I've had such a "grand" time the last three weeks.....

It's really hard to get back in the grove of things since I've returned from the North West. Not only have I had Annie Sloan Workshops to tend to, I've had to catch up with paper work, UGH, ship out lots of Chalk Paint orders, see all my friends, spend a "little" time with my understanding husband, play with my 8 year old granddaughter that drove back with me and learned how to read a map (better than hearing, are we there yet?) organize my work room to get ready for more workshops, support the Southern California Mini-Stockists needs, I've had to continue planning other events that are right around the corner.

The first thing I want to post is a Smilebox from the Retreat Vintage Market on Camano Island that I hosted with The Bella Bungalow from Arlington, WA. In case I haven't told you, Kellyanne, one of the Bungalow girls is really my daughter. I guess Chalk Paint doesn't fall far from the tree. We had a grand time and met so many wonderful people, customers, blog followers and vendors. Thank you Bob and Debbie for inviting us to be a part of such a wonderful event.

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If you think participating in these events is easy, think again.....it takes a whole day to set up and then the
adrenalin kicks for the event itself and before you know it, it's time to tear down and pack up.  You are really lucky if you get to visit any booth outside of your own.  I love doing them though and I really had fun working with my daughter and Kim as well as getting the word out about our "magical" products.

On my way up to the NW I stopped in Portland and invaded all the wonderful "salvage" places as well as Good Wills....fun!  Before I made it to Seattle I stopped in Gig Harbor to train Diane Ryan, a Stockist for the Washington Peninsula area.  Welcome Diane, and thank you for your hospitality.

Diane Ryan, The Design Cottage in Gig Harbor

After Gig Harbor I made my way through Seattle rush hour traffic to Arlington where I not only participated in the Retreat event with Kellyanne and Kim but I was lucky enough to spend four wonderful days with 7 off my grandchildren and of course my son Marc and daughter-inlaw Amy. A much needed time for togetherness.

I then made my way to Spokane to train Nancy Jones of Artworks Spokane Eastern Washington Stockist and her staff and customers. I had such a great time getting to know Nancy....in fact I not just met her but that same evening I got to be her date on an Anniversary cruise for her friends on Lake Couere d' Alene. Thank you Nancy for being such a gracious hostess and welcoming me into your home as well as introducing me to great people.
Nancy's studio is so beautiful and over whelming, I didn't know where to look but I did know how to appreciate the talent Nancy has been blessed with and her great staff blessed with talent themselves.

Nancy Jones, students and staff

Lobby of ArtWorksSpokane....notice the floor

My favorite wall application

How would one choose....they were all beautiful and if you couldn't find it on display, they would make it just for you.

Look at this beautiful island, Duck Egg Blue, natural wood distressed and dry brushed along with a custom concrete topper.  WOW!  Great Job.

I made it back on the 4th of July in time for the fireworks and a bar-b-q with good friends.

I had a fun time organizing my workroom this week too.....it's only taken one month to do so.
I also had fun teaching my 8 year old granddaughter Kambriella the different
Annie Sloan techniques....who says "kids can't paint too"....she was so awesome that I invited her new friend Riley to come paint too.....they are hooked and already asking when they can come back to paint.  I think more childrens classes are going to be scheduled....I had fun too.

Kambriella creating her first stencil

She loved Provence - so into her own creation

She is my granddaughter....loves all the blues....Aubusson Blue on a chair leg

Riley and "Ella" painting flower pots

Yesterday Debbie Cooper, Mini-Stockist from Anaheim Hills/Orange Co. held her first all day six technique Annie Sloan  workshop.
Wonderful students and I commend Debbie for being a wonderful teacher and Mini-Stockist...I am proud as punch to have her as part of Southern California's team.

Paint was a flying and new friendships made

Now I was going to let Debbie take a bow about the ingenious way she poured the
paint.....it was brilliant. Who else but a family  owned medical supply warehouse member would have come up with "injecting" the paint onto the trays. I bought several myself for future workshops...not a drop of paint is wasted.

 Debbie Cooper/Anaheim Hills - Brilliant application....and take a look at the apron made out of a drop cloth that Debbie markets too.

I won't go on much longer here.....thank you for letting me share.  I will be posting more about the
upcoming events...like the Paint 'n' Wine Workshop taking place in Sonoma on the 27th, the
Chair Affair before and after contest pictures due to me on the 25th, the winner getting one pot of
paint for 12 months...what a prize.  Also I will post all the So. California
Mini-Stockists and their upcoming workshops, as well as some advanced classes I will be offering at  my workroom in Canyon Lake.
Also....the UK flea market trip scheduled for September 20 -29th still has a few openings, so please
go to my website if you are interested.

So. California Mini-Stockists, Margee/Rose Bowl Flea Market/Palm Springs; Andrea /Riverside; Susan/San Diego;Barbara/Malibu and Jill/San Clemente

Kari/Encinitas/Solana Beach

WHAT AN AWESOME SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TEAM! Wahoooooooooooo!  I will post all of their contact information on my website by the middle of the week.

It's time for some shut eye now.....I have a big week ahead of me and I don't see it slowing down much until I get back from the UK in September.  Do I mind......no I don't, I LOVE what I'm doing and I LOVE being a part of Annie Sloans Chalk Paint family.

Oh....I have a winner in the 12x12 contest....I shall be contacting you for your "prize".