When reality bites diversify.

Anyone who tells you they are making a whacking pile, a shed-load of lolly, loadsa money or mucho moolah, from hand painting furniture is perhaps telling a teeny, weeny fib. Yup.  A Porkie Pie if you will.

Now I'm not complaining.  I get to paint furniture - legitimately - every day.  No one can tell me off for doing  it.  It's marvelous - and I get to listen to radio 4 all day long, (guilty pleasure = The Archers).

I really want to make a go of this painting malarkey.  I want it to work on a level that allows me to indulge in the furniture side of things.  So I need to diversify.  Widen my scope.  Broaden my horizons.  Explore the possibilities. Why?  I hear you asking, nay screaming at your screen.  Simple - because it's what I love and I want to keep doing it.  So this is it.  I'm laying my cards on the table - it's now or never.

Are you taking guesses? Who thinks I should start stripping?  Really?  Have you learned nothing? I'm a chalk paint girl through and through - so that one is off the agenda.

So how do I make this painting thing pay the bills? My favorite option out of the box is Option 1.  Paint kitchen cabinets.  Yup.  I'm sure you think I am quite bonkers but it's a great deal for everyone.  The client gets a beautiful new look and I get to paint furniture. What's not to love?

In true Blue Peter Styleeee, (non-UK residents please google), here is one I made earlier.

The first picture is of the kitchen before I started.  It had been painted, in part, with a bad emulsion job.  Not pretty.  After a lovely coating of Paris Grey from Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, some Autentico on the knobs and some careful handling of black gloss on the ironwork, a touch of dark wax was added where appropriate and this was the result.  Happy Clients and happy me.  Obviously if you would like me to paint your kitchen all you have to do is ask!

So what else?  Option 2.I have my beautiful pictures.  I'm right in the middle of making some more. Take a look here at my current stock.

Option 3.  Who wants to learn how to paint furniture Debell Style?  You?  Really?  Great, you better get your skates on then because there are only a couple of places left on my next 'Furniture Painting for Beginners' course on Saturday 20th April.  It's a 1 day course, held right here in Nottinghamshire and will be the first in a series.  If you want to find out more and secure your place email me.  First to reserve will get the booking, so be quick.  The course does come with a health warning.  Here it is.  'Furniture painting can lead to serious addiction'.

1 DAY FURNITURE PAINTING COURSE

Saturday 20^th April
Elston, Notts.

Learn how to create French & Scandinavian style furniture.

NO SANDING. NO PRIMING.
NO STRIPPING.

Click here for more info.

Option 4.  I  have only gone and got me a proper, bricks and mortar, see it, feel it, walk around it shop premises to display my work.  The lovely Ian & Maxine at London Road Living, Newark, have been kind enough to invite me to sell my pieces through their beautiful shop.  They sell all sorts of lovely things for the home - from hand made lampshades to Autentico Paint.  Maxine specialises in soft furnishings and stocks the most wonderful array of fabrics and wallpapers as well as superb armchairs and more.  Oh, and did I mention the cafe - with cake.  Yes cake.

So come and see my furniture and pictures on public display - you might even want to buy something.  Where?  I hear you scream.  Why, it is accessed via London Road Car Park in Newark, (that's Nottinghamshire not New York).  You cant miss it.  If you are local call in.  You will get a warm welcome.

So that's me.  That is how I will make this work.

Did I mention I love painting things?

M x