Saturday 9 March 2013

Changed my mind! New color!

A month ago, I painted my lamp base from natural wood to green. Well, although I liked the result, I finally decided that it didn't go with the rest of the decor. (I was really eager to use the Olive!)


So, since I bought more ASCP in Graphite, I went ahead and repainted it. I literally just went over it again, even if I had previously applied soft wax. It gave me no problem.

See? I think it fits in better!
By the way, see the blue and white table. I will have to post the before pictures! I had so much fun repainting that piece!! I promise I'll post it soon.

 

Mixing chalk paint- it's so easy!

When deciding what color to paint this little bookshelf, I needed to think about where I wanted it. I don't know why I keep putting all the new pieces in the living room.

             
But I think I that's where it belongs right now! I didn't want to use all green as it might be too much and frankly I was getting a bit restless with just using the old white even though it was tempting to make it the same color as the little round table. I guess I'm just am not very consistent. but I am not that adventurous either so I decided to mix the old white with the Olive to reach a compromise in my mind. Why not, right?

So, I started with more white than green. Here is what it looks like after the first "slap-on". Although I'm sure with an original color that is lighter, I wouldn't need two coats but with the dark color underneath, one coat really isn't enough.
              

Then from an inspiration in the Annie Sloan's book entitled: " Annie Sloan Quick and Easy Paint Transformations, I wanted to try highlighting the trims in a darker color. So I dipped one side of the brush in the Olive and went heavy with it on the trims.
I knew in the back of mind that some dark wax would look great on the trims too. Once the paint was dry, I brushed on a coat of clear wax and just went around the trims with some dark wax and then some more clear wax to mix it all in. I put it on where I just felt like it would look good and made sure to put some on the drawer handle (I painted over the original handle). 

So here are a couple of snapshots of the finished bookshelf! I was really proud of it and more importantly, it matched my decor after all! Yay!

Lesson? Old White is super versatile and I will not hesitate to mix it with other ASCP colors! I really love the flexibility...and I'm loving how I'm getting so much mileage out of the ONE can of paint. All smiles.

Saturday 2 March 2013

Finding creativity in work

I haven't had a chance to paint or draw and do any soul-enlightening projects ( I would even consider re-organizing my closet as one). In fact, I have been immersed in a work project.

I work with systems and computers- not very enchanting to most nor to me. However, just because we are dealing with cold objects doesn't mean we have to approach it with coldness.

For instance, my project is named "Symphony". Doesn't it invoke an image of everyone working together in harmony? Like in an orchestra, the piece will only be good if everyone works together. I may be called a "Project Manager" and yes, it may be just a title but I don't have to fit myself to it. I know this may sound silly, but often we are "categorized" and we end up behaving as expected. It can be unbelievably stifling. So instead, in my mind, I'm the person who is moving the sticks in rhythm.

Other things I like to do is to explore different templates and tools that are freely provided on the Internet. I'm talking as simple as a word template that you can use to do something you need to everyday but maybe a little differently, a little more esthetically pleasing. Find ways to make your work pleasant. For example, instead of using Outlook to track my tasks (sure, it works fine), I use a tool called XMIND. They have different charts to help me stay organized and I feel good using them. Or I change up my font and my signature in my emails and it makes me dread writing emails as much for a little while.

One important thing that everyone should do is clean and de-clutter your surroundings. Not only is that Feng-Shui approved but its just renews your energy. Treat yourself to a new pen. Yep, as simple as that.

Now I can't wait to go back Monday morning and do just that. Hope you can find ways to make work pleasant, in your mind and in your space!