Here is a comment that initially was rather upsetting but after pondering it, turned into a positive:
lots of pictures…but no explanation of how this was done or what paint used….I’ve noticed this on previous blogs you’ve done….maybe fewer pictures and more explanations of how you achieved the finish would be a better blog….are you just trying to sell the finished product or are you really trying to blog about furniture renovation…..
I say it turned into a positive because it got me thinking about what my blog is. I need a mission statement! I mean, my hope is that it is more interesting than a simple DIY blog.
…no explanation of how this was done or what paint used...I always am more than willing to share paint colors and techniques. However, I do not have a recipe or an exact formula for each piece. This is why I don’t write a “How To” for every piece I post. It depends on many factors such as the existing finish, the wood itself and just the feel of the piece. My pieces are unique and so are yours.
Typically, I am not able to answer what paint color I used as I mix my paints and am constantly creating new colors and never write down an exact recipe (if you knew me, the thought of my actually scientifically writing it down would make you laugh as I am the most disorganized person that was ever born and quite honestly, hardly know what day it is).
…maybe fewer pictures…Yes. I love to take (I hope) beautiful pictures to share. When I have finished a piece, I am proud of it and want to show it off. Being a true Pinterest addict, I love gorgeous pictures. I am working on my photography skills and am really enjoying it. I hope to take a photography class this year to improve and learn more about the art.
…explanations of how I achieved the finish…Again, every piece you paint has its own personality. Painting is an art form and is organic. I hate to sound all hippy chick but really, you need to just go with the flow. I happen to love it when a piece suddenly begins to crackle, or when little bumpy patches appear after sanding back. It is difficult to explain how to completely achieve a look when each piece is totally unique. Find the right feel (or finish) for your piece and go with it.
I really enjoy sharing ideas with my readers and helping others create. I answer most questions I receive with a direct email to the person posting. I do this to make sure they get the answer needed instead of just posting a reply in my Comments section.
…Are you trying to sell the finished product…Heck yes.
Which brings me back to the question of what my blog is about...
A venue to share not just my paint techniques but also what inspires me in creating a home that is “collected, not decorated”. To help others create unique pieces for their homes – and have a blast doing it. To inspire and be inspired by others.
This comment from Liz just sums it up…
I spent the entire day going through every drawer and cupboard, cleaning everything in the kitchen. You can not imagine how wonderful it was to sit down and open your post!! Such an AAAhh moment, it all looks so beautiful!! Many thanks!! …Liz
I love all of the comments I receive through sharing my little world to my fellow home decor addicts!
(Wow, and not one picture in this entire post!) 😉
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There are plenty of DIY blogs out there. This is your blog to publish as you please. I personally love it:)
Love your blog! You’re so generous with tips on how to create our own masterpieces.
Sounds like you just wrote your mission statement!
Yes, I am fairly new to your blog and am enjoying all the posts. Lots of great information and an equal amount of great information.
If I can’t figure out something, I always asked. You might (or not) be surprised at how many claim to love comments, but don’t bother to answer any questions. So from that point of view, I see where that person was coming from .
Pictures? OMG MORE! Love them. The thing I don’t get is why bloggers post the same picture 10 times in the same post? Ok, maybe 3″ closer. Then 3″. Then a bunch of others, than the same picture from the original position. (Stop me). Now that is boring.
However. I don’t see that problem here! I think you supply enough beautiful photos that I keep coming back. You do seem to answer others’ questions, which is just plain nice.
Hopefully that was a newbie (to communicating online, too) to furniture painting and was just trying to get a handle on it. It cam be a bit frightening to first put brush to piece. That’s why I painted my tennis shoes first.
Don’t worry. Post what you enjoy and what you want. You actually owe no one anything. Except maybe your sponsors, but that’s another thing!
Hi Christine, Your tennis shoes? LOL!! I hope I conveyed that with paint you need to have fun with it. Thanks for the sweet comment on my pics – I am learning and am trying not to post the same picture again and again!
Ok..not trying to be mean or rude to the person who wrote that comment to you but…THAT”S MY SISTER- IN -LAW YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT…but seriously, I wouldn’t even give it a second thought..some people just have too much free time!!!!!!! You are doing great!!! Keep your head held high and your paint brush too!
You did a wonderful job writing this post! It really is impossible to put into words sometimes and I don’t think people understand until they’ve experienced it. It’s really impossible to keep up with the process when you are lost in the work! I’d much rather be lost in my work! Your work is stunning and I love your blog! Keep doing exactly what you are doing! 🙂
My dear Suzanne—you are an artist! You are gracious with sharing anything anyone would want to know…..and do you not have fantastic tutorials on video? Yes, you do! One of the very reasons I LOVE you blog is that is ISN’T just another DIY blog—you achieve a wonderful balance of artistry that I find incredibly appealing. A bit of narrative ( stories about the pieces)–a bit of DIY and a fair amount of eye pleasing glamour. I think you’re one of the best furniture renovators out there—-I’ve seen more than my share! KEEP doing what you do and what you LOVE. You’re blog is a SUCCESS for a very good reason!
Whoa! Liz might want to learn how to post comments so that she does not disrespect and offend the blogger. In other words Liz, start out with your last paragraph (something positive) which would put the blogger in a great mood. THEN you can add your ‘wants’ or ‘recommendations’ or ‘complaints’ to your post. As someone else said there are a gazillion blogs out there that will teach you how to ‘paint by numbers’. People who are really good at renovating, refinishing and cooking (in other words – artists) don’t follow recipes darlin’ Liz. There are classes at big box home improvement stores and small paint stores that can teach you how to ‘paint by the numbers’. I found your post a tad harsh and chalk it up to you having a bad day? I commend Suzanne on how she reframed her interpretation of it and her response.
My thoughts exactly!
Linda, I am Liz and I am not the person who sent the comment that this blog was written about. My comment began with “I just spent the entire day….” I think Suzanne just posted my comment as a comment depicting how much some of her readers love her blogs exactly the way they are. I don’t want Suzanne to change a thing and I wouldn’t have said the other comments period. I just wanted to clarify a misperception. :^)
I just saw this and realized the confusion! I just added that the comment on the bottom is from Liz – not the one on top! Liz – I read your comment when I was in my kitchen trying to clean my brushes, etc. as well as the dishes, make some kind of dinner, get my youngest ready for basketball, help my other daughter who was sick and deal with other daily stresses (we all have the same). It brought tears to my eyes and I thank you for writing such sweet words of encouragement! Suzanne
There are so many people in this world, and each has his/own way of reacting to the combination of art/science. And YOU fulfill both needs! Your artwork in the form of photography is exquisite! And your ‘scientific’ methodical explanations are ‘without peer’. I was a teacher; each method must be fulfilled in order to pique the mind, the interest, and the satisfaction of needing beauty and balance. Not to worry, dear one….you have done an exquisite job of both. If only we could be all things to all people…but then, what would be the goal in that? The art and science of mere living requires a combination of perfection and imperfection. I adore your blogs. Take heart; after the rains, the sun always shines. “Apres la pluie, le soleil brille.’
Apologies Liz! My comments are for the person who actually wrote the comment post. I’ll remove your name if I can.
A lot of us who paint furniture, especially Chalk Paint know that when you have a color in mind, you are going to mix the paint until you get the desired color and because of that you cannot give the recipe or formula just like you said. Thank you for your beautiful photos, I really enjoy them and always look forward to Beautiful Things Wednesday! Keep up the good work.