Blankets

I made these two blankets as Christmas presents,

This one was Scottish themed in colour for my brothers girlfriend. Heathers and greens.

This one for my brother in muted greys, and neutrals.

I have more crochet to be getting on with soon. Baby blankets.....just waiting on result of sex.;)

Piano makeover with Annie Sloane paint.

I have always wanted a piano in the house, and this weekend I got one. :)

I bid on an old upright on Ebay. It is primarily for my daughter and I to tinker on. Sadie is having lessons, so good for practise.

Even if nobody tinkers, it just looks lovely in the room, a real focal point.

I had no intention of leaving it in its original state, it wasn't particularly stunning as it came. This was going to be a renovation from the moment I decided I wanted a piano.

It very nearly had to go back on the van, as I have a narrow hallway and there was no way it was going to fit. Husband had to cut half of the cupboard under the stairs away to get it in, whoops!

I knew the look I wanted after researching on the internet, and had discovered Annie Sloane chalk paint. I chose the old white shade as didn't want it to look bright white, I wanted character.This paint is fantastic as it gives a mellow aged look straight away. You don't need to prep the wood at all, apart from a clean down. No sanding or priming whatsoever, which is good because I impatient and lazy.

Make sure you mask up the pedals and keys well before painting.

 The first coat I applied was watered down to the consistency of milky single cream. Then I watered the second coat to double cream.

Here it is after one coat:

Whilst the first coat was drying I painted the piano stool, and a chair that I bought specifically to sit next to the piano. It's a Louis XIV chair, another bargain for £20 on Ebay, these can fetch £100-£200 pounds done up!

Before

The pink had to go, I had bought a black fabric spray paint which at £10 a can is not cheap but cheaper than reupholstering. I sprayed two coats on the fabric. Then got to work painting the woodwork.

Back to the piano!

Here it is after the second coat. Then decorated with lovely things. Whoops my candle fell!

I also recovered the piano stool with a turqouise silk damask remnant also from Ebay, for £3.

I let the paint dry overnight, and waxed the whole piano today with a good coat of clear wax on a clean dry cloth.

If you want a more distressed look you give a light rub down with some fine grit sandpaper on edges before you wax.

Here is the chair, Much better I think.

My back and knees are suffering after doing all that! A labour of love, but worth every bit.

I just  LOVE the end result.  Makes my room look really classy. Just needs to be professionally tuned now.

My little girl loves it!

Now for some tinkering.............