Thursday, January 9, 2014

Featured Retailer: The Think Tank


The Think Tank is one of our retailers in New York who say they are the "design team offering new and fun ways to update, renew, build, or rebuild your space!" The team is made up of Sindi and Lisa who since 1981 have been friends and decided to open up their own retail location, a hub that combines their talent and passion for art, design, decoration, and home construction. 
I met them while we were showing at the NYNOW Show in August and was so happy to have them come and train with us in the Fall. They are such creatives and I am excited to share their work with you!
Amy Howard At Home Display
Before and After
Before and After
Before and After: Citron Lacquer
Before and After

55 Railroad Ave
Garnerville, NY 10923
(845) 494-4684

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

How To Lacquer : The Chest

After posting on Monday with the Before and After pictures, I thought it would be helpful to share the process photos as well with instructions to get that great shiny, lacquered finish!


Materials Needed:

• Few pieces of fine sandpaper (grit #400)
• Dust Mask
• Ventilated Area
• Amy Howard At Home Lacquer Primer
• Amy Howard At Home Lacquer Paint


How To Lacquer:

Make sure your piece is clean and clear of any dust or dirt. Just simply wipe it down.
Alex used Simple Green to get rid of the dirt and dust.


Although it is not required, it is recommended that you lightly sand your piece. This will ensure that your finished piece has that sleek, modern lacquered finish.

For this size chest, we used 3 cans of Primer

Using your Amy Howard at Home Lacquer Primer, hold your spray can 8-10 inches away from your piece and spray.

You want to make sure the Primer has 2 solid coats. You should have 2 OPAQUE primer coats. This primer will fill in any ridges in your piece. This primer will also act as a “sealing agent” to ensure that colors from the original piece will not bleed through, like mahogany.

Before you apply the color lacquer, lightly sand the primer layer to soften any edges or smooth out any rough spots. You do not have to sand it profusely, simply sand it a little bit.

I decided we would use Easton Green Lacquer for this chest!

Once your primer coats are completely dry, you may now begin your chosen color coats. Remember, when you begin to spray your color, use your spray directions as if you were using a brush. Pretend you are gliding your paint across the surface at 8-10 inches from the surface.



*Do not forget to lightly sand between each layer of lacquer.

It is recommended that you have 3-4 thin coats compared to a thick 2 coats. A lacquer finish is supposed to look sleek and solid, so you want to build up that lacquer finish. Take your time at applying your coats. It will give you a much prettier finish in the long run.


Once your final lacquer layer is complete and dry, go enjoy your new piece!

The Lacquer is now available online in 17 colors - Be sure to check it out here!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Before and After : Chest

I am excited to share with you the one of the three pieces that we Rescued, Restored, and Redecorated with the At Home products for the Habitat for Humanity's Annual Toolbox Bash. I shared back in the middle of October on the blog, how I was asked to rescue pieces from the Habitat for Humanity's Restore in Memphis. They have an annual event, The Toolbox Bash, where the three furniture pieces were auctioned off.  

All proceeds directly support Habitat’s mission to eliminate substandard housing throughout the city of Memphis and its surrounding areas. Since 2008, the Tool Box Bash has raised more than $165,000 to help local families achieve the American Dream! 
www.memphishabitat.com/toolboxbash

Here is one of the pieces that we choose to restore for the auction.

Chest: Before

I found this chest and absolutely loved its simplicity. I immediately felt it would be great lacquered in the High Performance Spray! I was not sure what color at first but decided that Easton Green would be fun especially for a kids room!


Chest: After






We had such a great time restoring the pieces for the event and I look forward to sharing the other two furniture pieces within the next couple of weeks! 

Friday, January 3, 2014

Decorating with Bonsai

While I was in NY at the Green Flea Market, I went by a vendor who was selling Bonsai. I was drawn to the different sizes and textures of the plants. They are a great way to bring greenery into your home. 

Bonsai is defined as a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers. The tradition dates back over a thousand years. 




Thursday, January 2, 2014

Featured Retailer: Merlot & VanGogh

Our Featured Retailer this week is Merlot & VanGogh in North Carolina. At the retail location, they offer furniture painting workshops for you to attend! Their calendar for events is available on their website including gilding classes, One Step Paint classes, Zinc, Antique Mirror, and others.

Amy Howard At Home Product Display
Before
AFTER: Lacquered in Begonia

BEFORE
AFTER!!


They offer a relaxed and inviting environment where you learn to paint your own piece! It is the perfect place to let your inner creativity shine!

Merlot & VanGogh
1130 Burke Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 745-8090
www.merlotandvangoghnc.com
www.facebook.com/MerlotandVanGogh

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Before and After: One Step Paint

I love to share with you before and after pieces that our retailers share with us! Below are two furniture pieces that were rescued and restored with the At Home One Step Paint. 

The dresser was finished with the French Blue and Luxe Grey. 

 The Chest: Before
The Chest: After
The red console table was painted with the Shaw Red, and the light and dark waxes.
The Console: Before
The Console: After



Both finished pieces look great!!