I’d like to thank each and every one of you for all your thoughts and prayers over the past two weeks, they’ve really helped carry us through the sudden and unexpected hospitalization of our step Grandma Florence. Surrounded by the ones she loved, Florence was welcomed into the arms of Jesus early Monday morning. We were so blessed to enjoy her spunky personality one last time on Saturday when God gave her one amazing last day with us.
It’s times like this that make me wonder why we have to spend so much time working in the first place. Of course we need to pay the bills but there’s got to be more time for family. If anyone has tips on how to balance work and family, please share your ideas.
Over the past month, we’ve had two furniture paint workshops, two inventory purging sales, participated in the Happy Camper Flea Market at Not So Shabby and in the midst of everything, we found our very own space to use as a paint studio. We’re currently in the middle of moving everything, painting, renovating bathrooms, hanging lights, building shelves and taking care of all the initial set ups for: electric, phone lines, internet, gas, signage….
Why then do I feel like I’m not accomplishing anything? I guess because there’s so much more to do at the end of each day. I’ve been in major pain the past three weeks after throwing my ribs and back out which makes me a real bear. Cathy tore a bunch of ligaments in her foot and is hobbling around. We’re quite the pair! Good thing mom still drops by with lunch once in a while ~ don’t know what we’d do without her!!
Between our internet being out at home and everything else going on the past two weeks, I never got our last workshop photos posted. It was still relatively nice out in October and the finishes our student’s created using their chalk and clay paints were AH-mazing! Check out the pieces they ended up with!
Jodi wanted something a little more than just a plain black nightstand so started with a pop of teal as her base coat.
then layered over that with black
She also layered colors on the hardware to create more of a patina’d finish.
I love me some orange!
Wow! What an amazing transformation!! LOVE how the dark wax changes the color of the raw paint!!
Aren’t they awesome!! I’m so proud of all our students!! Looking forward to this weekend. It’s our first workshop held at our new paint studio, we have a super fun group of gals signed up and CeCe herself is flying in for it!
Stay tuned for all the details for that soon. In the meantime, follow our daily tidbits on our Shizzle LLC Facebook page.
Linking up to these GREAT Parties!
Domestically Speaking – The Power of Paint Party
The Shabby Creek Cottage – Transformation Thursday
Miss Mustardseed – Furniture Feature Friday
Redoux – Friday Link Up Party
Homespun Happenings – Rustic Restorations Weekend
Funky Junk Interiors – Saturday Night Special
Silver Pennies – Silver Pennies Sundays
Knick of Time Interiors – Knick of Time Tuesday
Check out all our other Painted Furniture Makeovers above by clicking on the Portfolio Button
a hui hou ~ Shelly
First, let me of offer my sincere condolences over the loss of your step-grandmother. These cherished matriarchs or such valuable family members, often passing on family memories, values and traditions that otherwise may be lost to the younger generations. I always loved listening to my grandma’s stories and learning older ways from her from cooking to gardening and other treasured subjects. I hope that the memories you hold will lighten your heart.
Secondly, these projects are gorgeous! The colors and finishes are so unique and add so much to the already beautiful pieces of furniture! The layering of colors and use of waxes adds so much depth and visual interest to each piece. Great work! I’m sure your students love what they are learning! Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs, Leena
Thanks Leena!
Shelly, I’m sending sincere sympathy on the death of your dear Florence.
My sister died a few weeks ago and it takes awhile to get used to the loss in your life.
But you will.
You’re working hard, as usual. It’s a real pleasure to see the pieces you have helped your students work on. But your other projects wear me out just reading the list!
To help your rib & back pain, I suggest you get a copy of Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, by Clair Davies. It’s been a life-saver for me between back, knee, and hip pain, carpel tunnel, and a shoulder that tormented me for weeks before i turned to Davies for the treatment.
Believe me, you will be glad you bought his book and his Thera Cane for reaching the hard places.
I wish you lived closer to me–or I to you!–so I could share the fun of your workshops.
Sending wishes for a lovely family Thanksgiving for you and yours. –MJ
Thanks MJ, my deepest sympathy goes out to you also for the loss of your sister. Don’t know what I’d do without mine.
I sure wish you would do an on-line class!!!! PLEASE! (can I get a “here here” from anyone out there?) You have such a unique style and I bet there are hundreds of us out there that can’t come to you to learn it…. so won’t you come to us? xoxox
I’ll see what I can do 🙂
Shelly, maybe you are blessed with too much determination and energy!!! I am so sorry about your sweet Florence. Life is just hard sometimes. Yeah, why DO we have to work so hard. I think it is that you and I share a genetic defect called “cannotstopitis”. There is no known cure, except to visit with the other person for a week who has it. I hope I get back there next year!!!! The furniture looks AWESOME too!
That would be so cool Karen!! I would love to have you here!!
I bought a color chart from you several months ago and finally I have been working on an old chest of drawers. Not having ever used this type of paint and working full time it has taken longer than I expected, but I started distressing today and I am amazed at how it looks. Will have to send pics when I finish. I wish I lived closer so I could attend your workshops, although they would have to replace sleeping at this point. There are a lot of blogs and or websites about CeCe’s paint, but it is your enthusiasm that seperates you from the rest. Of course I know your spiritual roots are the reason why:) Plan on painting some bookshelves when I finish my current project. Sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandma, but nothing is better than being with Jesus.
Thanks Sharon!! I can’t wait to see pictures of your chest of drawers once you’re finished!! So glad you’re enjoying the paint. It’s hard for me to carve out time to paint too and I do it for a living ~ lol. Right now I need to find a couple toothpicks so I can prop my eyes open and begin another day 🙂
I just love your furniture! Wish I could get that good. My problem is I try to hard to make it perfect instead of just going for it. I have been using annie sloan but have just bought some American paint and was wondering if you ever water it down?
yes Josette ~ almost always. I’ve always done that with all my paints
Please accept my condolences on the loss of you family member.
Thanks Donna
Heh Shelly,
I am “amening” the sister who suggested an online “workshop”. I reside in Massachusetts so it’s unlikely I’ll be attending a “live” workshop. I’ll be praying.
Rest in Him,
Tura
Pray for more hours in a day Tura ~ lol. Right now we’re working seven days a week around the clock gearing up for a big show. Hoping to sleep some time in April!
What kind of clay do you use?