Very busy with the new tea lounge, painting brocante finds, finishing the shop cabinets and bookshelf. Using acrylics, chalkpaint, mineral paint, decoupage papers and braid to finish edges.

I use a dry brush technique to build up layers to give a worn, soft look. It saves on paint too. I then use coloured wax or gilt powder to pick out details.

I love renovating and upcycling, and this little blue bureau will go on my writing desk. The yellow retro table holds tea and coffee in the teaching room and the bookcase was braided to cover some rough edges. The front of the bookcase I was able to re-veneer. Braid can be very useful for finishing round doors, shelves and below room mouldings.

The tables are Henry II style, the 16th century French monarch. I picked up three for just €5 each and another from a friend. I lime waxed the carvings to let them stand out better with candy colours for the tops, inspired by French Fancy cakes.

The bench was very dull with a thick varnish. I rubbed this down with a power sander, and added the black to look like scorched timber. A layer of wax brought out the deep red of the wood.

And the tea boxes were drawers of a cheap stationery unit. Painted in cours to match the teas – black, green, fruit pink and smokey blue.  I used a stamp for the letters and intentionally didn’t line the letters up. I wanted them like old tea crates.

Looking forward to finishing the last few pieces I have in storage. Will post once completed. ♡