When Martha Stewart comes calling there are a few things that happen:
{1} You peel your jaw up off the floor and wipe the drool.
{2} You go tell your neighbors, “Don’t worry. No one’s injured. The screaming was from excitement!”
{3} Get to work.
That’s pretty much how it went when I got an email from Martha Stewart Living asking if I’d like to work with their new line of project paints. When the goodies showed up in the mail, I started brainstorming about which of my many neglected furniture pieces would be getting a makeover. There’s that step stool in the kitchen that could use some loving. Then there’s the bookshelf in the bedroom that doesn’t really match anything. Then it occurred to me…why not paint something that can serve double-duty as a decorative piece but also as a backdrop for all the photos on the blog. Y’all know I love me some props & staging!
I decided on these two pieces from my craftroom. The table had previously housed all my props and the box was something I picked up from Michael’s but never put to use. Both are pretty without any extra color, but I thought I could snazz them up a little bit by adding some metallic paint and faux finishes.
The Martha Stewart Project Paints come in 10oz jars which save you the trouble of lugging around huge gallon cans of paint. They are great for small projects and are much easier to store.
I’m mildly obsessed with the woodgrain tool so used it to add texture to the top of the file box. To achieve the woodgrain look, apply your first coat of metallic paint, then allow it to dry completely. Go over with a second, liberal application of the same color then drag the woodgrain tool through the wet paint. For the table, I used the same technique, but chose the linen tool to add the feeling of textured fabric.
Now for the fun part. Not only do these pieces make for very pretty decoration in the craftroom, they also are great additions to my blog photos! The metallic textures add really great variety to photos without taking over.
And just in case you’re wondering what’s inside that file box, I gave it yet another purpose by using it to organize some paper crafting embellishments!
SUPPLIES
Martha Stewart Project Paints in Pyrite and Gold Dust Glitter (for box) andThundercloud (for table) | Martha Stewart Decorative Paint Tool Kit
Thank you to Martha Stewart Living for providing the paints and tools used in today’s post!
SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! Your dream came true!! Now, I expect the MSO empire to soon say, AKGO!!! I’ll happily design for you and showcase your new line!!
SUPER FANTASTIC!!! You go girl!
So HAPPY for you Amber!!! Wow, a dream come true!! Keep it up!!
Great projects!
Just curious, how did you apply the two paint colours to the box? Your instructions say to use the same colour paint (?). 😉
Great question, Diana! I’m happy to clarify. For the box, I applied the Purity Metallic Paint color with a paint brush then let it dry completely. Once dry, I applied the same color liberally to the box and then ran the woodgrain tool through the wet paint. The final effect is a tone on tone woodgrain texture. You could definitely do this with two different color paints for a different look. Once everything was all dry, I finished the box off with a coat of the Glitter glaze for extra sparkle! Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks. 😉
Wow, what an honor, but well deserved. Love what you did to the box & table.
Look at that. Awesome projects.
Get out! Martha?! So impressed!!! And both pieces look great!
WOW!! That is too cool!! I dont know what I would do,probably faint first…lol…Im happy for you,and as great a job you did for Martha,bet your boots,Martha’s gonna keep you around 🙂 “Happy Spring”
Great project. Can’t wait to try
out her paints. Congrats on the
phone call. I only discovered your
blog last week and just love it. I’m
not surprised at all that she called
you.
Remember when I said you’re going to take over the world? Don’t forget me when you’re a household name, okay?
How very exciting, Amber – I am quite you are or soon will be “spoiled for choice”. YOu are one incredible “artist” and entertaining with it. Congratulations – whoo hoo 🙂
Beautiful box, the effect is gorgeous – I have often looked at all her paints and tools, now I feel more encouraged to try them 🙂
Well done to you Amber. Great good news post. Love it.
Oooh…shiny! I’m SO doing this in my craftroom (which is undergoing a makeover). I love glitz, glam, shine & sparkle. Never thought of painting wood in metallic paints. You’re a bad influence. First the Container Store (for the dvd basket to hold 6×6 paper pads); now off to Michaels I go!
Congrats on the gig!
And it looks like the wood-grain tool, in particular, worked really well. Very chic!
Beautiful job. Great way to multi-task your box.
What an amazing honor to be contacted by Martha’s team! And, so very deserving, Amber!
I really love how you transformed these 2 pieces…Brilliant, girl! Now, when will we see them in the magazine?
I’m so happy for you…and I think they are so lucky to have someone as enthusiastic and talented as you are to create with Martha’s products!
Amber, your embellishment box and table really showcase Martha’s new paints. I’m impressed that they contacted you and shared their products. Remember us when you make it big on TV with Martha!