The Beginning....

I have had my dining room table and chairs since 1987.  They are Queen Anne style and made of cherry wood.  It is a very well made set and, while it hasn't fit in in Montana, it is still in great shape and hard to think about selling.  My husband, Paul, was going to build a more Montana-like dining table for me but after a trip to California, that plan changed.

My sister-in-law, Jan Reed, had a very pretty piece of furniture in her home that was painted red and had stenciling on it.  She had designed and painted the piece and explained how she did it.  She used chalk paint which requires very little prep work.  Seemed right up my alley!

I returned home inspired and began cultivating my idea.  Our home is traditional Montana - wood, rock and slate.  There is a splattering of color here and there but not much.  I knew I needed more color.  Where to start???  I decided to begin by locating the fabric I would want for the chairs.  I knew I wanted different fabric with lots of color but didn't want it to be too "girlie" out of consideration for my wonderful husband!  In addition to using the fabric for the chairs, I also wanted to replace the valance over my kitchen window and make a runner for the table (like Jan had in California).

We have very few fabric stores in Missoula, Montana but are fortunate to have a Joanne's Fabric and Craft Store.  After looking around for awhile, I was overwhelmed.  I had located what I thought would be my primary fabric (for the valance, runner, and a few chairs).  Fortunately, a Joanne's employee named Laura asked me if I needed help.  Boy did I.  She was amazing and helped me pick our four other fabrics to go with the one I had selected.  I would not have chosen these fabrics without her help and encouragement.  And during the 3 hour search for these fabrics, there were several ladies shopping who also commented on the choices we had laid out and kept encouraging me.  I was exhausted after this 3 hour period but also felt invigorated!!!  Laura gave me samples of everything we had selected and encouraged me to take it home and see what I thought and to also get measurements of the 8 chair and 3 barstool tops so I'd know how much fabric to buy.  I also left the store with two 50% off coupons given to me by a patron of Joanne's who couldn't use them.

Needless to say, I returned to the store the next day and purchased all the fabric and 8 containers of chalk paint and wax.  With all my coupons, it all was $200.  The coupons saved me $135!!!  

Rain had been forecast for our area so my handsome helper was home!!!  We spent Saturday, Sunday, Monday and part of Tuesday on this project.  I will post the progress by each type of items painted.  I hope you enjoy!