My latest Painter in Residence: Jonathon Marc Mendes!

I am beyond thrilled to announce that my latest Painter in Residence: Jonathon Marc Mendes!

Based in Lincolnshire, UK, I am sure that lots of you know his work, which he shares over on his Facebook page, Jonathon Marc Mendes - Painted Love. Over the years, I have loved seeing his confidence in his own ability grow, and here you can see just a few of the projects that I have enjoyed seeing from him recently.

Jonathan is a supremely talented painter whose work spans many different styles, and is at once both steeped in history and yet utterly suited to modern interiors.

The work that he has created as my Painter in Residence is unlike any of his work that I have seen previously. I cannot wait to share the projects with you, the first which will be revealed very, very soon!

Keep an eye out on my Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page: @anniesloanhome to keep up to date with my Painters in Residence!

Yours,

Annie

The final projects from my Painter in Residence, Hanayuishi Takaya

As his residency draws to a close, I wanted to share some more images from my Painter in Residence Hanayuishi Takaya in Japan.

I've adored having him as my Painter in Residence – his artistry is unlike anything I have seen before. The Cube Headdresses above have been so beautifully crafted. I love how the painted cubes look like they are precariously tumbling. Mr Takaya hand painted each side of each cube in a different Chalk Paint® colour. The end result is whimsical, sweet and full of quirky character.

He replicated this effect in the image below where he painted squares of colour on the wall, making the perfect backdrop for his floral work.

So, a final thank you to the incredible Mr. Takaya and his fabulous work with my paint and products. In case you missed them, do also take a look at at his other painted projects: his Floral Furniture Headdresses and Man with Koi.

I will be announcing my next Painter in Residence very soon. Watch this space and do make sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more!

Yours,

Annie


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How to use my Stencil Collection to create pattern

I created the designs in my Stencil Collection to be diverse in style and to work perfectly as on their own, as well as together. I love creating new unique patterns by overlapping one, two or three different stencils. This overprinting is one of my favourite techniques – and today I’m sharing my top tips on how to get a cohesive look (hint – it’s all about colour!)

Stencilled school desk

I always let the shape and style of furniture guide me when it comes to adding a design or creating a pattern. The inspiration for the vintage school desk came from the graffitied desks that we can all remember from schools. I replaced the graffiti with my stencils and ran with the idea, using every single one of the stencils in my collection on this one desk! To counteract the busyness of the pattern, I kept to a simple monochrome colour palette, using Chalk Paint® in Paris Grey as the base colour and Old White for the stencils. To give the piece a lift of colour, I added pops of Barcelona Orange and Provence. I finished with a coat of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax which keeps it wipeable (and resistant to any real life graffiti)! The end result is fun, a little cheeky and full of creativity.

Tip: Don’t worry about things getting too overcrowded here. If things start to look cluttered, you can paint over any areas that you aren't happy with.

If I’m using just one stencil but want to create an interesting, overlapping pattern I turn my focus to the colours I’ll be using. I will use a base colour, mid tone and lighter shade. This is so there is enough variation between the colours for the pattern to be seen without getting lost.

In the image above, you can see a pattern I created by overprinting with my Petrushka Stencil. The pattern is loose and random, but the colours are carefully thought through. Here, I chose Antoinette as the background, and then used Aubusson Blue and Barcelona Orange, blending them together in areas and then lightening them with a little Old White.

If you want to see my overlapping stencil technique in action, take a look at my YouTube stencil tutorial here.

My philosophy is very much of a free style of working which is why I love playing with stencils. I don’t like things to be too measured, or precise, and I certainly don’t want to get so bogged down in details that I can’t see when something is right just as it is. The devil may be in the detail, but sometimes you have to rip up the rule book and enjoy finding out where it can take you!

As ever, please share your pictures or tweet your pictures using #anniesloan and make sure you follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @anniesloanhome

Yours,

Annie

Gilded Trunk

I'm so excited finally to introduce my new Gilding Wax. I have lots of inspiring projects to share with you that feature the wax – and I can't wait to see how you use this new product, too!

My Gilding Wax comes in five colours: Warm Gold, Bright Gold, Dark Silver, Bright Silver and Copper. Whatever colour you choose, the wax is perfect for bringing out carvings and details on furniture – or even for doing something a little more adventurous, just like this painted trunk!

This project comes from my son, Felix, who works with me at Annie Sloan HQ and is the co-author on my book 'Room Recipes for Style and Colour'. He transformed this old chest with Chalk Paint® and three Gilding Wax colours. I love the contrast between the Gilding Wax and the rich blues he painted on the chest. The overall look is modern and bohemian.

If you'd like to try this project at home, you will need: 

Chalk Paint® in Aubusson Blue, Florence and Graphite 

Clear Chalk Paint® Wax

Annie Sloan Gilding Wax in Bright Gold, Warm Gold, and Copper

Annie Sloan Pure Bristle Brush
Annie Sloan Wax Brush

Masking Tape

Newspaper

Step One – Using a Pure Bristle Brush, paint your trunk in Aubusson Blue all over, moving the brush in every direction to create a textured finish.  

Step Two – Once the paint has dried, use my frottage technique to create a distressed look. Mix water with Graphite to around the quantity of single cream. Moving quickly, paint an area with this wash and then before it has dried, place a crumpled piece of newspaper over the top. Gently remove the newspaper to reveal the patterned paintwork underneath. Repeat all over the piece. Paint little squares in Florence on the bottom corners of the trunk.

Step Three – Once you are happy with the paint finish, apply a quick coat of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax all over.

Step Four – Use masking tape to mark out your design for gilding. Make sure to gently place the tape down so as to not remove any of your lovely paintwork when you peel it back! 

Step Five – Apply Gilding Wax using a wax brush, working the wax in as you go. You want to create movement in the finish so apply all three wax colours unevenly, highlighting different areas with Copper in some places or Bright Gold in another. Don't be afraid if some of the blue paintwork shows through, you want the overall look to feel aged and distressed. If you have brushed any Gilding Wax in a place you didn't want it to appear, you can use Clear Chalk Paint® Wax as an eraser, applying it over the top and rubbing the excess away.

Step Six – Once the Gilding Wax has dried, carefully remove the masking tape. And there you have it! If you want you extra shine, you can also give the whole surface a light buff the next day.

Has this inspired you to use my Gilding Wax? What will be your first project with this new product? Let me know by using the hashtag #AnnieSloanGildingWaxes and tagging me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @anniesloanhome

Yours,

Annie

#25 Project Transformation 6: South Africa!

Three little ones enjoying their new crèche! 

Welcome to the first #25Project transformation of 2017! I can't think of a better project to start off the new year with than this one from South Africa.

Intandokazi crèche in the Nkobongo Township was in desperate need of attention when it was nominated for a transformation. Even though owner Dudu had made every effort to create a safe and fun learning space for the 92 children in her care, the crèche was still in a sorry state. What did shine through the photos I saw was the love Dudu has for each of the little ones that arrived day after day, so it's just perfect that a place that means 'most loved' has been given a new lease of life thanks to the work of over 50 incredible volunteers – and a whole lot of paint!

The incredibly humble and hardworking Dudu behind her favourite Barcelona Orange door

The crèche before the transformation

Although filled with love, the space was in dire need of attention. 

The space before.

The transformation begins! Along with the local community and local counsellors, the team was joined by stockists, customers and distributors from all over South Africa.

I love how joyful and colourful these photos are!

The incredible volunteers get started.

Bright and bold colours bring cheer and joy! 

The place is ready! Those colourful hooks were once workshop boards from a stockist of mine.

All the children and staff from the crèche in front of the amazing mural the volunteers painted.

The amount of work put in by the army of volunteers has been staggering. Inside and out has been completely remodelled, with walls knocked down, insulation installed, new floors, doors and windows, and even a new roof! It just goes to show that with just a little kindness, a whole world can be transformed.

Not only that, but this is just the beginning for this little crèche. There are big plans afoot to create a new playground, improve the sanitation and water facilities plus much, much more. I personally want to thank each and every person involved, and cannot wait to keep up with all the ongoing work that Dudu has planned! 

Yours,

Annie