Friday, July 29, 2011

DO YOU LOVE EVERYTHING ANNIE SLOAN?



Are You An
ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT LOVER?

                We are about to announce our select  group of
MINI STOCKIST in Florida that are going to help spread the magic of Annie Sloan, her wonderful chalk paint and many more things to come.  But there are just a few areas in Florida that we are still looking for just the right fit. 


I truly believe that this paint is so WONDERFUL and MAGICAL
that it needs to be available in a place that is just as special as the paint itself.

 Do you own a quaint shop or perhaps a special space tucked away in an antique mall?

Do you have the ability to do workshops and like to be hands-on?
Does this product EXCITE you?
Do you love meeting new people & sharing your creativity?



If you think you're the one please contact me, confidentially, via my email (rstorydesigns@aol.com/no phone calls please).  Tell me in detail why you believe you're the PERFECT person to be a 
MINI STOCKIST and part of our Florida Team!


  
HERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO  SHARE YOUR PASSION

Drop me a note and tell me a little about yourself
Florida loves
ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT
Be one of our select group representing this amazing brand and join us for this incredible journey!


*Mini-Stockist: a second-tier retailer who is located in the same state as the Stockist and purchases the product from the Stockist.   Mini-Stockist must be willing to purchase an initial minimum investment in inventory.












Tuesday, July 26, 2011

MOUNTAIN OF GIVEAWAY - FINAL FOUR DAYS

WE HAVE HAD A BLAST!
WE'VE MET AMAZING PEOPLE
READ SOME FUN AND INSPIRING BLOGS
AND ARE WINDING DOWN WITH OUR 
MOUNTAIN OF GIVEAWAY!!
 10 POTS OF 
ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT
COULD BE YOURS!!!!
 

FOUR MORE DAYS!!
Last day to enter is July 30
 The winner will be announced on August 1

Thanks for stopping by, for commenting, for "liking" me on Facebook and just taking time out of your day.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Friday, July 22, 2011

IT'S ALL ABOUT ANNIE SLOAN

DON'T FORGET!!
Click HERE for details


It's been a whirlwind!!  I got home from my gorgeous Mountain retreat and had to quick pack and head to Virginia for a fabulous convention for decorative artists, IDAL.  I don't consider myself in the same category of decorative painters as many of the people that go to this convention but I thought I'd surround myself with genius!  And OH WHAT FUN I'm having.  And I'm learning so much....all the more for me to share with all my wonderful customers and followers.

For now I thought I'd just post a quick picture or two for you to see the Annie Sloan Booth.  It's soooo pretty!!

Early Morning Set Up

Look how sweet this is!!


Annie Sloan Chalk Paint with Stencils!! This is Kate who works with our Texas stockist, Michelle

Getting ready for mini-demos

"THE" Woman behind this amazing product - Annie Sloan and her wonderful husband

Thursday, July 21, 2011

GIRLS DAY WITH ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT and MORE

DON'T FORGET!!
Click HERE for details
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HOW CUTE.  
Dana, a VERY talented decorative artist that was at our workshop on Saturday sent me the cutest picture. 
 I just wanted to share it with everyone!
THANKS DANA!!!  HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!!!
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Do you have a minute?  Here's a cute story.  Once upon a time I was selling my home and in came a family of four.  Two adults and two very small children. After a little negotiation and a naked little boy running around my house wanting his 'bathing soup' so he could go in my pool, we sold the house to this lovely family.  We became fast friends and Joell has been a wonderful customer and friend of mine and Robyn Story Designs!!



Fast forward to a few weeks ago.  My friend and current owner of my previous home, Joell, came into the store and fell in love with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  She went home and filled in her girlfriends and even their daughters.  They all wanted a piece of it.  A great idea was born!!


A Mother/Daughter Day!!  Today was the day and we had a blast!!  It was a small class, three mom's and three daughter's but what a HOOT.  We had such a great time and since it was a smaller, more intimate group, we were able to personalize it so that it was just as much fun for the daughter's as it was for the mom's.

We did our normal 6 finishes...I think the crackle finish and the clouded/stipple was the class favorite...but then we really got to play!!!  I made sure that everyone had something fun to do.  We got little trinket boxes for the girls and a bunch of bare wood picture frames so that everyone could practice what they'd learned.
Ashlyn, Halley and Courtney with their trinket boxes and frames!
Alicia, Lucinda and Joell working with the Magical waxes after painting with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
Looks like Halley had a great time!  Looks like Emperor's Silk to me!!

How GORGEOUS is this frame?  Arles and Olive with clear and dark wax and the addition of an Orchid!!
As we were cleaning up after our fun day at Annie Sloan Chalk Paint day camp I found the most adorable 'love letters' from the girls.  Thanks girls for making our day.  Lori and I had a wonderful time 'playing' with each one of you.  You should be so proud of your work today - I know we were blown away by how FABULOUS the three of you did!!!
Thank you Courtney - we think you're pretty special!!

Halley, you're pretty cool yourself!!!  I loved your heart frame!!

Ashlyn YOU'RE awesome!!!  Thank YOU!!!
I think all three moms and daughters had a great time and left with visions of projects in their mind!!  I know that after they left we realized what a GREAT idea this was and look forward to many others just like it!!
Our group of 6!!!

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ONE MORE VERY IMPORTANT THING!
Our very good blogger friend , BLUE CREEK HOME, has lost her blog!!  Unfortunately, her domain expired - who ever knew I needed to worry about that - and as a result she's lost her BLOG, all her links, her followers - EVERYTHING!!!
We want to help her out since she's been such a GREAT friend to Robyn Story Designs!!  So if you get a minute, can you PLEASE stop on over to Blue Creek Home, say hello and become a follower of hers.

She had a beautiful and inspiring blog and is hoping to rebuild it.  But it takes time, patience and inspiration!!!  Rhonda, we love you and know that your new blog will be even better!!    

Sunday, July 17, 2011

ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT BIRTHDAY PARTY


Our workshop and birthday gang!!! We're missing Marty and Joe who had to leave a little early


I have said all along that you meet the nicest people in my store and yesterday was no exception.  We had another of our fabulous Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshops and met the greatest group of people.



Several people in this group reserved using our online shopping cart, but a few of them called and asked some questions, spoke with my staff who then found out that they were coming here to celebrate their birthday's!!  HOW FABULOUS!!  One of the birthday celebrants told us that they were going to Palm Beach for a spa weekend until she saw that there were openings for our workshop!

Seriously, how honored we were to be hosting such a special celebration.  We didn't take that lightly.  So a few balloons, a bunch of cupcakes, a little song and a crown for each of the ladies - we hope that made them realize how thankful we were that they chose to spend the day with us!!!  Here are our birthday girls:
BETH

GERALDINE

PATRICIA
We were fortunate to have had several professional decorative artists in the group, a couple of wonderful gentlemen and a fellow blogger.What a great day!!  I think everyone left knowing that they learned the MAGIC that is Annie Sloan Paint Chalk.  Thanks to everyone who came, asked great questions, told fantastic stories and hung around afterwards for an additional laugh or two!!  It was our pleasure to meet everyone!!!
John, a cabinet refinisher

Becky is learning the process to use while renovating her vacation home in Alabama. Check out her blog: www.oneshabbyoldhouse.blogspot.com!  You will be inspired!!






Everybody elbow deep in clear and dark wax!!
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DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR
MOUNTAIN OF GIVEAWAY!
 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ALL THE DETAILS!!
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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

TEPEE'S, MOUNTAINS AND CHALK PAINT...

DON'T FORGET!!!
CHECK OUT OUR MOUNTAIN OF GIVEAWAY
CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO YOUR RIGHT
FOR ALL THE DETAILS!!!
YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS OUT



So you're asking "what do all three things have in common?", let me tell you and show you!! I'd love to share my journey with you, so if you have a minute, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and take a walk with me through the mountains of Colorado.

The mountains of Colorado are where people go to renew their souls, commune with nature and breathe the clean air.  I know that I love my time here, there doesn't seem to be enough time in a day but here's a day during my vacation that I know you all will enjoy.

Steve and I love our walks, the vistas are enough to take your breath away at every turn.  We start our walk from our home and meander through the hills, climbing the mountain along the way.  Here is where the path meets the clouds, where earth and sky collide and give us pause as we enjoy what Mother Nature has graced us with.

We continued along this path on our way to a friend's home, wanting to spend some time catching up with those that we haven't seen in a while.

I know you can all relate that sometimes life gets in the way of enjoying simple moments.  We're too busy dealing with our 'everyday' stresses that we forget to enjoy the journey.  Today was about enjoying those precious few moments. 

Our friends have a very beautiful home here in Colorado, as well as one in Tampa but the piece de resistance is what they have perched on a mountain top a little away from their main house.  This is not your typical home but it is unique and fabulous.  A place that both of them go to remember the simple things and enjoy the great outdoors. 



To watch the sun set and to visit with friends (like Steve and King Louie!) 

The girls were inside discussing 'design'.  I know I often tell you that my store, Robyn Story Designs and Boutique is not only a home accessory store but also a Full Service Design Center.  But, I've gotta tell you, I've NEVER been asked to decorate a TEPEE!!!  I LOVE that I can add this to my repetoire of work.

My mom, Betty and Steve's mom, Sweetie, enjoying the lush interiors of the tepee

So, after a quick tour (as you can imagine it was pretty quick!!) of the Tepee we got to talking about what it needs.  Color and a table.  But what table and what colors?  Ahh, the colors of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, that was the answer.  The pots of paint were at home just waiting to be put to use as were a pair of antlers that I had leftover from an old floral project.  Put a table, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and an old pair of faux antlers together and what do you get.....






A one of a kind creation, perfectly suited for the Colorado Mountains,
in a beautiful, rustic tepee!
We left, following a path through mountains and lakes and headed home to continue with our day of leisure.

Once we got back to the house we headed to town for the remainder of the day to see what was new and to check out some old favorites.  How sweet is this little store and the owners.



Just seeing how beautiful it was on the outside propelled me inside.  I just wanted to browse through the store and find a goody or two.  We spent a few minutes with the owners and their dog and continued down the road.

I love being greeted upon entering a store with such charm.  Anything with a dog always gets me, this stole my heart so I had to take a picture and share it with you.



Here's a little secret.  You know Chalk Paint has become an obsession when you start seeing things in color.  For instance, as we walked by this building all I could think of was Emile and Henrietta.  No those aren't names of characters in a childrens' book, rather two beautiful Annie Sloan Chalk Paint colors.  So, I guess it's official, I'm obsessed with all things Annie Sloan. 

I see a little Paris Grey and Old White in this building.  Just look at how beautiful the flower boxes are!!


Primer Red


Okay, one more example.....Primer Red and Aubusson!  ASCP colors surround me!!!!

Here are two more wonderful homes that we passed along the way.  So whimsical in it's design yet so sophisticated as well.  It looks like something out of a fairytale to me.  Just such a perfectly beautiful setting nestled amongst the trees.









I stumbled upon one treat after another today.  The bounty of beautiful views that surround me, the luxury of visiting with good friends, the inspiration of colors that abound and one thing that I will share with you later, in a separate post. 

I hope you enjoyed my journey, I loved sharing it with you.  My wish is that each one of you has an opportunity to enjoy those moments where we realize how little we are in this big world, where we can put our concerns aside and simply live in the moment and enjoy the little things in life.  I am heading home tomorrow and as excited and anxious as I am to see everyone and come back to my Tampa home.  Colorado will always own a huge piece of this girl's heart.