When it comes to painting furniture, I often find myself, knee-deep, stuck in my comfort zone. . How about you?

I play it safe, sticking to the same grays, beiges and aquas. I think I need to choose neutrals that will appeal to the most people. But I have to remind myself about the hot pink desk, that Bob sprayed for me. It was adorable, with a matching chair and fabric. Yes, it sold!

This Davenport desk sold quickly, for several reasons. For one, it was such a unique piece of furniture. I also think that people were drawn to the chippy finish. The old Barbara would have added the bonding agent, to avoid the random chippiness, often associated with milk paint. Where did she go?!

A dear customer and friend is in the process of downsizing and she donated this mirror, along with several other pieces to “the cause”! By the way, all free furniture is welcome, at The Treasured Home!

The mirror’s frame has lots of details and a beautiful shape, despite the fact that it’s plastic. With all of the gorgeous detail, I thought that this would be a great candidate for Amy Howard’s Crackle Patina. (Plus, I also figured that if I screwed it up, it wouldn’t prove to be a big loss!) As it turned out, I was really happy with the results.

Application of Crackle Patina: CP is applied over your base coat of paint, using long brush strokes. Avoid going back and forth over the same area. Once the Cracked Patina has dried, apply your second coat of paint (preferably a complimentary color to the first coat of paint), careful to pass over an area only once. You’ll see the product work it’s magic immediately! Amy also showed us a fun trick, using the palm of you hand to pull the paint, making it look worn and old. (I personally wouldn’t use the product over large flat areas, but for small areas , it’s very cool!)

Then I went really wild, and added some Dust of Ages over the waxed and crackled surface.

Application of Dust of Ages: While your waxed surface still feels tacky, (about 5 minutes after applying the wax), dust the area with DOA. Using a brush, “grind” the dust into the wax, using a circular motion. After waiting about 15 minutes, buff the area, with a flat cotton rag. You’ll shine the top surface, while leaving the dust in the crevices.

Of course, I don’t have a picture of the finished mirror, and I’m icing my back, as I type, because I tried to hang it over the jewelry display by myself. You know, i am lifting weights at the gym!

I told Mr. Wonderful, that I need him as my full-time assistant, so he can be there when I clap my hands, but…for some reason, he isn’t up for the job! Go figure!

Anyway, I’m not going down, without a fight. I’m going to keep taking (baby steps) to expand my comfort zone and become a better furniture painter! It’s amazing what you can do, when you just put one foot in front of the other!

There’s no looking back. Do something kind of risky today!