Meet the maker: Annie Sloan
To celebrate the release of her new book I had a chance to sit down with the queen of paint herself, Annie Sloan. I travelled to her immensely inspiring workshop to talk chalk paint, favourite paint techniques and unusual things to paint. Everywhere you look in Annie's studio there are painted pieces of furniture, stencilled walls, rows up on rows of paint brushes, the most amazing table tops covered in paint. Even the toilets cubicles are revamped with chalk paint :) Doesn't the sight of the paint tins below just make you want to paint everything?
Annie's paint are my favourite and I was curious how she started her business and came up with the whole chalk paint concept. I didn't know it had a Dutch tint to it ;) Of course I also had to ask Annie which of her paint colours is her favourite and what would be her ultimate paint project. Have a look at our chat below
Isn't Annie and her workspace super inspiring? I'm definitely going to start painting fabric, using the white wax you see her use in the video and I can't wait to try the paint technique of the yellow chest of drawers. Love how it both looks rustic and industrial at the same time.
The new book is available in book stores around the world from the 22nd of November 2016 but you can already purchase it at Annie Sloan's stockists. Have a look at www.anniesloan.com to see where there is a shop near you. As you can see in the video the book is about more then just painting furniture. Annie shows you projects where she paints fabric, floors, walls and even rope. Learn about printing, stenciling, gilding, transferring images and dyeing fabrics. Find out how to combine colours for different styles and how to tap into your creativity by painting patterns freehand.
The green in the tin above (and on the book cover) is the Antibe tone Annie talks about. I can understand when she says that people say 'what a lovely colours, shame about the Antibe.' It stands out from all the soft tones but it's a great colour to mix with. Or to combine with a pale grey, olive or soft brown for a lovely colour effect. I think I might use it as an accent colour on furniture, paint a whole chair Pure white or Paris grey and have one inside leg Antibe.
Do you use stencils? I love the ones seen below and do really think they will make a comeback. Stencilling was massive in the 90's and I do feel it's due a comeback but in a minimalistic modern way. Stencils are great for adding pattern and especially if you are scared of freehand drawing. How about stencilling fabric to upholster a chair or footstool with? Or the bottom of your curtains or blinds?
How amazing is this sofa?! It's a project in the book and I love how they upholstered the frame. The fabric is Annie's as well, don't think there is anything this woman can't do, and the fraying detail on the hems is just define. Below a snap of a studio wall, new projects in the making?
Do you like painting? What is the weirdest thing you ever painted? For me it must be some of the concrete projects I'm working on or the painted pound shop (thrift store) ornaments from this post.
Do you like my interviews? Who would you like to see me have a chat with? Please let me know. I'll be back next week with a new tutorial, see you then! xx Hester
Photo's and video by Hester van Overbeek, the Meet the Maker Annie Sloan episode first appeared here on www.hestershandmadehome.com
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