Category: Furniture Makeovers / Tips & Tutorials

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Sneak Peek of Three New Pieces & More Features!

Several months ago, I came up with the crazy idea to start my own furniture refurbishing business.  I started asking around on how to build a website when a friend of mine suggested I try a blog instead.  BLOG?  I didn’t even know WHAT a blog was, let alone how to DO one.

I did what I always do when I need information – I Googled it.  I stumbled upon Blogger and immediately started designing my own layout.  I’m still working on it every day and there’s a million things I’d improve upon if I had more time or money but at for least now, I get it.  I’m officially – a blogger!

Never would I have imagined that my furniture designs would be showcased across the globe and in such a short period of time.  In the past THREE weeks alone, our furniture has been featured THIRTEEN times by other designers and we’ve had more than 13 THOUSAND people view our posts.  Wow!  We are SO humbled.  That being said, I have three more features to add to the list. 

Angie at Knick of Time featured the purple ladder chair planter I made in lieu of a flower arrangement when Sydney passed away.

Read my post of this beautiful little girl here.

I wrote the story about it last Tuesday when we all dressed up in purple and celebrated what would have been Syd’s 7th birthday.  I’ll never erase the image of Kami wearing Syd’s HUMUNGOUS purple dress up hat as I walked into Olive Garden for lunch that day.  How she ever made it through those doors is beyond me!  It was a very touching moment as we all felt the entire spectrum of emotions simultaneously.  Stop by and read Angie’s feature of Syd’s chair here. 

Angie also recently featured our tall white highboy.

Read my post on the transformation of this piece here.

I like Angie, not because she’s featured our furniture, but because she just seems so cool, so real.  She designs some really neat furniture and has a neat shop on Etsy where she also sells all sorts of unusual vintage finds that time has left it’s mark on.  Check out her shop here.

Sarah from Three Boys has been a DIY’er since she was a little girl.  She has a great blog covering many different facets and like me, as a little girl, is the queen of organizing.  I however have lost that gift over the years.  Hmm! 

I’d love to have Sarah move in for a week and shape me up again!  I just realized she’s right here in Michigan – wahoo!  Anyway… Sarah just featured our Red Buffet post (if you haven’t seen the amazing transformation on this piece, you’ll want to check it out here).

And last, but in no way shape or form least is Amy and Emily of Sisters of the Wild West.  

Sisters of the Wild West surprised me Sunday morning as I fired up the computer.  They are currently featuring the lady’s vanity I just finished; read the entire post on this beautiful vanity here.

Amy and Emily are a sister duo who are multi-talented.  These gals can do ANYTHING!  Check out their site and read their feature on my vanity here.

Again, many, many mahalos to each and every one of the amazing designers who have featured our furniture!

West Furniture Revival:   featured our Tall White Highboy & Lane Cedar Chest HERE.
Knick of Time:   featured Sydney’s chair (see above) AND our tall white highboy HERE. 
4 the love of WOOD:  featured our Provence Blue chest of drawers HERE.
Shades of Amber:  featured our Tall White Highboy HERE. 
Savvy Southern Style:  featured our Red Buffet HERE.
Coastal Charm: featured our Red Buffet HERE.

551 East Furniture Design: featured our Red Buffet HERE
A Potpourri of Life at 2805: featured our Red Buffet HERE

Beyond the Picket Fence: featured our Red Buffet HERE
Three Boys:  featured our Red Buffet HERE.
Sisters of the Wild West:  Featured our Lady’s Vanity HERE
Too Much Time on My Hands:  featured our lady’s vanity HERE

All I can say is WOW!  What an amazing few weeks!  Thank you, everyone!  Now I have to get the word out in West Michigan:)

Here’s a few sneak peaks of what I’ve been working on.  Two of these are headed to the store tomorrow and one of them, as Angie would say, I’m writing MY name on.  Can you guess which one?

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

  • Subscribe by email here
  • “like” our Shizzle Page on Facebook here
  • Stop by Not So Shabby in Zeeland, MI. directions here
  • Questions?   Leave comment below

Thanx for stopping by!  A hui hou!

Posted on

Antique Walnut Accent Table hand painted in Old White

This parlor table was lacking pizzazz when I found her this summer.

The octagon top, curved legs and all her details were GREAT but the finish on the wood was dull, dark and dreary.
Zinnser Gel Strip to the rescue!    Zinnser Gel Strip is a green product – figuratively and literally!  It’s safe for the environment and works slow and steady for up to 24 hours.  That’s great because you can let it work while you sleep then wake up to a bubbly-painty-gooey-sludgey goop in the morning.  I usually need very little elbow grease to scrape off the leftovers in the morning.


Underneath the goop, I discovered a beautiful piece of walnut!  I cleaned it all off then applied Minwax stain; I can’t remember which color.

I finished the top by hand rubbing and buffing several coats of wax into the grain.  The waxed finish really enhanced the beauty of the walnut and brought it to a whole other dimension.

The ornate legs were painted, glazed and distressed.  She’s now drab anymore! She’s very sturdy, well built piece and now has all her wonderful details highlighted.

Bye-bye drab and dreary, HELLO fabulous!

This CHIC accent table is available for purchase in our booth at Not So Shabby Antiques & Fine Furniture in downtown Zeeland.

Go check her out!
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

Open House at Not So Shabby

Please mark your calendars and join us for Not So Shabby’s Annual Christmas Open House on Friday, November 11 from 4pm-8pm and Saturday, November 12 from 10am-4pm.

This is the store Cathy and I moved our furniture and home décor into so if you haven’t had the chance to get out to the store, please consider doing so.  

 
Not So Shabby is always displayed with unique gifts, hand made goodies, one of a kind decorations, unusual home décor, wonderful gift sets, and of course really unique, custom painted furniture. 


All the artists will have their spaces loaded with Christmas displays, creative gift sets and unique inventory.  Cathy and I are making nice gifts and pulling out our latest designs for this event.  There will also be yummy treats available while you shop!


Some little girl’s gonna LOVE opening this Christmas Morning!
 

Not So Shabby is located at 114 E. Main Avenue in downtown Zeeland (click here for directions).  I’ve lived in Byron Center most of my life, but only recently learned how to Feel the Zeel!

For a small town, Zeeland sure has a lot of spectacular events going on.  I love the old fashioned street lights that line the streets, listening to the bells chiming as I walk down the sidewalk and checking the unique shops that line E. Main.  Almost every time I’ve gone to the store, there’s some kind of event going on. 
So…  I challenge you to shop local this Christmas.  Our business is called Shizzle Design.  Our space is the first booth on the left as you walk in.  If it’s got a Shizzle Design tag on it, that’s us!  

Make time to check out our store, you’ll be glad you did.  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

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

Antique Vanity and Gentleman’s Chest in ASCP


I’ve been told many times throughout my lifetime that I’m “visual”.  Whether its the topography blueprint of a golf course or a dated piece of furniture,  I can see the finished design well in the initial stages of a project.
There are moments though when I get hung up on color.   This happened recently with a bedroom set I picked up to refinish.  I knew I wanted to strip and refinish the tops in a rich espresso stain, but I visualized the gentleman’s dresser in a dark Graphite, while I saw the vanity in Old White.  When I mentioned this idea to someone, I was told “you can’t do that!”  I can’t?

As I stripped layers of paint from the top of the vanity, dresser and bed frame, I discovered the beautiful mahogany hidden underneath.    This is a VERY MESSY process, but well worth the effort.


The next step was removing all the contact paper and cleaning all the drawers.   Oh my gosh this stuff has staying power!

When I was exhausted from battling the contact paper, I started messing around with paint colors.  Paris Grey?  Versailles? Country Grey?

Nope!  Just wasn’t working for me.  Ah, what the heck, it’s just Chalk Paint – ha!

I have a confession to make.  I don’t like pastels – gasp!  I decided on Paris Grey but planned to darken the color using my Annie Sloan Dark Wax.  I was having a REALLY hard time it sticking and glopping and ended up with a disaster, so I painted over it and started again.

Quite honestly, I’ve battled her dark wax from the day I got it four months ago.  I kept trying it OVER and OVER and OVER again with the same frustration, wondering what the heck I wasn’t getting.  Then, last week my sister came over with her AS dark wax and I couldn’t believe the difference!  I was like “what?”  I was like “huh?”
Her wax is an entirely different consistency than the wax I received.  I’m guessing it was either a bad batch it melted in the delivery truck or something, but it was just wrong!  My wax was thick and gummy and almost crystallized from the get go.  I also bought one thing of clear wax that was fine, but the inside of the lid was covered with what appears to be rust.  Bottom line, check it out!  They’re not supposed to be that way.

I had worked myself into a tizzy with the dark wax, so I opted to glaze the paint with a stain then finished it with clear wax.  Now that’s what I’m talking about!

And, after a long battle… this is what I ended up with:)


Next, comes the vanity…  I stuck to my original thought of a different, yet coordinating combination.



And just in case  you want to see the color by sunset…



 

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

This piece has been featured at:
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

Three more features!

Guess what?  Our furniture was featured three times this week!

Kim at Savvy Southern Style featured our red buffet table on her Wow Us Wednesdays party.  Kim gets some pretty awesome entries at her party.  Check out Savvy Southern Style out here.

Linda at Coastal Charm also featured our red buffet table on her Nifty Thrifty Tuesday party.  Linda hosts an outstanding party with lots of cool ideas starting from thrifty finds.  You can visit her party here!

Julia at 551 East Furniture Design also featured our red buffet table at her Favorite Friday Find’s #1 post.  Julia has an adorable sassy personality and her site is packed full of amazing furniture inspiration.  Check out 551 East Furniture Design here!
It’s so uplifting to know that others enjoy and appreciate all our hard work!  Thanx Kim!  Thanx Linda!  Thanx Julia!  You guys rock!
Posted on

Sideboard Buffet in Annie Sloan’s Emperor’s Silk Chalk Paint

Okay – sing it with me now and don’t get mad when that song is stuck in your head the rest of the day.  I found this wooden chest un-noticed in the corner of a resale store partially hidden by other missed treasures and came to it’s rescue shortly before the store went out of business.
2011-06-04_26
It was love at first sight.  I loved the look of all the hardware and the fact that it offered so much storage.  I knew the moment I saw it, it needed new legs and a d2011-06-04_28ash of red.  Of course I had no idea at the time HOW this would be accomplished, I just knew it needed to happen.

These are the kind of thoughts that constantly bounce around in my brain.  I have no control over them, they just enter and take over my mind.

I could hardly wait to get started.  I grabbed my Annie Sloan Emperor’s Silk Chalk Paint and slapped on a thin coat.  Then I found some legs for it.  I stacked boxes under the chest until it was just the right height then held them up against it to get the visual.  I’m weird like that.  Always need the visual.  PERFECT!  Just the look I imagined!

At that point, I was stuck.  How can I add tall legs to a piece?  It sat in my garage patiently waiting while I flew off to Maui for a family reunion.  Cathy waxed it while I was gone and when I returned there she sat, still anticipating her new legs.

I just couldn’t wrap my brain around how to attach those long legs in a way what would provide stability and still be all squared up.  I could have gotten the job done, it just wouldn’t have been done professionally.  Introduce Tim – he’s one of my lifelong friends who just happens to have a God given talent for carpentry.  He also happens to have the coolest, to-die-for, workshop on the planet and is a perfectionist in areas where I have no patience.

He knew immediately the best places to make the cuts and also had the coolest Japanese knife/saw to get it done accurately.  He made it look so easy, but I’m telling you, there’s a skill to it.  He was ready to bop me over the head about ten minutes into it, but we persevered.  Several hours later after meticulously squaring, cutting, drilling, sanding, gluing and clamping…. she had her new legs!

0606P1010065
I touched up the paint and Cathy gave her one final glazing, okay two or three, but she got her done – lol!  Cath also finished off the inside with a cork tack board and fabric liner.  This would be a fabulous addition to any dining room or entry way providing lots of storage for treasured or seasonal items.

We just dropped her off to Not So Shabby and she’s proudly showing off those legs as you walk in the front door.  Come check out our new space!

 

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

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

I miss you dad!

October 1st was my dad’s birthday.  He celebrated his last one in October of 2000.  On May 2nd of the following year, he left his “tinkering” behind and went home to be with Jesus.
Dad was my hero.  When I was little, he’d lay on his back in the living room and, while I was standing on his hands, he’d lift me straight up as high as his arms could stretch so I could see myself in the mirror above the fireplace.  Mom just held her breath.  
He taught me how to ride dirt bikes at Burt Lake and was with me when I caught my first 14” bass at Sandy Pines.  He escaped even the fastest police cars while taking me for a “ride” on Steve’s snowmobile down the middle of main street Byron Center. (shhh – don’t tell anyone!)
He was at the hospital to see our first little girl come into this world but did not live long enough to greet the second.  He would have LOVED her too!
He lived long enough to give me away at my wedding (even though I got married wayyyyy later than we had planned) and long enough to get the whole van-damily down to Florida so he could take us all on one last boat ride three weeks before he passed away.
I miss you dad!  Happy Birthday!!
Love always…. Shelly