ALL earth-friendly,
Low VOC’s
AND
Easy to Use!!
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| Look at this texture!! |
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| FINE STONE with PEARL PLASTER and CHALK PAINT© |
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| Old World Finish |
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| Metallics!!! Wait until you see….. |
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| TRANSFER GEL with CRACKLE TEX and you have the look of a hidden artwork! |
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| This is a treatment that can be used on walls or on furniture. Multiple layers using several Artisan Enhancement Products! |
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| A close up of the colors and textures! |
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| This is also several products including TRANSFER GEL!!! SO MUCH FUN! |
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| Crocodile texture using a stencil over GRAPHITE Chalk Paint©, PEARL PLASTER and Dark Wax! |
Are you EXCITED!! Lori and I had too much fun in our training workshop! We learned so much more than what is pictured here! We played with INCREDIBLE products and produced the most AMAZING finishes.
These finishes are ones that all of you have asked us for….
Well, we are now stocking these
and are getting ready to start our own WORKSHOPS.
So watch our website for our announcement and dates!
Also keep your eyes on our SHOPPING CART,
Also keep your eyes on our SHOPPING CART,
All ARTISAN ENHANCEMENT products will also be available for purchase SOON via our
Continue Reading → Today was a CRAZY day at the store
Yet I had such a FUN TIME!!
My New Year’s Resolution was to spend MORE time doing the things that I love.
and I LOVE my store,
It is my home away from home. I spend five days a week there (at least!!) and even when I’m at home my mind is at the store, thinking of new products to buy or how to make a new venue. Today I wanted to do a treatment on a focal wall in the store that would lend itself to my ultimate vision of where I see the store going.
So I literally grabbed a bunch of Chalk Paint™ colors and started rolling then ragging, then brushing all my chosen colors:
on the wall to achieve a concrete colored marbled effect.
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| layers of paint on the wall |
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| close up of process, not done yet! |
Once I got the colors on the wall the way I liked I couldn’t decide how to make it look a bit richer. I thought about burnishing or waxing
but then I rememberd
ANNIE SLOAN LACQUER!!!
Continue Reading → ANNIE SLOAN LACQUER!!!
So we rolled just one nice even coat on the walls and it was instantly
GORGEOUS!
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| The effect of the layered colors was beautiful, add the Annie Sloan Lacquer on top and it was the most luscious finish!! |
It was such a fun day….I so seldom have the opportunity to take the time to create.
So far this year, I’m sticking to the promise that I made to myself.
Chalk Paint™ never ceases to amaze me. I’ve transformed
furniture
chandeliers
planters at my store
my store driveway
and sidewalks
and so many other things…..
Adding this wall to the list of all the products that
Chalk Paint ™can transform was just wonderful!!
Please, stop on by and take a peak. I’m off to market tomorrow to bring my visions for
ROBYN STORY DESIGN & BOUTIQUE
to fruition!! The sound of trucks approaching the loading docks is music to my ears!!!
One more promise that I made….spend more time with
King Louie!
Because at the end of the day, no matter what, Louie is waiting for his Momma!
HAPPY NEW YEAR2013 The year 2012 was a wonderful year for all of us at Robyn Story Designs!So many new things to come in the New Year. So continue to read our blog, follow me on FaceBook or just stop in to see us at our b…
Continue Reading →
