Brocante Home : October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

November Chalk Paint™ Workshop Schedule

Join us for our next series of:

Chalk Paint™ Workshops

Discover the versatility of Chalk Paint™ decorative paint by Annie Sloan

- the gorgeous color range,

- the ease of application, and

- proper finishing with waxes for a soft, beautiful, durable finish.

This amazing paint requires no stripping, sanding, or priming – simply clean and start painting!

This is a hands on workshop where you will learn:

Basic Chalk Paint™ Application

Two Color Layering and Distressing

Modern Finish / Rustic Finish

Color Washes and Glazes

Crackle Techniques

Application of both Clear and Dark Wax

Secret of Buffing

There’s no need to bring anything with you – just all your ideas and plans. The workshops are suitable for beginners, as well as those who have already painted and simply want to refine their techniques.

Workshops are scheduled for:

Thursday, 11/8 from 1pm to 3pm

Thursday, 11/15 from 1pm to 3pm

Cost is $75 - to register, CLICK HERE, call me or stop by the shop before the workshop.

To read more from Brocante Home Collection, just click.

Au Revoir!

Rachel

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WEB: The Brocante Home Collection

HOURS:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4

Phone: 804-438-6404 Email: brocantehome@me.com

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Chalk Paint™ Tutorial - Paint & Wax Brushes

I recently started using the Chalk Paint™ Brushes by Annie Sloan and I must say that they are amazing!

Chalk Paint™ Brush

They come in three different sizes - small, medium and large. The large is terrific if you are painting large pieces such as dressers or credenzas; but for most jobs, the small and medium are a MUST. They are not inexpensive, but worth every penny if you plan to paint a lot. They will last you a lifetime.

Chalk Paint™ Brushes

First of all, they are natural boar bristle. Don't you use synthetic brushes with a water based paint? Well, we actually want the bristles to swell when dipped in the paint so that they will hold more paint and will glide on the surface leaving little or no brush marks. (You can add texture if you like by moving the brush around the surface.)

Clean up is simple. Just rinse in soap - good old-fashioned lye soap works wonders - and water is all you need. You can even rinse them in hair conditioner for extra softness. (No need to condition them if you use the Gentle Lye Soap, available at the shop.)

Since buying the Chalk Paint™ brushes, they have quickly become my "go to" brush for every paint project.

Traditional Paint Brushes

But, if you aren't committed to them yet, we also sell excellent more traditional natural bristle brushes.

Ultimate Wax Brush

We also recommend use of the Ultimate Wax Brush for applying both Clear and Dark Wax. You can use a soft cloth, but will find that with the brush you will be able to get into every nook and cranny and won't be using as much wax.

The brush just gets the job done faster and better. It is well worth the investment as you will use them forever. (You will need one brush each for the clear and dark wax.) Keep clean with a little no-odor mineral spirits or my favorite, Gentle Lye Soap, and they will last a lifetime.

Au Revoir!

Rachel

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Market Update

Frank and I just returned from the High Point Furniture Show and were we wowed!!

We found some great new vendors and were not disappointed with our standbys.

Our favorite new designer, hands down, was Amy Howard. We loved the way she has updated the "Belgium/French" look that we love at BHC!

We also loved the finishes by Bushin, a smaller manufacturer in NC. Love, love, love the finishes on their pieces.

Another new favorite was French Heritage, bien sûr, who are taking French furniture to the limits!

If you love a little more modern look, then Design Legacy was our choice. Wow!

And, BoBo did not disappoint! They have a way with collections....

Can't wait to have some new items in the shop to show you. I'm also working hard at re-creating some finishes for my own pieces.

To see more of the High Point Collections, CLICK HERE.

P.S. - New curtain designs and fabrics are coming for those who love our linen curtain panels. And, don't despair, we have some FABULOUS lamps coming soon!

Au Revoir!

Rachel

To see more of: The Brocante Home Collection

To subscribe to our blog: Brocante Home Collection Blog

Hours:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4

Phone: 804-438-6404 Email: brocantehome@me.com

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Charity Begins at Home....

While Frank and I are at the Furniture Show, I've asked "Greta" to write my blog....

Today is National Feral Cat Day

To help out the wonderful organization that has made such a difference in the lives of cats, Brocante Home Collection will donate 10% of our profits this weekend to Alley Cat Allies.

Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats.

By establishing and promoting standards of care, such as the Trap-Neuter-Return program, their organization has brought humane treatment of cats into the national spotlight. In 20 short years, they've changed America to better understand and respect the lives of cats.

Won't you help them too?

To make a charitable donation to Alley Cat Allies,

CLICK HERE.