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Two More Amazing Features on Our Red Buffet!

We stand in awe at how many features we had this week!

Honey at A Potpourri of Life at 2805 featured our red buffet table on her Potpourri Friday 2805 party.  Honey’s parties have an assortment of creative posts on home décor, decorating, photography…  Tons of inspiration!  You can check out Potpourri Friday 2805 here!
Thanx Honey!

Becky over at Beyond the Picket Fence also featured our red buffet table at her Under $100 Linky Party.  You won’t believe the amazing pieces people create on a $100 budget!  Check out Beyond the Picket Fence here!
Thanx Becky!

We are truly blessed!

Since this post, I’ve learned so much.  I worked countless hours almost a year using these products but continued to have difficulties achieving a quality finish with their wax.  I tried other several other waxes by different companies, some were hard, other’s were a little easier to blend in and work with but also had those terrible fumes.  

I experienced months of reoccurring respiratory problems starting as soon as the weather got cold here and I had to start working within my workshop.  Even with my exhaust system, I was advised to remove all the chemical hazards from my environment and find another line of work or find green products to work with in an effort to get well.  

I replaced toxic, hand burning, chemical strippers with citrus based strippers (which work better anyway), pulled chemical laden paints, waxes, glues… and started searching for better products.

It was during that search that I discovered CeCe Caldwell’s all natural, eco-friendly chalk and clay based mineral paints.  It’s 100% Naturally Green ~ wahoo!! and I was geeked to find out that it’s owned and operated right here in the USA.  

From the first time I tried CeCe Caldwell’s paint and wax, I fell in love.   I know that sounds so dramatic, but after everything I went through, It was a God send.  This line is so much easier for me to work with; it’s so different than any other paint I’ve ever used.

For my style of painting, I can achieve a much more superior finish and can create it much faster eliminating the stress of working so hard to achieve something that’s easy with a chalk and clay mixture.  

I have so much faith in CeCe Caldwell’s line that I became an Authorized Retailer for them.  I carry a complete line of CeCe Caldwell’s Paints, Clear Wax, Aging Cream, Satin finish, brushes, color charts… locally at our Shizzle Design space within Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture in Holland, Michigan here as well as online on our Online Shizzle Shop here.  Shizzle Design offers all 36 colors in quarts as well as sample size pots.  You can learn much more about CeCe Caldwell’s amazing products by reading through my blog archives in the sidebar.   

If you live in West Michigan, CeCe Caldwell’s Paints can be found at the Shizzle Design booth in 

2975 West Shore Drive, Holland, Michigan here.  
You’ll find our display along side all our hand painted furniture and home decor.

Click here to see some of the furniture currently for sale. It is constantly evolving as it sells quickly.


Wanna See More Shizzle Design?

Thanx for stopping by!  A hui hou!
Posted on

More Painted Furniture Reno’s

Here’s a quick sneak peak of a few things we just dropped off to the store! 

Adorable Red Buffet
Gentleman’s Dresser
which coordinates with this…
 Ladies Dressing Table
I’m still working on the bed… more to come

It’s Pumpkin Fest time in Zeeland, so stop by and check out all the festivities!

Stay tuned for more furniture transformations!  If you don’t want to miss anything, subscribe, follow, ‘like”… Shizzle Design with whatever suits your fancy!

Since this post, I’ve learned so much.  I worked countless hours almost a year using these products but continued to have difficulties achieving a quality finish with their wax.  I tried other several other waxes by different companies, some were hard, other’s were a little easier to blend in and work with but also had those terrible fumes.  

I experienced months of reoccurring respiratory problems starting as soon as the weather got cold here and I had to start working within my workshop.  Even with my exhaust system, I was advised to remove all the chemical hazards from my environment and find another line of work or find green products to work with in an effort to get well.  

I replaced toxic, hand burning, chemical strippers with citrus based strippers (which work better anyway), pulled chemical laden paints, waxes, glues… and started searching for better products.

It was during that search that I discovered CeCe Caldwell’s all natural, eco-friendly chalk and clay based mineral paints.  It’s 100% Naturally Green ~ wahoo!! and I was geeked to find out that it’s owned and operated right here in the USA.  

From the first time I tried CeCe Caldwell’s paint and wax, I fell in love.   I know that sounds so dramatic, but after everything I went through, It was a God send.  This line is so much easier for me to work with; it’s so different than any other paint I’ve ever used.

For my style of painting, I can achieve a much more superior finish and can create it much faster eliminating the stress of working so hard to achieve something that’s easy with a chalk and clay mixture.  

I have so much faith in CeCe Caldwell’s line that I became an Authorized Retailer for them.  I carry a complete line of CeCe Caldwell’s Paints, Clear Wax, Aging Cream, Satin finish, brushes, color charts… locally at our Shizzle Design space within Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture in Holland, Michigan here as well as online on our Online Shizzle Shop here.  Shizzle Design offers all 36 colors in quarts as well as sample size pots.  You can learn much more about CeCe Caldwell’s amazing products by reading through my blog archives in the sidebar.   

If you live in West Michigan, CeCe Caldwell’s Paints can be found at the Shizzle Design booth in 

2975 West Shore Drive, Holland, Michigan here.  
You’ll find our display along side all our hand painted furniture and home decor.

Click here to see some of the furniture currently for sale. It is constantly evolving as it sells quickly.


Wanna See More Shizzle Design?

Thanx for stopping by!  A hui hou!
Posted on

My Very First Chalk Painted Dresser

When I decided to start my furniture refurbishing business this summer, this is the first piece of real furniture I  transformed. I purchased this dresser at a garage sale in my home town several years ago.   I loved the lines of this piece, but at the time, I was only doing garden chairs and mosaics. It was too long for the tiny rooms in our house so…   It ended up in my workshop and served as a stylish alternative for a tool cabinet.

I know!      Can you believe it?
I used this gem to store all my tools!
The large deep drawers worked perfectly for my bulky power tools.  I lined them with heavy towels and laid several tools in each drawer.

The two shallow drawers across the top were the perfect depth for my acrylic paints and brushes.  I loved this dresser! I used this dresser for this purpose every day for six years.  I came to admire this piece more and more not only because of its design, but because of the strength and durability it offered.

This spring, I decided to take my business to the next level.  I had read about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and just received my first shipment of paint, wax and the cool brush.  I emptied out my tools to start my first furniture transformation.You think I would try a picture frame or something small first but no, not me, I dove in and went to town on a six drawer chest of drawers.

(I learned this pose by watching my very dear friend, Colleen, compete in a body building competition on the Big Island.  We like to call this pose Ikaika, which means strong, or in my case – what was I thinking?)

Not only was this the first time I usingASCP, it also was the first time stripping and re-staining.  Stripping the paint off the solid mahogany top was slick as beans but the finishing was serious chore.  I tried to fix up several tiny dings inan attempt toreveal perfect mahogany, but my attempt to blend in the red, didn’t work so well.

I filled in a couple spots with something that claimed to be stainable – they lied!  No matter what I tried, it just looked white.  I stripped it down, tried a little artistic painting, dug out some of the filler and stained it again.   Okay, I actually did this step eight times.  Really!  Let’s just call it a learning curve. When I finally got it the way I wanted, I masked it off and busted into my Annie Sloan shipment.

I predominately painted this piece in Provence but blended in Old White and Arles to accent some of the amazing details.  The transformation took weeks to complete as I worked my way through stripping, painting, re-staining, waxing… all of which were new products and processes for me.The paint went on fine but I really struggled with Annie Sloan’s wax.  It has the most horrific smell, good thing it was summer, I can’t handle the fumes of that stuff.  There’s got to be better alternatives out there.  I went through almost a an entire can of wax – wax on, wax off, wax on, wax off.Grant it, I’m just getting started in all this but it seems so much harder than they say.  I’ve tried advice from numerous Annie Sloan reps and users but the dark wax still throws me for a loop.  Whoever buys this will definitely get their money’s worth because I’ve got my blood, sweat and tears into this one.  Five bags of steel wool and six weeks later, I ended up with a stunning double bow front dresser.
I am happy with the end result and love the details of this piece but man was it a lot of work to get to this.  I’m sure it will get easier as time goes on and as I learn more about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.

 

All the hard work paid off in the end as itsoldthe the day we moved our furniture into the store.

Since this post, I’ve learned so much.  I worked around the clock for a year using these products but continued to have difficulties achieving a quality finish with their wax.  I tried other several other waxes by different companies, some were hard, other’s were a little easier to blend in and work with but also had those terrible fumes.
I experienced months of recurring respiratory problems and even with my exhaust system, I was advised to remove as many chemical hazards from my environment as possible or find another line of working order to get well.I replaced toxic, hand burning, chemical strippers with citrus based strippers (which work better anyway), pulled chemically laden paints, waxes, glues… and started searching for better products.
That search eventually led me to the products I choose today ~ American Paint Company’s all natural, eco-friendly chalk and clay based mineral paints.  From the first time I tried  them, I was sold.   I know that sounds so dramatic, but after everything I went through, It was a God send.  This type of paint is so much easier to work with.  It spreads easier, covers better, adheres well and the wax and finishes have been life changing for how much work I can accomplish on any given day.
For my style of painting, I can achieve a much more superior finish and can create it much faster eliminating the stress of working so hard to achieve something that’s easy with a chalk and clay mixture.
I love these paints so well that I decided to share what I do with our followers.  We proudly offer American Paint Company Paints locally in the Greater Grand Rapids area and sell worldwide on our Online Shizzle Shop.   shizzle design paint studio 2018 Chicago Drive Jenison MI American Paint Company CeCe Caldwell's Paints retailer buy chalk clay instructor workshops paint retailer 1

  • Did you know…

    • Shizzle Design is a small family owned business in Jenison, Michigan.  My sister Cathy and I work, paint, ship and teach our chalk and clay paint workshops out of the same space where we paint all our furniture.  We are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.
    • Instead of hoarding our knowledge, we empower DIY’ers by sharing our years of experience.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable answers for all your chalk and clay paint needs.
    • We are so blessed to have taught people from all over the United States and Canada.  Join us for one of our super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshops.  Learn in our casual & relaxed environment.  Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
    • Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints.
    • Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE?  It is ~ what are you waiting for?  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
    • We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page.  We share all sorts tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page).
    • Pin our posts on Pinterest ~ Find all sorts of inspiration here.
    • We sell our painted furniture in our Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 and at Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, Michigan
    • Shizzle Design is an Authorized Retailer for American Paint Company Paints.  We offer a large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies at our Shizzle Design Paint Shop /Studio,  2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI  49428.  We also stock several other shops in the greater Grand Rapid’s area, to find out where, click LOCATIONS.  Not from Michigan?  No worries, we ship paint and paint supplies worldwide through our Online Shizzle Shop.

    Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers

    painted-furntire-makeovers3[1]

    Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

    Shizzle-Tips-and-Tutorials3[1]

    Click here to see Funky Finishes

    Funky-Finishes3[1]

    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

    a hui hou ~ Shelly

A hui hou!

Shelly

Posted on

Vintage Desk

Okay… so maybe we’re not really ready for a heap of homework yet, but at least we can prepare ourselves for what’s to come.  This desk and chair combo is ready to help someone get organized.  I love the little cubbies and the book shelf underneath.

The desk was painted, waxed and distressed in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  I had worked on the chair a couple years ago when I was doing garden chairs.  I sanded forever it seems trying to remove the original paint, but just couldn’t get anywhere with it.  The chair is solid and I liked the lines of it, so I just set it aside till now.  I layered in a little Annie Sloan paint and wax to the already heavily distressed surface and viola – a perfect match!

The top of the desk is covered with several vintage inspired blue and green papers adding even more personality to an already spunky piece.  I sealed it with several coats of poly for a solid bond.

Stop into Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture and check it out.  (update – sold)

a hui hou!

Since this post, I’ve learned so much.  I worked countless hours almost a year using these products but continued to have difficulties achieving a quality finish with their wax.  I tried other several other waxes by different companies, some were hard, other’s were a little easier to blend in and work with but also had those terrible fumes.
I experienced months of recurring respiratory problems and was advised to remove as many chemical hazards from my environment as possible or find another line of working order to get well. I replaced toxic, hand burning, chemical strippers with citrus based strippers (which work better anyway), pulled chemically laden paints, waxes, glues… and started searching for better products.
That search eventually led me to the products I choose today ~ American Paint Company’s all natural, eco-friendly chalk and clay based mineral paints.  From the first time I tried  them, I was sold.   I know that sounds so dramatic, but after everything I went through, It was a God send.  This type of paint is so much easier to work with.  It spreads easier, covers better, adheres well and the wax and finishes have been life changing for how much work I can accomplish on any given day.For my style of painting, I can achieve a much more superior finish and can create it much faster eliminating the stress of working so hard to achieve something that’s easy with a chalk and clay mixture.

I love these paints so well that I decided to share what I do with our followers.  We proudly offer American Paint Company Paints locally in the Greater Grand Rapids area and sell worldwide on our Online Shizzle Shop.  

shizzle design paint studio 2018 Chicago Drive Jenison MI American Paint Company CeCe Caldwell's Paints retailer buy chalk clay instructor workshops paint retailer 1

  • Did you know…

    • Shizzle Design is a small family owned business in Jenison, Michigan.  My sister Cathy and I work, paint, ship and teach our chalk and clay paint workshops out of the same space where we paint all our furniture.  We are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.
    • Instead of hoarding our knowledge, we empower DIY’ers by sharing our years of experience.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable answers for all your chalk and clay paint needs.
    • We are so blessed to have taught people from all over the United States and Canada.  Join us for one of our super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshops.  Learn in our casual & relaxed environment.  Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
    • Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints.
    • Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE?  It is ~ what are you waiting for?  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
    • We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page.  We share all sorts tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page).
    • Pin our posts on Pinterest ~ Find all sorts of inspiration here.
    • We sell our painted furniture in our Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 and at Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, Michigan
    • Shizzle Design is an Authorized Retailer for American Paint Company Paints.  We offer a large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies at our Shizzle Design Paint Shop /Studio,  2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI  49428.  We also stock several other shops in the greater Grand Rapid’s area, to find out where, click LOCATIONS.  Not from Michigan?  No worries, we ship paint and paint supplies worldwide through our Online Shizzle Shop.

    Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers

    painted-furntire-makeovers3[1]

    Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

    Shizzle-Tips-and-Tutorials3[1]

    Click here to see Funky Finishes

    Funky-Finishes3[1]

    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

    a hui hou ~ Shelly

A hui hou!

Shelly

Posted on

Shizzle Design Makes It’s Debut on August 201 at Holland, MI’s 42nd Art in the Park

I vividly remember the lady telling me they had never been rained out at Art in the Park

Art in the Park ~ August 2011

but… just as my sister got in the van, it started to sprinkle.  I didn’t say anything but my jaw dropped when we pulled out the driveway and headed toward the lake shore.  Our raindrops weren’t part of a passing shower.  The entire sky was full of rain!

Continue reading “Shizzle Design Makes It’s Debut on August 201 at Holland, MI’s 42nd Art in the Park”

Posted on

Remembering Sydney

Saturday was a day of remembering.  It was a day of smiles, a day of tears, a day of gut wrenching reality as our community joined together to honor a little girl who taught us all so much.

The 5K race at our home town summer festival was dedicated to a little blonde haired girl with sparkling blue eyes and a great big smile.  Sydney Grace Potjer inspired everyone she knew to, in her own words, “never, Ever, EVER give up!” 

Syd went to be with Jesus on Mother’s Day this year, just a few short months shy of her seventh birthday.  But, as we all know, it doesn’t end there.  Sydney’s legacy lives on.  Purple was Syd’s favorite color and on Saturday, crowds of people filled the streets wearing purple shirts honoring Sydney and supporting the fight to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.


Sydney had Type I SMA.  It is a genetic disease that affects specialized nerve cells called motor neurons  These neurons control the movement of voluntary muscles. In general, those muscles closer to the center of the body are more affected than those farther away.  It steals the child of the ability to chew, swallow, sit and run.

Involuntary muscles, such as those that control bladder and bowel function, are not affected. Hearing and vision are not affected, nor is intelligence.  As a matter of fact, these kids tend to be way more intelligent. 

Sydney was smart.  She was off the charts with her intelligence, personality, wit and charm and she was embraced, cherished and enriched by the best set of parents a child could hope for.

Saturday, as thousands of people lined the streets in preparation for the race, her dad spoke of Sydney.  He shared with the community how one in four of us carry the gene, and how close SMA is to having a cure.  He asked for support and hoped the money brought in that day tipped the kettle over the edge to achieve that.

      In her memory, Syd’s parents started a fund at Sydney’s school to raise money for supplies and special equipment needed to help other special need’s kids for many years to come.
We Love you Syd!
You will never, Ever, EVER be forgotten!
 
 

For more information on SMA, click on www.fsma.org

Posted on

Antique Empire Dresser with a Rich Weathered Black Leather Finish

A blast from the Past ~ August, 2011

My sister Cathy and I have spent the past few months doing intensive research on how to paint furniture as we prepare for Holland’s 42nd Art in the Park on, August 6th, 2011 and I have to tell you… this piece is one of my favorites.  I love empire dressers!

It would look really cool as a buffet in my dining room but I have to be strong and let it go.  I created the finish to resemble that of a well worn piece of leather using Annie Sloan’s Graphite and Dark Wax but it took forever because the dark wax was a major nightmare to work with.  I spent weeks trying to get the wax right on this piece, pulling my hair out in frustration.

UPDATE 2016 – If I were to replicate this finish today, I’d paint it with Frenchic’s Panther and seal it with their Rustic Wax.  Not only is Frenchic Furniture Paint® a much more superior product line, it’s 95 times easier to use!   There truly is no comparison.

This dresser rests on wooden wheels making this solid built wooden chest easy for anyone to maneuver (the wheels can be removed if you prefer to use it without them).  Just imagine how awesome it would work as a bathroom vanity with one of those gorgeous vessel sinks atop!  Hmmm… it would really look cool in our main floor bathroom…   No, no… I have to focus….  I’m just starting out in this furniture adventure ~ I’m sure it’ll get easier to let go, right?

This Empire Chest measures 43″ wide, 22″ deep and 36″ high and features the original keyholes, wooden drawer pulls and hand cut dovetailed drawer construction.  I switched out two of the drawer pulls to a spice it up a bit then painted and aged them along with the other original wooden knobs.

I love all the different sizes of drawers.  There are two shallow drawers perfect for pens, paper… two small but deep drawers for all those clunky odd-shaped objects and two large drawers for clothes, linens, games… whatever!  Cathy created custom fabric drawer liners out of the most beautiful vintage looking fabric ever.  I just love ‘em!
This piece is truly versatile.  It demands attention and is sure to be the focal point in any room!  What do you think?

UPDATE 2016 – If I were to replicate this finish today, I’d paint it with Frenchic’s Panther and seal it with their Rustic Wax.  Not only is Frenchic Furniture Paint® a much more superior product line, it’s 95 times easier to use!   There’s truly no comparison!  

shizzle design paint studio 2018 Chicago Drive Jenison MI American Paint Company CeCe Caldwell's Paints retailer buy chalk clay instructor workshops paint retailer 1

  • Did you know…

    • Shizzle Design is a small family owned business in Jenison, Michigan.  My sister Cathy and I work, paint, ship and teach our chalk and clay paint workshops out of the same space where we paint all our furniture.  We are truly humbled to be known as a leader in the world of chalk and clay paints.
    • Instead of hoarding our knowledge, we empower DIY’ers by sharing our years of experience.  Stop in for paint and we’ll offer you honest and knowledgeable answers for all your chalk and clay paint needs.
    • We are so blessed to have taught people from all over the United States and Canada.  Join us for one of our super fun hands-on chalk and clay paint workshops.  Learn in our casual & relaxed environment.  Click Paint Workshops to see a list of current classes offered.
    • Subscribe to Shizzle Design for tips, tutorials, ideas, pictures, videos for our furniture painted in all natural chalk and clay based mineral paints.
    • Did you know that you can get these sent directly to your inbox and that it’s FREE?  It is ~ what are you waiting for?  Enter your email in the right hand column of our blog to stay in the loop.
    • We have a Shizzle Design Facebook Page.  We share all sorts tips, ideas, photos EVERY DAY and offer special deals (which you’ll only know about if you’ve Liked our Facebook Page).
    • Pin our posts on Pinterest ~ Find all sorts of inspiration here.
    • We sell our painted furniture in our Shizzle Design Paint Studio at 2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428 and at Not So Shabby Antiques and Fine Furniture at 2975 West Shore Drive in Holland, Michigan
    • Shizzle Design is a U.S. distributor for Frenchic Furniture Paint®, an Authorized Retailer for American Paint Company Paints and Old Town Paints.  We offer a large inventory of chalk and clay paint and supplies at our Shizzle Design Paint Shop /Studio,  2018 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI  49428.  We also stock other shops in the greater Grand Rapid’s area, to find out where, click LOCATIONS.  Not from Michigan?  No worries, we ship paint and paint supplies nationwide through our Online Shizzle Shop.

    Click here to see Shizzle Design Painted Furniture Makeovers

    painted-furntire-makeovers3[1]

    Click here to see our Shizzle Tips, How To Tutorials & Video’s

    Shizzle-Tips-and-Tutorials3[1]

    Click here to see Funky Finishes

    Funky-Finishes3[1]

    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

    a hui hou ~ Shelly

A hui hou!

Shelly