I love my job…

I really, REALLY love working with van Gogh Furniture Paintology (van Gogh chalk paint collection)! I get to have some of the most incredible experiences and meet some of the most wonderful people- two of them are Mandie of Altard Market and Amy of High Style ReStyle. I have been in Houston, Texas since last Wednesday evening training them in the “ways” of Kathy van Gogh. These ladies are amazingly talented and SO much fun!

Here are a few gorgeous shots of Mandie’s shop:

Isn’t that ottoman the coolest thing? HOW do I get it to Virginia?

Honestly, these pictures just do not do this place justice. It’s just dripping with stunning inspiration.

We worked two REALLY long days and then on the third day we had a class for the public. There were 15 or so women crammed into the classroom space and it was awesome! Every single woman in that class was fun, so excited to be there, and just fell head over heels for van Gogh and I l.o.v.e. those classes.

One of the things we got to do was play. One of the things we played with is the big “M” Mandie had lying around. We decided to make it look rusty. I wish I had a before and during each stage… but of course in my exhausted and joyful painting high, I wasn’t thinking straight and completely forgot.

So here are a few shots of the during and finished product:

Here are some of the super incredible sample boards we created and the “M” after we applied Facial Masque and painted it with “Revenge”.

Here are some after shots of the Rustiness….

If you’re interested in trying to recreate it, here is what we used:

Facial Masque to create texture and then a coat of “Revenge”

Once dry, “Bohemian” was blobbed on

when that dried, “Bole” was added,

then “Revenge” was dry brushed, then just a touch of “Laundered Money”.

What do you think?

Hopefully Mandie will share a photo of the letter when she finds a place for it.

I can’t wait to come back soon!

Aren’t we just adorable? These girls are the best!