A Painterly Stool and a Giveaway

This painterly stool is a fun project for the novice painter or the pro.

I don’t think it comes as a surprise to any of you that I LOVE to paint. If it’s sitting still for too long I’ll probably paint it….

This sweet painterly stool is such a fun way to upcycle and includes 3 tutorials in 1! On top of that I have a super fun giveaway – a BOX OF CREATIVITY for one lucky reader. More details at the end of this post!

This post is sponsored by Saltwash. I’m a brand ambassador for the product, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I’ve also included a few affiliate links in this post. 

A little Saltwash goes a long way and you can create this look with a small splash can. You can click  here to get a special offer on it.

A Painterly Stool

Okay, you probably want to see the “before” which wasn’t bad but thought something a little cuter would be nice in my studio.

I like the rust detail, but I also felt like the top was just too yellow.

Chalk Paint® and Saltwash® Powder to the rescue!

How to Create a Textured Paint

For the body of the stool I wanted it to feel like splatter paint but controlled. This is a perfect first time affect because there’s no “wrong” way to do it. It’s a matter of building up the paint layers and colors and adding texture. Here’s a look at the “after”:

To create this look, I used many different paint colors. I would just pick your favorites, or what you have on hand.

I used Napoleonic Blue, Greek Blue, Duck Egg Blue, Florence, Paris Grey, and Lem Lem. You don’t need to use these colors but can use whatever you prefer. Start by layering the paint onto the stool.

Then mix some Saltwash Powder into your paints, this gives your paint more texture.

It started to remind me of Monet’s Water Lillies. All these pretty colors swirling together. I added more white paint that had lots of Saltwash in it.

Once you’re happy with the look allow this paint to dry. Once dry I used some sandpaper to knock off some of the paint and expose the green underneath.

How to Create Faux Rust with Paint

I loved the rusty bits of this stool so much that I thought I’d make them a feature and added even more with some paint and Saltwash. The above is actually all paint 😉

To create a faux rust look, you’ll need Barcelona Orange, Graphite and Primer Red. I also used copper paint that came in a kit. You can see the colors and similar technique I used for my faux earthenware vase.

You want to layer the colors and the Saltwash together to create the uneven look of rust. I love using cheap chip brushes as they give the right texture and consistency when stippled. If you look at actual rust you’ll see so many colors in one area. The paint colors will blend on the stool or piece of furniture and make new colors. I love watching this happen. It completely transforms before one’s eye. Here’s my faux rust while it was still wet:

Allow the paint to dry.

This now leaves the top. Da da da Dum!

How to Lime Wash

I wanted a very weathered look for this stool. I sanded the top with my palm sander and cleaned the sanding dust away.

Then I tinted Annie Sloan Clear Wax with Pure Chalk Paint.

You don’t need tons of paint to tint your wax. A small amount goes a long way.

Thoroughly mix together the paint and clear wax. Using waxing brush apply your tinted wax and wipe away the excess. Do NOT wipe all the wax off or there won’t be any left on the stool.

Here’s how it looked just after:

Once the wax cured I lightly sanded it to give it a more rustic “found” look.

To make the base of your stool more durable you may want to add a clear top coat. Annie Sloan now makes one in matte and gloss.

Here’s how the stool came out:

I took some photos down in m my basement studio:

Those canvases were done with Saltwash. You can see the tutorial for the workbench here.

The lighting is much better up in the sunroom where I took a few more photos:

Max was wondering what all the fuss was about. Ha! Ha!

Saltwash is so versatile. You can create so many looks with it, including this faux verdigris as seen on the compass rose. You can see more ideas with Saltwash here.

January is s a great time to tackle new projects and try new things, with that in mind I’ve teamed up with my friends at Saltwash for a really fun giveaway. I’m really, really excited about it!

The Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a prize package with a retail value of $100!

The package includes:

“Saltwash Faux Effects Kit”; which contains the flipbook, a medium 10oz can, 2 paint brushes , stir stick and mixing cup

The flip book is filled with gorgeous full color picture and how to’s.

My 150 page eBook & Facebook Group

Sun Print Note Card Set

Hand painted Watercolor Hearts – Perfect for Valentines Crafts

Along with a few other “surprises”!

Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 4th. Winner will be announced on this post once the giveaway closes and will be selected by random. Entries limited to residents of the United States.

To Enter the giveaway follow the prompts in the Rafflecopter entry below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can’t wait to to hear what you think about the painterly stool and the giveaway!