This butterfly postcard was the colour and shading This butterfly postcard was the colour and shading I’d been aiming for with the glaze on this jug I made at wonderful @thefarnhampottery 
I’m glossing over the somewhat ‘solid’ base of this - over an inch!! My previous attempts had all ended up in the bucket because I’d been far too cavalier trying to bring up clay from the bottom. So this one was overly cautious. But at least it didn’t topple like the others.
Learning to throw at the wheel was so challenging and physically demanding but also such a mental reset. Thanks to our teacher Serenity who more than lived up to her name - particularly when dealing with my many cries for help 🤣 
Now I want to learn more…. Why did the wax resist on the jug on image 2 go so brown? Why do I always end up making cylinders or jugs even when I set out to make a wide dish? And why didn’t I use some more colourful glazes? I want to try it all again.
That’s the thing about pottery - it draws you in and makes you want to do more.
Thanks to @searchpress for sharing this exquisite Thanks to @searchpress for sharing this exquisite new book with us - and for the three signed copies to be won. The book is Modern Crewel Embroidery for Beginners by @tatiana_popova_owl_crafts and includes 8 stunning floral projects with all the templates and stitch guides you need to make them. I’ve shared a peek inside over on the blog (link in bio) it couldn’t be easier to enter for a chance to win one of the signed copies so why not have a go? Hope you enjoy X
I didn’t expect to fall in love with a little knit I didn’t expect to fall in love with a little knitted kitten wearing a frog suit today, but sometimes life just goes like that… In case you’re looking for a cute knitting project now that there’s a definite chill in the air, what’s holding you back from making this latest heart-warming offering by Claire Garland? @dotpebbles_knits The link to my blog post is in the bio - it has all the info you need to get the pattern today! Hope you enjoy X
Photo: Claire Garland
If, like me, you’re drying flowers right now and l If, like me, you’re drying flowers right now and looking for creative ideas, you might like to try your hand at embroidering with them on tulle… it’s a beautiful craft technique I learned from the very lovely @olgaprinku 
Click the link in my bio to get the super simple beginner’s tutorial Olga shared with us - along with lots of inspiring images of her work and all the links you need to connect with her and find out more. Enjoy! X
Photo: Olga Prinku
If, like me, you’re never happier than when you’re If, like me, you’re never happier than when you’re messing about in overalls or workwear, I’m thinking you might also enjoy an apron dress. I’ve shared how I made this one using roll end fabric and a great pattern by @dolly_clothing 
It wasn’t all plain sailing… 🤣 there were ruched seams to unpick, a rushed mistake or two, but I came to realise that sewing is not a dark art I’ll never be able to get to grips with. If I can make something wearable like this ANYONE can! I’ve shared a few of my favourite pattern ideas too 💕🧵
The link is in my bio
How lovable is this Eeyore knitting pattern by Cla How lovable is this Eeyore knitting pattern by Claire Garland @dotpebbles_knits? We have 10 to be won and entering couldn’t be easier so why don’t you give it a go? (link in my bio).
Eeyore is my favourite from Claire’s Winnie the Pooh collection because he’s ever so slightly saggy around the edges and in need of love… If you’re looking for your next knitting or craft project he is easy to make and sure to be loved by whoever you decide to make him for. Good luck and happy knitting! X
My happy place. Flowers, bees, butterflies and a s My happy place. Flowers, bees, butterflies and a shed for all seasons… My absolute favourite dahlias came from a packet of seeds sent by Erin of @floretflower along with a review copy of her beautiful book. I didn’t know what I had when I sowed and later planted them. I’ve been hooked on dahlias ever since. My favourite is tall and coral and it flowers and flowers like there’s no tomorrow.
Thanks to Iryna of @forest_toys_ for sharing her l Thanks to Iryna of @forest_toys_ for sharing her lovable and very cuddly Vintage Rabbit knitting pattern for free with my readers. Click the link in my bio to get your free pattern and to discover more of Iryna’s heart-melting creations on @etsyuk
If you’re drying flowers and wondering what to do If you’re drying flowers and wondering what to do with them, I have the perfect creative project idea for you! The very lovely bex @botanical_tales shared her step by step tutorial to make this super simple, ethereally beautiful, dried wild flower wall hanging and it feels seasonally perfect for right now... 
I’ve shared all the info you need over on my blog to get this tutorial and to discover more about Bex and her work - link in my bio.
Photos: @laurajayneedwards
If you’re feeling a little depleted and in need of If you’re feeling a little depleted and in need of inspiration, Jane Lindsey has created something truly special at @snapdragon.life offering a supportive creative membership community, a collection of stunningly beautiful online courses and an online shop selling hand-dyed threads and creative provisions. I’ve written a blog post sharing a few of my favourites (link in my bio). Hope you enjoy! X
Photo: @snapdragon.life
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Craft, MAKE · June 6, 2018

How to stencil furniture with Annie Sloan chalk paint

Like to know how to stencil furniture with Annie Sloan chalk paint and create unique designs? It’s simpler to do than you might think. How gorgeous is this old wooden table that’s been given a cool new look using Annie Sloan paints in Old White and Graphite… and the help of a simple stencil?

love this stencilled table using Annie Sloan chalk paints in old white and graphite to create a symmetrical tiled folk-art inspired pattern. Click through for easy step by steps on having a go yourselflove this stencilled table using Annie Sloan chalk paints in old white and graphite to create a symmetrical tiled folk-art inspired pattern. Click through for easy step by steps on having a go yourself

I loved this folk art inspired pattern as soon as I saw it and decided to find out more. Turns out this is the sort of DIY project that even a real beginner like me could definitely have a go at. I am now on the look out for an old table to try the technique on. I’m thinking it could be a great way to repurpose an old pine kitchen table for use in the garden teamed with some vintage metal garden chairs.

I’ll pin some images of my stencilled table as and when I’ve finished. In the meantime, I thought you might like to know how to have a go at trying this for yourself…

How to stencil an old wooden table

First off, clean and lightly sand the table you’re going to be painting. The joy of Annie Sloan chalk paints is that they need no undercoat and can pretty much go straight on to anything.

To recreate this look, start by painting the whole table with Old White (available to buy here), applying a couple of coats to achieve creamy, even coverage. Move your brush every which way to get lots of texture into your paintwork.

annie sloan stencil tallulah

Once your paint is dry, it’s time for the really fun bit! This stencil is Tallulah, £4.45 by Annie Sloan (available to buy online here). Pour a little of your Chalk Paint into a paint tray (the colour shown here is Graphite available to buy online here).

The design for this stencil takes its inspiration from traditional folk art and looks great repeated in a symmetrical pattern like this. Apply the Graphite chalk paint over the top of the stencil, using a foam roller or stencil brush.

Charge your roller with paint and then roll off any excess on the dry section of your paint tray. Annie used a large stencil roller to create the look of tiles and knocked the pattern back slightly with a wash of Old White paint once the stencilled paint had dried.

To apply a colour wash, mix half paint/half water, then apply lightly over the top, using an almost dry brush. Wipe off any excess until you’ve achieved the look you’re after.

To protect the paint surface, seal with at least one coat of Clear Chalk Paint Wax and allow to dry overnight before using. Bear in mind, however, that it takes between 5-21 days for it to harden, or cure, completely.

I found this tutorial where Annie herself talks through the basics of stencilling…

How to stencil tutorial with Annie Sloan

how to stencil with annie sloan chalk paint. I love this annie sloan chalk paint rustic painted console table with decorative stencilling. Click through to see more inspirational creative painted furniture ideas and DIY tutorial projects you'll love to trylove this coral design paint stencil by annie sloan - perfect for using with chalk paints to add an updated coastal feel to furniture, walls, you name it. Click through to get easy step by steps and DIY tutorial from Annie Sloan herself on how to stencil furniture with annie sloan chalk paint #anniesloan #chalkpaint #stencilling #frombritainwithlove #howtostencil

Other stencilling inspiration

I’m also loving lots of ideas on the Mandala Stencils website. The stencils themselves are made from reconstituted recyclable plastic. Robust and hard wearing they can be used over and over. Flexible and easily cleaned they are adaptable for use on all sorts of surfaces from flat, curved or even right angles.

Check out their Issu magazine with some more great ideas here

Here’s a few of my favourite ideas:

love this mandala wall stencil from the mandala stencil company. Click through for more stencilling ideas you'll love

Love this rose gold wall stencil that adds interest and a pretty touch to an ordinary plain white wall. I’m planning to do something similar in a soft grey with white colour wash over the top on my bathroom wall.

Here’s a helpful little tutorial on creating a mandala stencilled wooden garden table.

love this pink mandala stencilling around the doorway of this pretty cottage with pale green door. Click through for more stencilling ideas you'll lovelove this white painted mandala stencil pattern on blue painted floorboards. Click through for more ideas you'll lovelove this dark gold bronze mandala painted wall stencil with an ibiza vibe with white floorboards and white sofa. Click through for more stencil and paint stencilling ideas you'll lovelove this idea of painting a white mandala pattern on a window using a stencil. Click through for more paint stencilling ideas you'll lovehow pretty is this mandala stencilled painted pattern on natural wood decking? Click through for more painted stencil and stencilling ideas you'll lovelove this white painted mandala stencilled pattern on natural wood decking. Click through for more paint stencilling ideas you'll lovelove this mandala wall stencil idea. Find out how to stencil a wall with painted stencilled designs. Click through for ideas you'll love

Find all of these stencils in the Mandala Stencils online shop here 

DIY projects

For pretty painted furniture and stencil ideas, interior blogger Miss Mustard Seed is well worth a browse. Love these simple DIY projects by her – follow the links to have a go yourself…

love this pale blue vintage wooden chest of drawers stencilled with white chalk paint. Click through for more stencil and stencilling ideas you'll lovehow to stencil furniturehow to stencil furniture

Love this pale blue painted chest of drawers with white chalk paint stencilling. Find out how it’s done here

And how cute is this distressed painted yellow chest of drawers with another pretty stencilled pattern?

love this stencilled yellow painted vintage chest of drawers. Click through for more furniture stencilling DIY ideas you'll lovehow to stencil a vintage chest of drawers

There’s a great post talking you through the transformation of this old wooden chest of drawers here

A slight deviation from the stencil idea is to try a decorative paint roller. How cute is this by The Painted House?

If you haven’t already discovered Painted House, you need to! Clare Bosanquet fell in love with a pile of traditional paint rollers she stumbled across at a Romanian market whilst travelling. So much so that she bought the lot, then carried them around with her for the next 2 months of her trip.

clare bosanquet painted house

Used for 100 years as an alternative to wallpaper, the rollers are a great alternative to wallpaper. A passionate upcycler, Clare has since used her rollers to bring unloved fabrics and wonky old walls back to life. She has also adapted the traditional roller system for use in fabric printing as well as develping a more simple foam roller for paper and walls.

Here are a few of my favourites of Clare’s designs:

love this stone pale grey roller printed tongue and groove wall with bird and flower pattern. Click through for more decorative pattern and print ideas you'll lovelove this bird print roller for use on fabric and linen giving a hand block printed effectlove this painted house decorated chest of drawers with bird and flower in dark red and grey paintcreating stencilled effect with rollers to make hand block printed wallpaper effect. Click through for more decorative printing ideas you'll lovecreate a hand block printed wallpaper effect with decorative print rollers like this stag and forest tree pattern from painted house. Click through for more decorative print ideas you'll lovelove this painted house red wall with hand block print effect using decorative paint rollerlove this printed pale green tongue and groove wall with sprig pattern using print roller wall

Find these designs and more in The Painted House shop here >>

INFORMATION


Annie Sloan is listed in the From Britain with Love directory here >>

You might also be interested to read our post how to paint and distress furniture with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint here >>

Are you a maker or creative course provider? Like to list with us and benefit from joining our supportive community? We’d love to hear from you. Check out the packages we offer on our Join Us page and get more details from our Information pack here


A PIN TO SAVE TO PINTEREST

how to stencil a table with annie sloan chalk paint and stencil tallulah in folk art inspired geometric tile pattern in old white and graphite. Click through for more stencil and painted pattern ideas you'll love

In: Craft, MAKE

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I'm so glad you're here. I'm Laura - national women's magazine editor journalist now sharing my passion for craft and creative living here. Hope you find something to inspire! X

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