We have a winner...the winner of the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint giveaway 2011 is....
TERRI WINSOME!!!!!
Terri, email me at tami@patinadecorativefinishes.com and tell me what colors you would like and where you would like your amazing basket sent to!
The most exciting part is that Terri is entered into a national drawing to win a chance to meet Annie during the North American Tour in 2012!
Have you signed up for your spot to meet Annie yet? You can do so here: I want to meet Annie!
Merry Christmas to all!
Tami from Patina Decorative Finishes
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
A little remodel...
So, this Christmas, I decided to buy myself a little gift! It was overdue. I'm not the most technologically gifted (this blog post is all about gifts!) I can paint and show off my crafting skills, but when it comes to uploading and re-routing, I called on the amazing talent of Emily from Polka Dot Pixels to help me remodel my home on the web. I'm even going to start Twittering now, too! (Shock & Awe!)
Remember, tomorrow is the last night to enter the giveaway for the Key Fob! How to win? Simply "LIKE" The Spotted Lamb on Facebook and then go HERE! and let me know you entered so I can put your name into the drawing! TOMORROW is the deadline!
Oh, the giveaways continue. I wish I could offer you mulled wine and some Christmas cookies! If you haven't signed up for the BIG Annie Sloan Chalk Paint giveaway, WHAT are you waiting for? You can do that here....CHALK PAINT GIVEAWAY!!!! The best part? You get to CHOOSE your favorite colors.
And, last but NOT least, to celebrate my new website, blog, and twitter (uh, reunion)...CHECK OUT the new photos on my site. Pacheco Photography followed me around at my last workshop at Roost Consignment in Napa. I felt like some kinda celeb.
AND...DRUMROLLLLLLL....
In the spirit of the holidays...Pacheco Photography is raffling away one free photo shoot to anyone local who enters the contest with a "like" at Pacheco Photography on Facebook! Post on their wall and tell them Patina Decorative Finishes sent you! Travis' blog posts are super entertaining. If you love dogs, you will love this...it's my personal favorite dog story of all time...Bella's Story
Wishing you all a wonderful pre-holiday weekend. I'm delivering paint to my people this weekend and checking out two new shops that are going to carry Annie Sloan Chalk Paint SOON!
Remember, tomorrow is the last night to enter the giveaway for the Key Fob! How to win? Simply "LIKE" The Spotted Lamb on Facebook and then go HERE! and let me know you entered so I can put your name into the drawing! TOMORROW is the deadline!
Oh, the giveaways continue. I wish I could offer you mulled wine and some Christmas cookies! If you haven't signed up for the BIG Annie Sloan Chalk Paint giveaway, WHAT are you waiting for? You can do that here....CHALK PAINT GIVEAWAY!!!! The best part? You get to CHOOSE your favorite colors.
And, last but NOT least, to celebrate my new website, blog, and twitter (uh, reunion)...CHECK OUT the new photos on my site. Pacheco Photography followed me around at my last workshop at Roost Consignment in Napa. I felt like some kinda celeb.
AND...DRUMROLLLLLLL....
In the spirit of the holidays...Pacheco Photography is raffling away one free photo shoot to anyone local who enters the contest with a "like" at Pacheco Photography on Facebook! Post on their wall and tell them Patina Decorative Finishes sent you! Travis' blog posts are super entertaining. If you love dogs, you will love this...it's my personal favorite dog story of all time...Bella's Story
Wishing you all a wonderful pre-holiday weekend. I'm delivering paint to my people this weekend and checking out two new shops that are going to carry Annie Sloan Chalk Paint SOON!
Monday, December 5, 2011
ANNIE SLOAN IS COMING TO AMERICA!
Yes, you read that right, Annie is coming to America....here are the DETAILS! Even better, for all of you west coasters...she's coming to SAN FRANCISCO on March 19th at the amazing waterfront Fort Mason Center. Use the link to register NOW and join us in March!
Patina Decorative Finishes is celebrating the kickoff of this amazing tour by giving you the opportunity to win a basket full of the best paint in the world!
The best part? The winners of each stockists' and local retailers' baskets across the country will be entered into a nationwide drawing for a complimentary credit towards ONE (1) ANNIE SLOAN AMERICAN TOUR registration fee (value $350). Winner will be announced on January 10, 2012.
There are four ways to win:
1. Follow Annie's blog HERE!
2. Become a follower of Patina Decorative Finishes on blogger.
3. "Like" Patina Decorative Finishes on Facebook and tell me what you think of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on my wall!
4. "Like" Jolie Design & Decor, our amazing North American distributor on Facebook!
5. Finally, come back and tell me that you did all four and post a comment telling me which two colors you would like! That gives you a chance for *5* entries!
The drawing will take place on December 24th and the winner will be notified by email, so be ready for me to send you holiday cheer! No purchase necessary!
Patina Decorative Finishes is celebrating the kickoff of this amazing tour by giving you the opportunity to win a basket full of the best paint in the world!
The best part? The winners of each stockists' and local retailers' baskets across the country will be entered into a nationwide drawing for a complimentary credit towards ONE (1) ANNIE SLOAN AMERICAN TOUR registration fee (value $350). Winner will be announced on January 10, 2012.
1. Follow Annie's blog HERE!
2. Become a follower of Patina Decorative Finishes on blogger.
3. "Like" Patina Decorative Finishes on Facebook and tell me what you think of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on my wall!
4. "Like" Jolie Design & Decor, our amazing North American distributor on Facebook!
5. Finally, come back and tell me that you did all four and post a comment telling me which two colors you would like! That gives you a chance for *5* entries!
The drawing will take place on December 24th and the winner will be notified by email, so be ready for me to send you holiday cheer! No purchase necessary!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Holy WOWNESS!
I just snuck over here to Blogger as I dragged myself away from Pinterest and Facebook. What is my world coming to???? Thank GAWD for iphones and apps because how could we get through our day without them?
August. My last post was in August. Why, you ask? Oh, I've been up to my elbows, quite literally in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I was in Raley's today and the lady behind me in line asked me what color I had been painting. I lifted my elbow and said, "Which one? The Old White or the French Linen?" So, by admitting that the French Linen was on my elbow that means that the elbow hadn't been cleaned since....GASP...yesterday, when I was painting an 80 year old clawfoot tub. Soooo, much to my newest surprise, I can sell paint in a grocery store, apparently. Well, not technically IN it but WHILE in it.
I have so much to tell you all. Since August, I threw in a trip to England. Yes, that's right, little old me made it to England. Away from the frozen waffle toaster making, wrestling practice, high school tennis matches, floor scrubbing (in all honesty, this one isn't done as often as I imply), playing taxi...I jumped ON A PLANE and got out of dodge and left my family for a whole week. And I met Annie and she was FANTASTIC. More on that later, but I promise to be here more often.
I will blog more about our trip someday soon. Debbie and I stayed up one night until 4 a.m. talking, knowing full well that we were getting up at 7 and it was PAINFUL the next day, or virtually 3 hours later. Here's me with Annie, the day we surprised Annie with a visit and she joined us for lunch in Old Oxford, a few doors down from her shop. Yes, it was sunny in England, I was NOT hiding my lack of sleep, if that's what you were thinking.
This is Annie, working her magic in our workshop...she has a varnish crackle unlike anything I've seen in the U.S....we painted, we decoupaged, and we leafed!
Okay, I have to add a comment in regards to the following photo. I am praying that it's not possible for any of you to zoom into my face. Because, apparently, when I jump, I make gritty faces. Nobody else looks as terrifying as I do, Vicki and Debbie just look happy. (DISCLAIMER: I am blaming the drunk 20 year old college student for pushing the button when he did. It was unfair. Plus, I'm the SHORTEST and I think he got me on the downward. Don't you agree, unfair?)
August. My last post was in August. Why, you ask? Oh, I've been up to my elbows, quite literally in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I was in Raley's today and the lady behind me in line asked me what color I had been painting. I lifted my elbow and said, "Which one? The Old White or the French Linen?" So, by admitting that the French Linen was on my elbow that means that the elbow hadn't been cleaned since....GASP...yesterday, when I was painting an 80 year old clawfoot tub. Soooo, much to my newest surprise, I can sell paint in a grocery store, apparently. Well, not technically IN it but WHILE in it.
I have so much to tell you all. Since August, I threw in a trip to England. Yes, that's right, little old me made it to England. Away from the frozen waffle toaster making, wrestling practice, high school tennis matches, floor scrubbing (in all honesty, this one isn't done as often as I imply), playing taxi...I jumped ON A PLANE and got out of dodge and left my family for a whole week. And I met Annie and she was FANTASTIC. More on that later, but I promise to be here more often.
I will blog more about our trip someday soon. Debbie and I stayed up one night until 4 a.m. talking, knowing full well that we were getting up at 7 and it was PAINFUL the next day, or virtually 3 hours later. Here's me with Annie, the day we surprised Annie with a visit and she joined us for lunch in Old Oxford, a few doors down from her shop. Yes, it was sunny in England, I was NOT hiding my lack of sleep, if that's what you were thinking.
This is Annie, working her magic in our workshop...she has a varnish crackle unlike anything I've seen in the U.S....we painted, we decoupaged, and we leafed!
Okay, I have to add a comment in regards to the following photo. I am praying that it's not possible for any of you to zoom into my face. Because, apparently, when I jump, I make gritty faces. Nobody else looks as terrifying as I do, Vicki and Debbie just look happy. (DISCLAIMER: I am blaming the drunk 20 year old college student for pushing the button when he did. It was unfair. Plus, I'm the SHORTEST and I think he got me on the downward. Don't you agree, unfair?)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
CHALK PAINT GIVEAWAY!
And...(drumroll)...
the winner is Pamela Kaiser!!!
Email me at tami@patinadecorativefinishes.com to CLAIM your giveaway! Choose from any combination of the 24 color samples!
the winner is Pamela Kaiser!!!
Email me at tami@patinadecorativefinishes.com to CLAIM your giveaway! Choose from any combination of the 24 color samples!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
About me!
After winding on the coast on Highway 1 today, I'm happy to be home on still ground! I might still be moving (you ever feel that way after you get off a long plane ride?) We had a wonderful day at the beach. It was much needed. We even stopped at Parkside Cafe on the way back for some chocolate malts and fries, I highly recommend it! A perfect summer day, complete with an 8 year old that asked, "Are we there yet?" at least 6 times. Sigh.
Since I have so many new blogger friends that apparently like contests (!), I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am Tami Fandrei, the sole owner and work'a'bee of Patina Decorative Finishes. While I have a 15 year old apprentice, I will never have employees because I'm a perfectionist. I have been a military spouse for the better part of 19 years. We have been in Northern California since 2000, prior to that 5 years in Okinawa, Japan and before that, all over the US.
In 2002, my friend asked me to help her paint. We were both pregnant and now that I realize it, neither of us should have been painting up on ladders. Long story short, my obvious love for painting was evident and she encouraged me to pursue it as a career. Throughout the years following it, I took many courses to expand upon my skills. I loved what I was doing. I remember being elbow deep in one of my early cabinet jobs, 5 weeks into it (client kept making changes) and thinking, "Is this really for me?" And then I finished, stepped back, and soaked in the joy from my client. What a feeling.
Then, tragedy struck our family in 2007 with the illness of our middle child. My focus had to change in ways that I never dreamed I would endure. For, I had to learn to be a nurse. I had to learn to push needles into my child and for the record, I am a trypanophobic (fear of needles...no need to google), er, well, was for most of my life, I had to endure the sight of blood (used to make me queasy). My business was put on hold, I kept up my insurance and continued paying for my business licenses, but my job turned into a bedside one in the hospital, supporting her and what she was enduring. We were desperate for treatment because her illness was undiagnosed and nobody had answers for us. I flew all over the country with her, desperate for help and understanding. We were blessed that we could survive on one salary, a luxury for most families. I missed painting desperately, though.
It was in 2008 that I realized it was the perfect time to study for and take the exam to get my contractor's license. I was sitting in a "ched", chair by day, 2 ft. wide bed by night, all day long and the days blended together and dragged on. And on. I needed a different focus, something for me. We made it out of the hospital a few days before my contractor's exam day, but I'll never forget leaving the house at 7 a.m. a wreck because it was the first time I left my husband to manage turning off her TPN (another word for IV food when you can't eat), setting up her IV fluids for the day and give all of her morning medications. She was also on many medications at the time and I found it so hard to let go of the worry as you are not allowed to bring cell phones into your exam! I will admit, as I walked in, all worry slipped and I scanned the room, for I realized I was the only woman there in the entire sea of contractor applicants. AND, I knew for once in those two years, I was doing something for me. All thoughts slipped away. I passed...little old me and a sea of men. As I drove away with my paperwork, I realized it was the only good news to celebrate that I'd had in a very long time. And we discovered that hubby could also moonlight as a nurse! We were back in the hospital not too long after that as her condition worsened and she was unable to even stand anymore, bound to bed for 4 months with pain and agony. I got my contractor's license in the nick of time.
Fast forward a few years, we're the lucky ones. She's in a medically induced remission, future uncertain but looking bright from where I'm sitting. I am back working, doing what I love and about 3 months ago, I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It was by pure grace that I found out about it when I did. My first thought was, "NO PRIMING? Whaaaaaat? Impossible." I jumped into it head first. My perspective is different than it was four years ago. Life is too precious to not go for your dreams.
I made my initial investment, which was big when you factor in a one income household. About 3 weeks later, just a few days before my first order arrived, I received a check out of the blue in the mail from our previous insurance company. It seems that someone blew them out of the water for denying home nursing and they were making payoffs in hopes to avoid court proceedings. In early 2008, we appealed for home nursing so that we could get her out of the hospital and home, but we were denied, but went home anyway and I became her full time nurse. The dollar amount was just $20 away from my initial 4 figure Annie Sloan Chalk Paint order. I call that a sign. And a gift.
Since I have so many new blogger friends that apparently like contests (!), I wanted to tell you a little about myself. I am Tami Fandrei, the sole owner and work'a'bee of Patina Decorative Finishes. While I have a 15 year old apprentice, I will never have employees because I'm a perfectionist. I have been a military spouse for the better part of 19 years. We have been in Northern California since 2000, prior to that 5 years in Okinawa, Japan and before that, all over the US.
In 2002, my friend asked me to help her paint. We were both pregnant and now that I realize it, neither of us should have been painting up on ladders. Long story short, my obvious love for painting was evident and she encouraged me to pursue it as a career. Throughout the years following it, I took many courses to expand upon my skills. I loved what I was doing. I remember being elbow deep in one of my early cabinet jobs, 5 weeks into it (client kept making changes) and thinking, "Is this really for me?" And then I finished, stepped back, and soaked in the joy from my client. What a feeling.
Then, tragedy struck our family in 2007 with the illness of our middle child. My focus had to change in ways that I never dreamed I would endure. For, I had to learn to be a nurse. I had to learn to push needles into my child and for the record, I am a trypanophobic (fear of needles...no need to google), er, well, was for most of my life, I had to endure the sight of blood (used to make me queasy). My business was put on hold, I kept up my insurance and continued paying for my business licenses, but my job turned into a bedside one in the hospital, supporting her and what she was enduring. We were desperate for treatment because her illness was undiagnosed and nobody had answers for us. I flew all over the country with her, desperate for help and understanding. We were blessed that we could survive on one salary, a luxury for most families. I missed painting desperately, though.
It was in 2008 that I realized it was the perfect time to study for and take the exam to get my contractor's license. I was sitting in a "ched", chair by day, 2 ft. wide bed by night, all day long and the days blended together and dragged on. And on. I needed a different focus, something for me. We made it out of the hospital a few days before my contractor's exam day, but I'll never forget leaving the house at 7 a.m. a wreck because it was the first time I left my husband to manage turning off her TPN (another word for IV food when you can't eat), setting up her IV fluids for the day and give all of her morning medications. She was also on many medications at the time and I found it so hard to let go of the worry as you are not allowed to bring cell phones into your exam! I will admit, as I walked in, all worry slipped and I scanned the room, for I realized I was the only woman there in the entire sea of contractor applicants. AND, I knew for once in those two years, I was doing something for me. All thoughts slipped away. I passed...little old me and a sea of men. As I drove away with my paperwork, I realized it was the only good news to celebrate that I'd had in a very long time. And we discovered that hubby could also moonlight as a nurse! We were back in the hospital not too long after that as her condition worsened and she was unable to even stand anymore, bound to bed for 4 months with pain and agony. I got my contractor's license in the nick of time.
Fast forward a few years, we're the lucky ones. She's in a medically induced remission, future uncertain but looking bright from where I'm sitting. I am back working, doing what I love and about 3 months ago, I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It was by pure grace that I found out about it when I did. My first thought was, "NO PRIMING? Whaaaaaat? Impossible." I jumped into it head first. My perspective is different than it was four years ago. Life is too precious to not go for your dreams.
I made my initial investment, which was big when you factor in a one income household. About 3 weeks later, just a few days before my first order arrived, I received a check out of the blue in the mail from our previous insurance company. It seems that someone blew them out of the water for denying home nursing and they were making payoffs in hopes to avoid court proceedings. In early 2008, we appealed for home nursing so that we could get her out of the hospital and home, but we were denied, but went home anyway and I became her full time nurse. The dollar amount was just $20 away from my initial 4 figure Annie Sloan Chalk Paint order. I call that a sign. And a gift.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Do What You Love, Love What You Do!
I stole this quote from my wonderful Annie Sloan Chalk Paint stockist, Vicki Shoemaker of 3 Oaks Studio! "Do what you love and love what you do." Why do I love what I do? Let me count the ways:
1. I get to work in my pajamas.
2. I can make my own hours. While I realize I can do this, I've also recognized lately that I've been burning the candle at both ends and in between. Forgive me, family, I'm working on this.
3. I meet the MOST amazing and FANTASTICALLY (is that a word?) creative people. Yesterday, an artist from St. Helena called me asking me about my paint as he's going to "cottage" up some walls with it and plaster. And, I was SO intrigued, I may need to do my own set of sample boards. When I asked if he was a plaster or painting contractor, he replied, "Neither, I like to blaze trails." DUDE, me, TOO! (I am NOT affiliated with this guy, in case you are wondering...I'm a law abiding licensed painting contractor and would never suggest using anyone who isn't in your home. But, I still think he has a cool factor.)
4. The customers I've worked for in the past two months have touched my life. They remind me to laugh, to appreciate creativity, to slow down and enjoy the good things in life and most of all, one special customer of mine encourages me, tells me I'm going to do big things, and believes in me and that inspires me so much.
5. I get to make my kids' lunch. Sometimes that involves opening up a can of Spaghettios...don't be a hater, it happens and if you don't buy that junk for your kids, you are missing out on a meal that takes exactly 1 minute 30 seconds from the time you open the can, pour in a bowl, microwave (OH, the HORROR!) and serve with a smile. And, it has vitamins (even if they are the fake kind).
6. I get to paint with the most amazing paint on earth...Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! If you've never heard of it, get out from under your rock! I no longer spend oodles of cash on primer and TSP, not to mention countless hours of priming (GAH...that stuff stinks...and I'm talkin' ODOR, people). ASCP is forgiving, if you drip, it sands right out. No brush strokes. Beginners can use it, just ask my 15 year old apprentice painter. She'll have HER contractor's license in 8 years! (probably not, but a girl can dream, right?). I get to paint with something that doesn't have any odor, dries fast, and makes my life super happy!
7. I get to take my three kids, each with a friend, to the beach tomorrow. On a Thursday. Because I can!
8. My garage is full of treasures. Things to paint, things painted, vintage finds, etc. My husband can no longer park his convertible in our 3 car garage. I don't THINK he's visited a divorce attorney yet, but it's not a source of happiness like it is for me!
9. Ohhhhhh...one more. I don't spend any money on manicures. I already have plenty of Graphite, Primer Red, Antibes Green (just to mention my work from today) stuck in my cuticles. Why bother?
And now...for what you've all been waiting for. It's a giveaway!!!!!!!!!
We all love giveaways. I'm giving away THREE (you READ that right, THREE!) Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Samples in the colors of your choice, shipped to you for free (no gimmicks here!) Each item below gives you (1) entry into the contest and the winner will be chosen randomly. All you have to do is:
1. Like Patina Decorative Finishes on Facebook
2. Become a Follower of my Blog
3. Repost this contest on your Facebook wall
4. Repost this contest on your blog
HURRY...contest ends on Friday, August 12th at midnight Cali time!
Leave me a comment here on what your favorite Annie Sloan Chalk Paint color is! :-) (I'll throw in another entry cuz I'm nice like that!)
1. I get to work in my pajamas.
2. I can make my own hours. While I realize I can do this, I've also recognized lately that I've been burning the candle at both ends and in between. Forgive me, family, I'm working on this.
3. I meet the MOST amazing and FANTASTICALLY (is that a word?) creative people. Yesterday, an artist from St. Helena called me asking me about my paint as he's going to "cottage" up some walls with it and plaster. And, I was SO intrigued, I may need to do my own set of sample boards. When I asked if he was a plaster or painting contractor, he replied, "Neither, I like to blaze trails." DUDE, me, TOO! (I am NOT affiliated with this guy, in case you are wondering...I'm a law abiding licensed painting contractor and would never suggest using anyone who isn't in your home. But, I still think he has a cool factor.)
4. The customers I've worked for in the past two months have touched my life. They remind me to laugh, to appreciate creativity, to slow down and enjoy the good things in life and most of all, one special customer of mine encourages me, tells me I'm going to do big things, and believes in me and that inspires me so much.
5. I get to make my kids' lunch. Sometimes that involves opening up a can of Spaghettios...don't be a hater, it happens and if you don't buy that junk for your kids, you are missing out on a meal that takes exactly 1 minute 30 seconds from the time you open the can, pour in a bowl, microwave (OH, the HORROR!) and serve with a smile. And, it has vitamins (even if they are the fake kind).
6. I get to paint with the most amazing paint on earth...Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! If you've never heard of it, get out from under your rock! I no longer spend oodles of cash on primer and TSP, not to mention countless hours of priming (GAH...that stuff stinks...and I'm talkin' ODOR, people). ASCP is forgiving, if you drip, it sands right out. No brush strokes. Beginners can use it, just ask my 15 year old apprentice painter. She'll have HER contractor's license in 8 years! (probably not, but a girl can dream, right?). I get to paint with something that doesn't have any odor, dries fast, and makes my life super happy!
7. I get to take my three kids, each with a friend, to the beach tomorrow. On a Thursday. Because I can!
8. My garage is full of treasures. Things to paint, things painted, vintage finds, etc. My husband can no longer park his convertible in our 3 car garage. I don't THINK he's visited a divorce attorney yet, but it's not a source of happiness like it is for me!
9. Ohhhhhh...one more. I don't spend any money on manicures. I already have plenty of Graphite, Primer Red, Antibes Green (just to mention my work from today) stuck in my cuticles. Why bother?
And now...for what you've all been waiting for. It's a giveaway!!!!!!!!!
We all love giveaways. I'm giving away THREE (you READ that right, THREE!) Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Samples in the colors of your choice, shipped to you for free (no gimmicks here!) Each item below gives you (1) entry into the contest and the winner will be chosen randomly. All you have to do is:
1. Like Patina Decorative Finishes on Facebook
2. Become a Follower of my Blog
3. Repost this contest on your Facebook wall
4. Repost this contest on your blog
HURRY...contest ends on Friday, August 12th at midnight Cali time!
Leave me a comment here on what your favorite Annie Sloan Chalk Paint color is! :-) (I'll throw in another entry cuz I'm nice like that!)