Rhonda's Tip #3 - Crackle... Get Crackin'

Crackle is one of the oldest techniques used by faux artists, decorative painters, and furniture finishers. Crackle can be used to create a weathered paint finish, a textured chip crackle, or a natural aged crackle.

There are many ways to achieve a crackle finish. Here are some of our favorites!

1. Annie Sloan Craqueleur

Annie Sloan's Craqueleur is a two-part technique used to achieve a fine crackled finish that looks like cracked varnish found on antiques or an old master painting.

2. Easy Crackle by Artisan Enhancements®

Easy Crackle reproduces a subtle authentic crackle appearance. Easy crackle is a simple paint medium that can be used to create the look of weathered paint in a few quick steps.

3.CrackleTex by Artisan Enhancements®

Crackle Tex can be used with just Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan or for thick crackle textures combine Chalk Paint® with Artisan Enhancements® products like VP Antico or Fine Stone. We love Crackle Tex for our chip crackle techniques!


If you want some hands-on experience with any of these crackle mediums visit Rhonda J's Shoppes and sign-up for a one hour private session with Rhonda J!

Spring fun and fashions at all Rhonda J's Shoppes!

Transformation Tuesday - MilkBarn Kids Inspiration Sketch

We adore our new MilkBarn children's line so much we decided to have a little fun! We sketched two concept looks for a simple IKEA chest inspired by patterns from the MilkBarn Kids Spring Collection and ChalkPaint® colors. Can't you just picture these in a darling nursery!? 

Before:

IKEA RAST - 3 drawer chest

Rhonda J's Tip #2 - Fling Spring with Color!

Rhonda J's Shoppe at the Alley - San Antonio

Rather than changing your home decor with the seasons or current trends, compliment your home decor through the use of accent colors. Mix classic elements with splashes of color for a look that is timeless.

Try creating a neutral base of Old Ochre, Old White, or Cream with a splash of Florence Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. 

Need a little help getting the right colors? Let Rhonda help you mix a custom color for your space. Bring your fabrics, swatches, and inspirations to a private session with Rhonda.

The "Patina" Look!

Want to get the "patina" look? 
Jen from our Boerne Shoppe shares one of her favorite methods for achieving a two color patina finish. Perfect for cabinets, hardware, and furniture!

Shopping List:

Florence Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan

Duck Egg Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan Clear Soft Wax

Annie Sloan Dark  Soft Wax

Tools:

Paint and Wax Brushes

Distressing Tools

Buffing Cloths

The Method

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1.       Apply basecoat of Florence Chalk Paint®.

2.      Once basecoat is completely dry, apply a topcoat of Duck Egg Chalk Paint®.

3.      When the Duck Egg topcoat is dry to the touch, begin distressing with your preferred distressing tools. The distressing process will reveal the Florence basecoat beneath the Duck Egg topcoat.

4.      After you have finished distressing, seal your piece with Annie Sloan's Clear Soft Wax using your wax brush and buffing cloths.

5.      Add touches of Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax to areas like doors and drawers, to enhance patina for a more authentically aged finish.

   

For more hands on, step-by-step, two color distressing and waxing techniques attend a Chalk Paint® workshop at one of Rhonda J's Locations! 

MilkBarn Kids is Here!

We are so excited about our new line MilkBarn Kids! 

1. MUSLIN SWADDLE- Made with GOTS cetified Organic Cotton. Measures 47” x 47” 

2.TRADITIONAL BIB- Made with three layers of GOTS certified Organic Cotton. Snap closure. Measures 12” x 10”

 3. BUCKET OF BURPIES- Made with GOTS certified Organic Cotton. Set of three burp cloths packaged in a clear paint can. Each cloth measures 23” x 23”

 4. BIG LOVEY- Two layer blanket made with incredibly soft cotton and rayon from bamboo.

Contrasting front and back pattern. Blanket measures 36” x 36”.

 5. MINI LOVEY- Just like our Big Lovey, only smaller. Two layer blanket made with incredibly soft cotton and rayon from bamboo. Blanket measures 18” x 18”.

 6. NEWBORN GOWN & HAT SET- Made with GOTS certified Organic Cotton. Elastic bottom gown with knotted hat. Available in one size 0/3M

 7. KERCHIEF BIB- Made with three layers of GOTS certified Organic Cotton. Adjustable snap closure. 

8. NEWBORN KEEPSAKE SET- Made with GOTS certified Organic Cotton. Includes one swaddle blanket, one newborn gown and one newborn hat. Packaged in a keepsake box. 

Get MilkBarn Kids at Rhonda J's Shoppe in Boerne!