Candace and Scooter a few weeks before he passed away

                                          Treasured Friend

Recently my dear friend Candace lost her beloved dog Scooter. Scooter was a Jack Russell Terrier and boy did he live up to a terrier reputation. He was an energy-filled go-go guy until the last year of his life. Candace became Scooter’s mom when he was only a puppy. When he passed away, he was 17 years old. This is only a testament to how well cared for and loved he was. To Candace, Scooter was so much more than her pet. She doesn’t have biological children. Scooter has always been her boy. He was there with her through the death of her mother; through a divorce; a move across the state; changing jobs; dating and finally a new marriage and becoming a step-mom. Scooter was the only dog I ever knew that could watch a tennis match on TV. He would sit on the ottoman and his head would go from side to side watching the small ball on the screen. He was a pretty special little guy and we have many funny Scooter stories. Candace has spent her career in politics. Here is a picture of Scooter in his younger years with some members of the legislature as the Official Blue Dog of the Florida House of Representatives:

Florida House of Representatives Official Blue Dog – 1996

Scooter was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. Candace and her husband Chuck nursed him through many months of treatment. Alas, the Vet told them  that the cancer had likely spread to his brain and that the end was very near. They chose to medicate him and make him comfortable. A friend came to their house every day and gave him an IV bag during the last week of his life. They treated him very much like Hospice would care for a dying human. Scooter died like he lived, with great dignity. Chuck built a special burial box in which Scooter would be buried. Candace asked that I paint the box. It was very sad, but it made me glad to be able to do something for her in her time of deep sorrow. Here is a picture of the burial box:

Scooter’s Beautiful Burial Box painted in Chalk Paint™ colors Old White and Paris Gray

Candace has two other dogs – Biscuit and Stanley. They are loved and treasured, but there will only be one dog she loved the best. Rest in peace sweet Scooter. Never was there a more faithful friend.

Left to Right: Stanley, Chuck and Biscuit

Sweet South Cottage

The Market will held in the field next to Sweet South Cottage. We hope to make the “French Country Flea Market” an annual event. We will have many pieces of hand-painted furniture, architectural salvage and a number of local artists participating. We are also excited that 99.9 HANK FM will be broadcasting live from the event.

We are still accepting vendors. The cost to participate is $45.00. To receive an application,  please call the Cottage at 850-878-0165, send us an e-mail at lisa@sweetsouthcottage.com or message us on Facebook.

Our brand new studio will be open and we will be conducting FREE demos using Chalk Paint™ Decorative Paints by Annie Sloan. We will also have plenty of Chalk Paint™ available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you at the First Annual “French Country Flea Market”.

The Studio at Sweet South Cottage

Meeting Annie Sloan in person was an utter delight. I had previously exchanged e-mails with her and chatted with her on Facebook, but speaking with her in person and learning from her was an entirely different kettle of fish. It is her essence that makes her so special. She has unabated enthusiasm for her work and for her paint. Yes Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is a magic elixer that transforms sad and unloved old furniture into heirloom masterpieces, but I swear it is because a little drop of Annie Sloan’s joie de vivre is in every can. It is one of the reasons that I am so committed to this brand and to her as our fearless leader.

Annie Sloan and her new paint brush line. Photo Credit: Sasha Hostetter

Annie has been painting for over 40 years as well as writing numerous books on the subject. She formulated Chalk Paint™, which is specifically designed for furniture, over 20 years ago. Her paint was developed as a result of her intimate knowledge of paint, pigments and art history. There is only one Chalk Paint™ – Annie made it and named it. There is no other brand of paint that can be called Chalk Paint™. That name is claimed and trademarked.

Annie spent three hours teaching us about color theory and mixing colors and why certain colors work better together. We were mesmerized! You could have heard a pin drop. It was a room full of women and a few men furiously writing notes and soaking in the words of  one of the founders of the Painted Furniture Revolution. I spoke with another stockist later who has spent a lifetime as an artist and she said “It was like an out of  body experience, that I could be sitting in a room learning from Annie Sloan herself”. Annie shared with us the content of what will be included in her next book. (It was mind blowing, but no I am not going to tell you, because Annie swore us to secrecy.) But in the mean time you can follow Annie’s blog  about color.

I wanted to share a few of other fun facts about Annie:

 - Annie lives and works in Oxford, England with her husband David who runs the business with her.

- She was born in Australia to a Scottish father and a Fijian mother, she came to England to a farming life in Kent when she was ten years old. With spells in Southern Africa and connections to France, Cuba and the US she feels she has world roots. She has three sons all in their twenties and has lived in Oxford for the last twenty-five years.

-  In 1987 she wrote the phenomenally successful book ‘The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques’ which was followed by over 20 other books on traditional paints, colors and techniques and has led to total sales of well over 2 million books worldwide and in eleven languages. Her latest books are the highly successful ‘Creating the French Look’ published in April 2008 and ‘Quick & Easy Paint Transformations’ published in April 2010.

- Annie was in a rock band called the Moodies in the 1970′s.

- Chalk Paint™ is manufactured in the Untied States.

I have always made it abundantly clear that I don’t have an art background, but have been very successful at painting furniture not only because of Chalk Paint™, but also because of the Annie Sloan Methodology. Annie told us this week “Don’t focus on what the paint is, focus on what it does”. Well, Annie it has not only transformed my furniture, but it has also given breath to my long dormant dreams. I am so honored to be a small star in your constellation. 

Source for Bio Information: www.anniesloan.com

Rules:

1. You must post as a comment to this blog posting or on the Sweet South Cottage Facebook Page the following: ”I want to meet Annie Sloan!”.

2. You must be able to confirm that you are able to attend the Atlanta Tour date this Friday, so be sure that you check you Facebook messages on Friday or supply your e-mail address when you post a comment on the blog posting.

4. The contest only includes a ticket to the workshop. Travel and hotel accommodations are not included. So we respectfully request only those that can make the trip enter the contest.

Below is much more information about the tour:

Annie Sloan – one of the world’s most respected experts in decorative painting announces 2012 American Workshop Tour for March and April

REGISTER HERE: www.anniesloanunfolded.com

Author of 23 books, with sales of two million worldwide, and creator of the original and unique Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Soft Waxes

Annie Sloan (www.anniesloan.com) –  British decorative paint expert, author of numerous paint technique books, and creator of the one and only Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – will tour America in March and April 2012.   Ms. Sloan will be leading one-day demonstrations and overseeing hands on workshops in eight cities (see list and dates below) starting in New Orleans, where the north American arm of the company, Annie Sloan Unfolded is based. (www.anniesloanunfolded.com)

DALLAS                     3/16

SAN FRANCISCO    3/19

DENVER                    3/21

CHICAGO                   3/24

NASHVILLE               3/26

A T L A N T A             3/29

LEESBURG, VA        3/31

BOSTON                    4/2

Each event will feature a demonstration by Ms. Sloan, book signings (Creating the French Look and Quick and Easy Paint Transformations have both been recently released in paperback here in the US), and hands-on technique sessions for all attendees.  These will be in smaller groups, led by Annie Sloan and trained stockists who are well versed in all aspects of using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Soft Wax, and the myriad techniques and effects that are so easy and fun to create.  Annie Sloan will visit each break-out group to offer advice and recommendations to groups and individuals while they practice. Attendees will end the day with a book signing and social hour with Annie Sloan.

In 2013, the company has plans for a single event in both the United States and Canada so this will be Annie’s second and last US tour – for a while at least.  Since July 2010, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has been manufactured in the USA to Annie’s original formula, and the list of retailers / stockists has grown to more than 100 in 33 US states, as well as Canada.  As the number of stockists has grown, so has the number of local area workshops held by the owners of the vintage shops, design boutiques, stores and decorative art studios that sell the paint.  A thorough training program for US stockists now means that local workshops are well equipped to pass along Annie Sloan’s techniques to Annie’s ever-growing and enthusiastic US audience.

Who should attend?

People who love DIY projects, such as old furniture makeovers, and are keen to learn new techniques to use in their home – on furniture, accessories, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, walls, floors – anything that can be painted!

Tickets:  One-day workshops are priced at $350, include all materials, refreshments, and lunch.  Purchase online at: www.anniesloanunfolded.com. The public is encouraged to attend the event in their home region and there is a limited number of seats per state that will go on a first come// first serve basis.  For a comprehensive list of US retailers for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, go to http://www.anniesloanunfolded.com/retailers.html

About Annie Sloan

Annie Sloan is one of the world’s most respected experts in the field of decorative painting and a key figure in the painted furniture revolution, through her lively and creative approach to painting and 40 years of painting experience. She runs successful workshops at her store in Oxford, England, and throughout Europe. Her numerous books, include ‘Creating the French Look’, just released in paperback in the US, published by Ryland Peters & Small, and ‘Quick and Easy Paint Transformations’, with sales of more than 2 million books worldwide, translated into 11 languages. For more information: http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/Who_is_Annie_Sloan_.html

About Jolie Design (the US distributor) www.anniesloanunfolded.com

Lisa Rickert of Jolie Design was searching for the perfect European furniture and décor to complement her New Orleans home when she discovered Annie Sloan and her wonderful Chalk Paint.  Lisa ordered paint from the UK and was so impressed that she went on to use it throughout her home.  Bitten by the bug, she quit her job in supply chain operations for major utilities and oil companies, and turned her MBA-level business experience to creative use.  Lisa has overseen the manufacture of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in the USA, and is now managing its distribution, marketing, and sales. Lisa says, “I am passionate about her products and I can honestly say that I now love my job!”

For general information, contact: Lisa M. Rickert, Jolie Design & Décor, Inc., (504) 247-3788 joliedesign@anniesloanunfolded.com

IT’S REAL (My South) South Carolina  

Pure white gardenias on oh so green topiaries of foilage. I can smell ‘em now.

Magnolia trees scented like lemons when in bloom.

Azaleas—everywhere here.

Camelias at Christmas, bloomin on the lawn.

May Pops along the dirt road, made into ballerinas by little girls at play.

Oh those white dotted cotton fields. Nothin’ like them to me.

The creek so cool, just waitin’ for my wading.

Snakes I am so s-c-a-r-e-d of, hidin’ out.

Crepe Myrtle Trees abloom from September, back to June.

Flitting little Eastern Bluebirds soooo lovely and dear.

Oh the sweet, contented sound of the cooing of the dove, reminds me of blessings from above.

The squawking of bluejays at the crows in time of fall.

Ice cream on the back porch sending out grinding sounds as my muscles ache from the endless turning of the crank.

Aromas from Sunday dinner of fried chicken and okrie, on the stove.

Morning biscuits and gravy with country ham and grits.

Coffee smells coming into the bedroom early in the morning.

Smoke smells from the iron stove we cook on, or heat with.

A warm 70 degrees found on any random day through all the winter months.

Jonquils pushing up green shoots in December, to continue on until blooms appear in February.

“Yes we have summer heat, but we cope, it is worth it.”

Grass greening up, early as March.

Trees and most other, bloomin’ out by March’s end.

Old fashioned rose bushes lush with cabbage rose blooms, smell so divine!

Ocean shores just a day away.

Mt. cool days, just hours away.

The Upstate, I love so dear.

The Low Country, not too far away, just pretty near.

Churches on every corner, in our part of the state.

Some steepled, some with none. A heritage I can’t do without.

A people built on conservative ideas and values, still live here.

Folks who always new how to work a day’s labor for pay. We didn’t need a union.

A place where children are taught to say Yes Mam and Yes Sir, No Mam and No Sir.

No disrespectful familiarity here.

We know what is right, we were taught.

We are the South, don’t mess with us!

We been doin’ fine a long time now, Y’all.

I am a South Carolina Sandlapper, and oh so proud of it.

So, know we love others, as we should. We want that understood.

We don’t do much meddlin’ on others way of life, n’ ours is good for us.

Y’all just know, we don’t need a change.

There’s much more could be said, but we will stop with just this!

Greatest reason, Best of all—we recognize GOD as our creator.

Jesus as our Redeemer.

We revere God Alone,

Love our State,

Love our Country—we have unity, but are diverse.

We thank God for our special corner of it,

WE ARE BLESSED!

 By: Sara (Goodmon) Muxlow 

Born in Spartanburg County,

South Carolina 

May 24, 1933

This work written:

Friday the 13th of January, 2012

To spread some holiday cheer and celebrate the Annie Sloan American Tour, we are excited to announce this wonderful giveaway.

See how you can enter to win one the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Holiday Baskets given away by over 100 Stockist across North America! Each basket (Actually, ours is a vintage tool box painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint that is perfect as a paint caddy) includes two fabulous pots of Annie Paint Chalk Paint, Annie Sloan Soft Wax in clear and dark, and Annie’s book Quick & Easy Paint Transformations.

Win the Sweet South Cottage Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Giveaway!

Plus there’s even more!

In addition to the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Giveaway, a lucky winner of the holiday basket from each shop across North America will be entered for a chance to win a $350 gift certificate from Annie Sloan Unfolded. It is good toward your choice of a credit on your Annie Sloan American Tour registration fee or $350.00 in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! The big winner will be announced on Annie’s Blog on January 10, 2012.

Sound Good? Great! Here is how you get started to win BIG in the Annie Sloan American Tour and Chalk Paint Giveaway.

1.) Become a follower of Annie Sloan’s Blog
http://anniesloans.blogspot.com and comment with
“American Tour 2012″.

2.) Check out all of the exciting the details for the
Annie Sloan American Tour and read all about this incredible event!

3.) Leave the comment “American Tour 2012″ in this post.

4.) “Like our Facebook Page for an additional entry and leave the comment “American Tour 2012″.

5.) Stop by Sweet South Cottage for an additional chance to enter to win the Annie Sloan Gift Caddy. (Make sure to mention that you follow our blog)

6.)  Finally you can enter at the Junior League’s Jingle Jubilee on December 9, 10 or 11, 2011 at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center (Booth #62)

The winner of the Sweet South Cottage Annie Sloan Chalk Paint  Giveaway will be announced December 31st, 2011!

My Beautiful Mom at Age 19

Our mom was our biggest cheerleader and she believed in us so much. She would have loved the shop and I know she would have been right in the middle of things. My mom had such great style. She showed her love through keeping an immaculate, stylish home. She loved to iron and so every napkin, table-cloth, and piece of clothing was ironed and starched.  (Me, not so much) She said that a woman was the heart of a home and made it come alive.

I have worked so hard over the years to create beautiful surroundings in my home to show my husband and my sons how much I love them. I know they think I am crazy sometimes with all the decorating, but I always want them to think of home as their place for a soft landing.  That is what my mom was. When I have crappy days, my first impulse is to call her. When I have great days, my first impulse is to call her. When I had the flour sacks turned into pillows, my first thought was “Oh these are so great, I can’t wait to show mom.”

I have tried so hard to throw myself into the busyness of getting the shop going, I think to probably avoid coming to terms with how much I miss her. My mom lost her dad to cancer when she was only eleven and she grieved that loss deeply her whole life. I was so fortunate have both my parents well into adulthood, but I don’t know if that makes it easier or harder. I spent more time in the same cities with my mother than any of my siblings, but I still feel like I didn’t get enough. And all the times I was too busy with life, to go spend time with her, I want it all back.

I want to share every wonderful thing that my sister and I are doing with her. She is my inspiration. She taught me so many things; integrity, faith, dignity and grace. She wasn’t one to wallow in self-pity and she didn’t let me get away with it either. She would say “Lisa, dry your tears and get on with it.” Or if I was really distraught over something, she would quote the scripture and say “Be Still, and Know that I am God”. Being still is the single most difficult thing in the world for me. I am in constant motion. My mom knew that about me and so she would give me that scripture over and over.

My Mom with my son Brandon in 2010

I don’t know if I will ever get over missing her, right now the hurt is so fresh and raw. But I do know that she would have been so proud of us. I hope and pray that everything we do in business and as people honors the way she brought us up.  I love you and miss you so much Mom!

Teapot With No Lid Before

I painted the teapot with old white – a couple of coats actually. I didn’t want any silver showing through. I then painted a coat of Duck Egg, but I left quite a bit of the Old White showing through. I then waxed with Annie Sloan Clear Wax. I may go back and hit it with some Dark Wax in the detail areas. Tell me what you think?

I really do love this look. These are silk flowers. I painted well down into the teapot but only about halfway down in case I want to put water in for real flowers. What surfaces are you painting with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint?

Rusty Urn Waiting for Transformation

My first item for total transformation is this rusty urn. I found this sad girl in a junk shop. She had trash and old peanut shells in the bottom. Yes, poor thing, someone was using her as a trash can.

After a lengthy debate at Sweet South Cottage, it was decided that the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Color “Arles” was going to the be the winner to do our girl up good as new. (And because the can was already open for a table we were painting – hey this stuff goes a long way, we have to at least try to use a can all up).

After painting out the urn in Arles, she was dry-brushed with Old White to bring out the details. Isn’t she a beauty? A few silk flowers are added and the transformation is complete. WOW! How do you think my girl looks now?

CONTEST RULES:

1. You must become a Fan of the Sweet South Cottage Facebook Page here.

2. You must take a picture of an ugly piece of  hard surface furniture, that you own, and tell a sad tale about it (true or embellished) and why it deserves to be painted at our workshop. Equal weighting will be given to ugliness of the furniture and the best story.

3. The picture and story must be posted on the Sweet South Cottage Facebook wall.

4. You must be available to attend the workshop on December 10, 2011 as the free workshop is not transferable to another date.

5. Your submissions must be made by November 30, 2011 and the winner will be announced December 2, 2010.

GOOD LUCK and bring on the ugly furniture!