Monday, October 21, 2013

Bread Box Charging Station

I finally took the plunge. I went to an Annie Sloan Chalk Paint class and came out of it in love. I wanted to buy one can of every color but instead I had to settle on getting one (it was stressful trying decide what color! ) and a can of wax. This stuff is fabulous, beautiful, fun to work with, and I can't wait to try it out on a big piece of furniture! ( Disclaimer - I am not being paid to say this).

That said, I don't have a large piece of furniture to paint right now. So, I looked through my pending projects and decided to start on this:


A nice big bread box I got at GW (Don't remember the exact cost but it wasn't much)

I wanted to make a charging station and thought this one would be the right size.I had cleaned it with Mineral Spirits as it was gummy from ??  I also gave it a light sanding and primed it with Zinsser primer - all before the ASCP workshop. If I'd only known that paint doesn't need a primer coat, I could have saved myself a step. Ah well, it's doubly protected now.

It had an inset:

which I hacked out  removed. I  cut out a piece of thin plywood to fit and then painted with chalkboard paint.


I painted  2 coats of Chateau Grey (the color I finally settled on) on the box, letting each dry then lightly distressed it. Next, I applied clear wax then dark wax. Nice! I'm liking how the dark wax antiques the piece.


I "seasoned" the chalkboard inset with chalk, then glued it in place. Next I took twine and glued it around the edge and wrote my message on the label.


On the back of the breadbox, I cut out a hole big enough for the cords to go through and sanded those edges to remove any rough parts.


For the interior, I cut a piece of foam board to size and covered it with a leftover piece of fabric I had, gluing the edges to the back of the board then put it inside. (It fit snuggly so I didn't have to do anything to it.)

I love how it turned out.The color goes perfectly with my kitchen and it is big enough for my iPad and phone. Plus it helps keep the counter clear of clutter.


It was fun learning the different techniques with the Chalk Paint. I am waiting for the store to get in their sample cans of paint so I can try out some of the other colors. In the meantime, I am looking for something else to paint...hmmm. Maybe my dining table bench or ? Watch out furniture! I've got paint and I'm not afraid to use it!! bwahahaha....
Come join the parties - I'm linking up here this week:
Flusters-creative-muster-linky-party-44
Lavender Garden Cottage Cottage-style-party

Have a great week!
Cecilia

16 comments:

  1. What was so special about the paint that you needed to go to class? Was it worth it? I've been thinking about chalk paint all summer... ever thought about making your own?

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    1. The class showed techniques in using the paint - dry-brushing, antiquing, color-washing...I do think it was a little overpriced. I did learn some interesting things though. It was fun and the paint is great to work with. I do like the ASCP and will use it as I can buy it. It's expensive but it does go a long way.
      I have made my own before and will probably continue to do so as I can use up paint I already have. It's not as smooth but works well enough.

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    2. This is Vanessa btw... I'm bunzie because I market Butter Braid bread... bread... buns... bunzie. My kids informed me that WILL NOT be my Grandma name. :)
      I have a french provencial hutch in butterscotch. I have always, always hated the color it was. I've always wanted to white wash/antique it... been thinking about it for about 8 years, but something always happens the summer I plan to do it. I think this coming summer will be the one! Or I want to paint it turquoise blue, but I think I would get tired of it. Idk... I'll keep thinking about what color. :)
      I love your blog. I'm so glad you have a creative outlet! The dogs look like they ALWAYS have fun out there. :) BC's and young boys can't stay away from puddles. :)

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    3. Well hey Vanessa. Go for it! They have a beautiful turquoise paint color or a softer aqua-y blue called Duck egg. Both beautiful. The dark wax really tones down the color in a good way. If you hate the color then you should redo it. Better than hating it.
      The dogs do love the muddy puddles. They crack me up. They love the farm - get excited when we tell them we're going!

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  2. Genius!!!!! These bread boxes are everywhere and now another way of using them! thanks Cecilia!

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    1. Glad you like it, Vel! I've had it awhile. Guess I was saving it for the right inspiration. :)

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  3. Such a good idea and nice way to keep your countertops organized! I still haven't taken the chalk paint plunge but I love how it looks.

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    1. Hi Khammany,
      I finally had a weekend I was in town and they were having a workshop (and actually had openings!) I did learn some pretty cool things.
      Thanks for the compliment! :)

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  4. Cecilia - That really turned out great. You WERE smart to prime it first anyway. I have found that the darker colors often bleed through Annie Sloan chalk paint and it takes more coats to cover. That is a great use for that old bread box- xo Diana

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    1. Thank you, Diana. I figure priming is never wasted and usually regretted if skipped. Thanks for the info about the chalk paint and dark colors - good to know!

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  5. What a brilliant use for the bread box! It turned out so pretty, and I love the little chalkboard with the cording around it. Well done! laurie

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    1. Thanks, Laurie! It has worked out really well. The chalkboard is my favorite touch. :)
      Cecilia

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  6. Uh oh! Me thinketh we are gonna have an ASCP monster on our hands! ;)

    Even though it's fairly expensive, it's actually an excellent value. A little goes a long way.

    Having a charging station is such a great idea. When we moved into the rental in December, we installed a shelf on top of the washer/dryer and it was one of the best things we could have done. We use it for charging our phones/iPad, mail, bills, etc. I know you're going to make great use of your recent project Cecilia and it came out great!

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    1. Lol yep! I love that stuff! And you're right, Doreen! A little goes a long way. I barely used any from my can.

      I think it's a good idea to have a spot to put this stuff...yours sounds like it works great!

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  7. What a fantastic idea!....it turned out so beautiful...and welcome to the "addicted to chalk paint" gang!...

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    1. Haha, I just found out the store I took the workshop in, won't have sample cans until January. I'm about to break down and go buy one more color anyway. Thank you for dropping by!

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