Deep Thoughts Monday

Gratitude....apparently it's not for sale.

It seems that every holiday had become a mass vehicle for shopping and spending, decorating and parties. Be it Easter or Valentines, Halloween and definitely Christmas, my kids are always coming home with an invitation, goodie bag or some other treat, in celebration of that said holiday. Now you have Halloween decorations for sale in August and Christmas rolls out the day after Halloween...if not sooner.

Which brings me to Thanksgiving....apparently the one holiday we somehow haven't figured out a way to pimp out for cash. What is it about this holiday that keeps it somewhat sacred? You would think it would be Christmas or even Easter, given their religious significance (for some at least). But no...Thanksgiving is our one untouched holiday. I guess the simple message of Thanksgiving keeps it pure. After all, you won't find gratitude for sale.

The simplicity of the tradition, family and friends gathering for the same meal in celebration of all that they do have and are thankful for. Hmmmmm, this is a tough one to market. What more do you need? And here's the kicker...the less you have, sometimes the more grateful you'll feel. Because Thanksgiving is the holiday that makes you take pause and say, "I'm so grateful for...." And there is always something to fill in that blank.

Whether your family dines on fine china or paper plates, your turkey is farm raised and hormone free or a good ol' butterball pumped full of nitrates and salt (which I might add, make it mighty tasty). I'm sure that you will sit down and feel grateful for all that has been laid before you. I know I will.

Like Butta'

I think I'm in love. Is it possible to think a wax is....sexy?

Ok, I know, I have some explaining to do here. Since my Bestie Gen is a retailer of MMS Milk Paint, I of course bought the entire line of paint along with all its finishing products. I'm having a great time getting to know the best way to use the products and experimenting with the colors and techniques that are unique to milk paint. But I have to say that I already know that I'm sort of head over heals for the furniture wax that is included with this line.

This wax....hmmmmmm, it's like butta'! It's sumptuous, it's sexy. Since this is a natural beeswax based product, it smells great and has a silky smooth consistency. It's fast and easy to apply and it buffs to a beautiful natural finish. I find myself stroking my furniture....I think my husband might be jealous.

MMS furniture wax works great over milk paint, but I'm loving it over Annie Sloan Chalk Paint as well. If you've found paste wax to be tricky and sticky, this is such a no-brainer to use.

I just finished waxing a dinning room table with the stuff...so I think I'll light a cigarette and bask in the afterglow. Just kidding....well about the cigarette at least.

Poetic waxing

Something I've learned along the way with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, is that it must be waxed to finish and seal the paint. The ASCP wax is good quality and worth the investment, but if you'd rather stick with a brand you already have...that's fine too.

My best tips for ASCP wax are as follows:

Apply a thin layer evenly with a paint brush of your choosing

I like to buy cheap brushes that I can toss without guilt after a few applications...because I'm lazy and don't like to wash my brushes. If you are a better steward of the Earth and your finances than I, my best tip for cleaning is to rub some vegetable oil into the bristles of your brush to loosen the wax then wash with warm soapy water.

Let the wax cure for at least 24 hours before buffing

I like to wax pieces at night and since my stuff is for resale, buff them at the shop once they have been transported. That way you avoid scratches and dings in the finish.  If you don't allow the wax to cure, it will be sticky and you won't be able to bring it to a shine.

Use ASCP dark wax sparingly!!!!

I love the effect the dark wax can give to a piece, but it can go all wrong very, very fast!!!! For the best results, apply a thin layer of clear wax first, then gingerly dab the dark wax onto the areas that you would like to have a more aged appearance, then work it in with a dry brush. If you put too much dark wax on, work the area with a brush with clear wax on it...this can help knock down the dark. On rare occasions I do apply dark wax over an entire piece...but only when using a dark ASCP color such as Graphite. Since the dark wax is meant to give an aged appearance to a piece, be thoughtful about where you might see an authentic wear pattern or darkening on an antique piece. For instance, in the cracks and grooves of details or around the handles or corners. DO NOT take your brush and make skid marks across your lovely furniture!

Pre wax

Pre wax

This is literally how much wax I put on my brush...just specks on the outer edges.

You can see here that I put hardly any wax on my brush...a little goes a long way!

                I like to stipple the dark wax around a small area and then work it in with my brush.

Work in the wax and try to get it in the nooks and crannies of the piece. BTW...this isn't one of the fore mentioned cheap brushes...I did splurge for this waxing brush. Honestly, it's not that much better than the cheap ones, in my opinion. However, the cheapies shed bristles which you have to then pick out of  the wax. This one just happened to be clean.

 

Here is the dark wax worked in. You can see that it gives the piece a more aged patina.

Up close you can see the way the wax sits in the nooks and crannies...hmmmmmmm
      all this nook and crannie talk is making me crave and English Muffin.

And finally...here she is waxed and ready to go to French Hen. Against the brick wall, this looks a little like a furniture mug shot...but oh well.