Apply [Retique It] Polyacrylic Without Drag

When I first started redesigning furniture, applying the topcoat was very frustrating for me. It dried too quickly, giving me drag. Drag happens when you swipe another strip of poly overtop poly that has already started to dry. It’s tricky to get a good application when the poly dries too fast. This could happen if the room you are working in is very dry or too warm. So make sure there’s enough humidity in the room and/or the proper temperature to give you time to work. No matter what I did back then, I couldn’t get a smooth, consistent finish. After lots of sleepless nights, then plenty of practice and research, I discovered a method that works AND a product that makes it so very easy. In this video, I demonstrate applying Retique It Polyacrylic with a detailer sponge. Easy peasy! The Polyacrylic (interior water-based polyurethane) and Polytique It (exterior … Read more

Antique Accent Table Redesign – Start to Finish in 7 Minutes

I’ve found video to be the best tool in sharing projects. We see everywhere pretty pictures, both before and afters, but seldom see HOW it was done. Today I’m a project that I video’d all the way through to the staging. We found this accent table at a local estate sale and it was labeled “antique.” I paid a little more for it since it is so unique. A “unique antique”. 🙂 I used all products from my online store, featuring Retique It products at FurnitureFlippingMarket.com. Go have a look at all the great products – quality products you can trust. I will list all the materials and link them below the video. Materials List: Oil-based Primer Ultratique all-in-One Paint – Robin’s Egg Ultratique all-in-One Paint – Alabaster Stain & Glaze  (old oak or dark oak will work to give an antique look) Wonder Brush (there are three sizes!) Polyacrylic … Read more

Adding a Bit of Glitz to a Motif – The Royal Collection Metallics

Add Some Glitz! The Retique It Royal Collection Metallics Are you wanting your pieces to stand out so people take notice? One way to create the WOW factor is to add a little glitz. Whether you are stenciling a piece of decor, redesigning furniture, or even stenciling on a wall, metallics are a great choice. I recently redesigned a coffee table for my living room and of course I wanted a piece of art rather than just a plain ‘ol table! Today I’m sharing a video showing you how I giltzed it up. Sometimes the best things are the simplest! I used the Royal Collection Metallics by Retique It by stenciling just a bit of trim on all of the leaves. You don’t see it at first when coming into my living room, when casually glancing at it from the front, but as you walk around to sit on the … Read more

[VIDEO] A Kitty Climbing Wall

You might want to call me a “crazy cat lady,” and you probably wouldn’t be too far off. I love my Mia. She’s a great companion. I work from home and she keeps me company. I was very lonely before we got her 3 years ago. With hubby working till 5pm every day, I spent my days working as well, but missing having someone to talk to…or just be around. I usually had the TV on just to hear voices and feel less alone. But then my DD suggested I get a cat. I’ve always had a cat, but when we moved to Wisconsin, I decided not to get one because I had a couple of kids who were allergic, which one of them was this DD that suggested I get one – she felt my pain. The one son who is allergic doesn’t visit often, and for the other, … Read more

Fixing a Sloppy Paint Job

Here’s a little tip to save you some time and effort. I bought a dresser from Marketplace and the drawers had some messy painting going on. Drips, over painting, scratches, bristles embedded, etc. The worst part were the drawer sides. My options for fixing them were: painting them, stenciling over the mess, or sanding it off. I didn’t like any of those options. I thought on it a while and came up with a better option. It was easier than any of the three choices I originally thought I had and it worked. Here is the finished project – you can click the pic to go right to the post about this project: This is an example of the super short videos I create for my Blueprint members. I’ll be sharing some of them with those who wish to see the nicky picky details that most experienced furniture flippers have … Read more

[VIDEO] Creating Appliques Using Paper Clay

SAVE $$ It can be pretty pricey to buy ready made appliques, so this is a good solution for anyone wishing to add a little pizazz to decor or furniture. It’s easy and actually a fun thing to do once you get a handle on the particulars. This video shows you how to use paper clay to make appliques fairly inexpensively.   PAPER CLAY It certainly doesn’t hurt that this product and process is pretty easy too. I like easy. At the time I made this video I only used (afflink) paper clay, but since then I’ve learned about and also use hot glue and another medium similar to paper clay, Form Flex. These two are flexible after they dry unlike Paper Clay which is not. I share the other methods in the Blueprint – be sure to subscribe to the DROPCLOTH so you’ll be notified when it opens to … Read more

Are You Ready to Become a PRO Furniture Artist?

    Have you dreamed about growing your redesign and marketing skills and/or wondered how to gain the confidence you need to get to the next level? Black Friday – Cyber Monday Furniture Flipping Blueprint Gold plan will be at an amazing price for all new and returning members. It’s time to plan for 2022 to be a record year and do great things! What is the Blueprint? It’s an online manual, a membership, for furniture artists where they can learn A to Z furniture flipping. Are you ready to stop scrolling, trying to find answers, and get down to business? Go here to find out more about the Blueprint: ValFrania.com/Join.  Why would I ever consider being mentored by Val Frania? Who is she anyway?   Why is FFB an investment in my self and how will it help me in 2022? Who else has been a member of the Blueprint? … Read more

[VIDEO] Background & Stenciling Script Tips

So so SO many furniture artists forget that their furniture is no different than a painter’s canvas. Learn a few very easy techniques and you can WOW your audience. We need to do something to stop those scrollers and sell our furniture! In this video I’ll tell you about my favorite background technique and how I add script for an old-world look. Backgrounds add interest – not just one or two colors, but from one to many will create an uncommon artsy look. It’s great for under stenciling or even a transfer. Use it to create an old-world look, weathering, etc., or even just for a look of whimsy by using dramatic or contrasting colors. You get to decide. Plus, I explain the best way to stencil script onto your piece – method matters. The BEFORE We found the tables in a jam-packed salvage type of thrift shop. Removing the … Read more

[VIDEO] Sanding and Stripping a Finish Tips

When do you sand and when should you strip? One or the other or both? First you need to give each a try, sanding and stripping, to become comfortable so it’s easy to know which is best for the job you have to do. Pick a small piece and give it a go! If you’ve never done it before, basic prep can be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s a short look at both methods using a Rigid random orbital with a dust bag and Soy Gel Coatings Remover, formerly known as Soy Gel. Thanks for visiting. I have lots of opportunities for you to learn furniture redesign and marketing, both free and paid, that will help you along in your journey to become a confident furniture flipper. I have a bunch of ways to follow me and my escapades listed below. Have a great weekend and happy painting! … Read more

[VIDEO] Have you learned how to blend yet?

NEW TECHNIQUES CAN BE INTIMIDATING Sometimes we are intimidated by a new technique or one we’ve seen others do so well. Intimidation usually comes when we see something we like but have no idea how they did it – or it could be a lack of confidence in our abilities. But really, once we find out how and try it a few times, it becomes less intimidating. There are a few techniques that aren’t easily mastered, and blending is one that most will say was a bit difficult to get down. BUT, that’s no reason not to try! I’ve created a video for you showing a few different ways to get you started learning to blend. Grab some paint and give it a try. If nothing else, you’ll be less intimidated and have some fun. Give it a whirl. Be brave! Let me know how it goes and if you … Read more

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