I went a little crazy with the distressing

well, i might be done…

The Whistling Elk painting with Annie Sloan Chalk PaintI did really go crazy with the distressing…but i think i like it!

I used a little of the gilding wax on the hardware and on the drawer front.

You can never have too much gold!

The Whistling Elk painting with Anne Sloan Chalk Paint

Ooophs – i just couldn’t resist painting the insides of the drawers with Henrietta – Annie Sloan Chalk Paint –

its the sweetest lavendar!

I love the little Fleur de Lis detail smack in the middle…

every time i open this little drawer i know it will make me smile – yes! I am definitely done with this piece!

It’s a Wine Cabinet Makeover

Remember that black wine cabinet that i posted…well the makeover is almost done!

painting with annie sloan chalk paint

First coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint…Louis Blue and Louis Blue mixed with Pure White.

I left the inside black….liking the contrast!

Later I’ll distress it…

The seasons are changing…time for cozy details at home

It’s that time of year when having a throw blanket to curl up with is really important.

I love piling up a group of  throws in soft, natural colors with some of our custom pillows –

It’s hard to resist going by this chair without stroking the throws which do not disappoint!

They are soft & luxurious – so cozy!

kennebunk weavers throws

The iron canopy bed in our Bonne Nuit colored bedroom is virtually packed with custom made pillows…

Textillery throw blankets are piled here…they are acrylic chenille and just exquisite.

I have several at home and can’t bear to actually use them – I just love to drape them everywhere – ooh la la!

custom pillows, bedding and draperies

Below a gorgeous purple silk drapery embroidered with sprigs of leaves shimmers with a reddish tinge when you move it…

a fabulous multi-colored bullion adorns it as it hangs over the entrance doorway to this bedroom.

I love the way the ready made 100% cotton organdy embroidered floral drapes hang on the other side of the doorway

creating a multi-layered elegance and depth – very pleasing to the eye (mine anyway).

ready made drapes

Both The Whistling Elk and Little Paris are ready for season change…are you?

Say hello to my latest Annie Sloan Chalk Paint project

Say hellooooo to my latest painting project…

painting with annie sloan chalk paint

This little wine cabinet is my paint project for the next couple of days.

It’s really cute but i am going to make it even cuter!

Stay tuned for the results….

Purple Just Feels Like Bling

Lampe Berger is one of our favorite things…

Lampe Berger at The Whistling Elk

and what could be prettier than purple?

Not only do we love the scents but they add to any room design….

Feels like bling – I want one!

The Beginnings of our Christmas Bling

Little by little the Christmas Bling is creeping into the shop!

Whistling Elk christmas

It begins by  mingling with our home accessories..

christmas decorations at the whistling elk

this will continue for the month of October!

Gifts and Decorative Accessories Interview with The Whistling Elk

The Whistling Elk

We  just got written up in Gifts & Accessories Magazine….

Check it out!

here’s the link  http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/555546-The_Gifted_Retailer_The_Whistling_Elk.php?intref=sr

Christmas Ornaments pretty enough to make you swoon!

ball ornaments

I love all the luscious colors of our Christmas Ornaments this year.

It’s a combination of The Whistling Elk meets Little Paris!

A Treeful of Mark Roberts Fairies

How fun is a treeful of fairies?

christmas fairies
Mark Roberts Fairies

Fairies and lollipops adorn this tree at The Whistling Elk!

Christmas Fairies
Mark Roberts Christmas Fairies

First Frost, All Aboard and Xylophone Fairy are from the 2011 Mark Roberts Collection.

Christmas Fairies
A treeful of fairies

It’s hard to see Bah Humbug fairy in this picture – he’s hiding in the tree but you can sure see his sign!

In front of him is Dancin with the Stars Fairy and My Lucky Stars both very cute and colorful!

and sittin pretty in the tree is our very last Father Christmas Fairy….

Mark Roberts 2011 collection
Mark Roberts Father Christmas Fairy

Art Deco Fairy is riding high at the top of the tree!

Mark Roberts 2011 Collection
Mark Roberts Art Deco Fairy

Christmas Tree Fairy has a tree on his head…

he is hanging out near the tree with Chocolate Truffle Fairy!

Christmas Tree Fairy
Mark Roberts 2012 Christmas Tree Fairy

I love the the Christmas Lights Fairy….he is adorable and i love that the 9″ fairy is holding a string of lights!

2012 Mark Roberts Collection
Mark Roberts 2012 Christmas Lights Fairy

I think he might be my favorite this year…but i dont know yet because they have a tendancy to grow on you so i could change my mind at any time!

i do still like Bling Bling with his handful of pearls…

Mark Roberts Collection
Mark Roberts Bling Bling Fairy

i guess i have the rest of the year to decide!

Mark Roberts Christmas Fairies are here yet again!

Mark Roberts Fairies have taken over the sales floor!

They always appear at The Whistling Elk this time of year adding sparkle and happiness to our home design shop!

This cute guy dancing on one foot is the Happy Halloween Fairy.

Christmas Fairy
Mark Roberts Happy Halloween Fairy

They are so cute….here’s Northwoods Fairy sporting fur for 2012!

Mark Roberts 2012 Northwoods Fairy
Mark Roberts 2012 Northwoods Fairy

The Gingerbread Fairy from the 2011 collection was so adorable that we have him again this year.

Mark Roberts 2011 Christmas Fairy Collection
Mark Roberts 2011 Gingerbread Fairy

The Ice Capades Fairy 2012 is all dressed in White with Gold accents.

Mark Roberts Ice Capades Fairy
Mark Roberts 2012 Ice Capades Fairy

The Pixie is holding an ornament and trying to climb the Fairy Showcase!

Wrapper Magic Pixie
Mark Roberts 2011 Wrapper Magic Pixie

Doestn’t he have the sweetest face?

The Holly Leaf Pixie has a devilish face…he is looking for trouble i think.

Holly Leaf Pixie Mark Roberts Collection 2011
Mark Roberts Holly Leaf Pixie

The Pastry Magicv Pixie is one of the few “girl” fairies in Mark’s Collection.  She looks guilty here like she just ate all the pastry!

Mark Roberts 2011 Collection
Mark Roberts 2011 Pastry Magic Pixie

 The Peppermint Dreams Fairy is in Mark’s “Large” size….so he is 20″ tall.  Love his expression!

Mark Roberts Peppermint Dreams Fairy
Mark Roberts 2012 Peppermint Dreams Fairy

That little guy on the bottom right of the picture is Sleighbell…

Uh oh…Group Shot!

Mark Roberts Christmas Fairies
Group Shot Christmas Fairies

So lets see starting from the top left its Chocolate Truffle, Christmas Wishes, Drummer Boy Fairy (saluting) and by the way he has the cutest ears…

then comes Christmas in Tuscany, Peppermint Dreams, and on the bottom from the left is
Violinist Fairy, Tinsel Time,  and Lollipop (2011).

There are so many more!  I am trying to decide which is my favorite this year.

They are all so colorful and detailed.  As always very Special!

Chester, NJ Craft Show!

christmas goodies
christmas preview

Getting ready for the Craft Show in Chester, NJ this weekend.

At The Whistling Elk – we always put a little Christmas out….a preview of what’s to come.

Christmas
The Whistling Elk in Chester NJ

Of course we are stocked full of design ideas, home decor.  Little Paris is all decked out too.

clock

We have a large selection of great clocks right now…

craft show goodies

Bobeches, candlesticks, little fleur de lis ornaments and golden crowns….

so many little treasures!

fleur de lis and tassels
clocks

Here’s our clock wall!

this is my 22nd craft show weekend….wow!

clocks

I love glittery trees and jeweled frames…so we have plenty!

But we still have a lots of italian frames, little books and pretty flowers…something for everyone.

italian frames

A beautiful new ottoman just showed up this morning…the trucker brought it in the pouring rain.  That was fun!

It’s so cute with little french legs – ooh la la!

schnadig ottoman
Schnadig Beau Banc Ottoman

L O V E !!!

Love at first sight

I fell in love with this little table while out searching for antiques….

Its not old – just cute with great character!  It’s oval about 16 x 12 and was already painted with Annie Sloan Paris Grey.  It also has a marble top – black with a little pink and grey.

As soon as i saw it i knew i was going to paint and gild it!  It was just a matter of what color…

annie sloan chalk paint
oval table detailed with annie sloan chalk paint

So naturally i did paint it – it wasnt even in the shop for 24 hours before it got a makeover!

So here “she” is wearing some Annie Sloan Henrietta over Paris Grey….and then rubbed with some silver gilding wax and some kings gold gilding wax.

Voila, so Little Paris!

annie sloan paint
oval table with annie sloan paint

Here’s some detail shots…who said you cant mix silver and gold accents????

gilding wax
oval table rubbed with silver and kings gold gilding wax
oval table
oval table paris grey and henrietta

It’s important to remember that you dont have to paint perfectly – when you are distressing it gives you a certain lattitude to be a little free…

I am so enjoying painting!  I had forgotten how much fun it is and what a great creative outlet is can be.

Attention to D-E-T-A-I-L

Still playing with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint….

or maybe i should say still having fun with….

 Since i was not busy today and had some Gilding Wax I decided to play a little

so i used it on this small table as an accent color

and it turned out just lovely….

occasional table with gold accents
Gilding Wax kings gold on table

First i made a plan by looking the table over and deciding which architectural design details I wanted to call attention to.

Then I just worked in the gilding wax with a little stiff brush.

It was actually a very simple way to enhance the design of this table.

table with gilding wax edges

the table was already painted an antique white and distressed so all it needed was the gilding wax

to make it complete!

Then of course, once you start painting and you have the paint open it just naturally follows that you look around for something else to paint

So with wax open and a little sample of the Louis Gold Annie Sloan Chalk Paint i

decided to paint two little frames that had nice architectural details but were kind of boring in that they were both just a flat grey.

gilding wax on frame
frame with gilding wax brushed on edges

So i just brushed some gilding wax on it using a dry brush technique.  The gold just accentuated all the detail!

Gilding wax on frame
Frame painted with Annie Sloan Louis Gold Chalk Paint and Gilding Wax Kings Gold Accents

I decided to paint the inside area of this frame with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – Louis Blue.

Then i dry brushed the edges with the Kings Gold Gilding Wax.

This one is my favorite – it looks so soft and elegant!

Frames
Frames painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Gilding Wax

A little paint, attention to detail and elbow grease (very little in this case) and these frames have a whole new look!

Antique Table with refractory leaves has beautiful surface grain

this is the beautiful table that i was using for a cash wrap prior to the kitchen island showing up yesterday…

it is probably a crime that i was using this amazing piece for my desk.

it was always loaded with paper and catalogs and being used to wrap gifts….

i certainly did not do it justice.  it needs to sit majestically somewhere….a treasured piece of home decor!

quarter sawn oak top table
refractory table antique circa 1880

Now it will have a new life…

I have cleaned it off and placed it on the sales floor with its very own chair…i Brie waxed the top so it gleams.

the top grain is so beautiful and though it may be old it still looks amazing.

The legs make a  spectacular architectural statement too.

the table opens from 57″ to 110″  – its refractory leaves pull out of each side with a gentle tug

 it’s really just too pretty!

just the kind of piece an interior designer could build a room around!

Its the kind of once in a lifetime piece that i really wish i could just take home!

antique refractory table

it is an antique circa 1880 and i bought it for the shop because i thought the graining of the wood top

was the prettiest i’d seen…and i still love it!

antique table circa 1880

Nobody is allowed to put anything more on it!  (i think that means me).

  I just want to admire it while its still here!

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint – the marathon continues

This little table had a dark wood top…it really had style with those cute legs so I decided to just paint the top with some Annie Sloan Pure White.

I left the legs the way they were – so here is the table with the Pure White on it.

Chaulk Paint
Table with Annie Sloan Pure White top

I waxed it with the clear wax and then applied a little dark wax then distressed it.

Last i hit it with some of the gilding wax then distressed it some more…

Now it has a whole new life!

Love it!

Small Painted Table – Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint

I also worked on this standing mirror…it had a lot of “design” potential!

chaulk paint

One of the reasons i selected this piece to paint was because of the beautiful wood carved crown at the top…

and the way this mirror resembled a “boiserie” panel…

The way i envisioned painting this piece i knew that its architecture would  be greatly enhanced by using two colors to create a contrast.

I knew that using an alternate color on the crown and on the inset panel would work beautifully

and that connecting them by hitting part of the molding with the contrast color would be very pleasing to the eye.

So, i decided to use Paris Grey and Pure White.

Here’s the crown with a little Paris Grey which i purposely slapped on so it didnt cover all the dark wood.

Later i put some Pure White sloppily over the Paris Grey – i didnt care about covering since i knew i would distress it heavily later.

Crown Top of Standing Mirror with Paris Grey coat of Annie Sloan Paint

Originally it was also part of my plan to highlight this piece with some gold wax accents.

  However, a customer came into the shop

while i was working on it and asked me not to put the gold on until she saw it finished with just the white and grey…

she thought it might work for her  just that way…so i will have to wait until tomorrow when she comes in to see whether it will go home with her sans gold wax..

Here it is BEFORE distressing…

Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint
Standing Mirror in Paris Grey and Pure White before distressing

I painted the body of the piece all Pure White then applied the Paris Grey over only the molding and on the inset.

I did that because i knew when i distressed it i would get the dark brown and the white thru the grey.

Paris Grey and Pure White
Annie Sloan Paint on Mirror before distressing

Here is the boiserie mirror after distressing…I am just dying to highlight it with gilding wax!

chaulk paint
Standing Mirror wearing Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint

Here’s some close ups of the details of the newly antique mirror!

Chaulk Paint
Standing Mirror Top Detail
Annie Sloan Paris Grey and Pure White

When i am painting i find myself working on a lot of projects at once…

if i have a can of paint open i generally use it on as many pieces as i can so i dont have to open/close the paint, clean the brush etc.

it may be that i am just lazy…. but i think its a good idea to use the paint on something else while the can is open…

so here’s a little mirror that i also worked on!

Chaulk Paint
Oval Mirror Before Annie Sloan Pure White

This distressed mirror was a brownish/cordovan kind of a color with some gold in the corners.

I just went ahead and coated the whole frame with Annie Sloan Pure White, Clear waxed it, distressed it and then

hit it with some of the gilding wax.

Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint
Oval Mirror Annie Sloan Pure White Chaulk Paint

Here it is all done and ready for me to put in Little Paris so perfect for my shabby chic shop!

The Annie Sloan Chaulk Paint has been a pleasure to work with and i am loving

all the new decor created…a very good product for interior design!

The Great Annie Sloan Paint Experiment

I decided to experiment with the Annie Sloan paints…

so i bought some Paris Grey and some Clear Wax and have been painting everything in sight for the last couple of days…

out in front of The Whistling Elk in the courtyard.

Painted furniture
Round Table Painted with Annie Sloan Paint

This is actually a before shot….

The bottom legs/skirt etc has  been coated with Annie Sloan “Paris Grey” while the top has an old coat of a beige tone benjamin moore paint on it.

Originally this table had a dark stain on it.  It has been hanging around for a while and was pretty beat up.

When i selected it to experiment with i thought it might be fun because when distressed it would show the dark stain thru the beige…and the Paris Grey.

Annie Sloan Paint

I also selected this table because it has nice detail for painting.  The top has a raised pattern to it around the edges which

is separated from the center by two circular grooves which i plan to gild. And, the little finial

at the bottom of the leg stretchers is screaming out for gold…

So with my design plan in my head and the brush in my hand, the Annie Sloan paint went on easily and covered well…waxing was easy too.

annie sloan paint
Painted Table with Fleur de Lis

After sanding the table and distressing it to the level i desired i painted a fleur de lis on top with some antique gold paint i had around

and also put the gold in the round grooves and on the outer edges of the table.

Then i waxed it again…

The next day I sanded it down again, distressing the gold paint and the fleur de lis.

I sanded some spots down to the very dark stain but decided i didnt like what i had so repainted/waxed some spots and re-distressed.

I actually really like the soft beige coming thru the Paris Grey.

I also decided not to distress to strongly overall as i liked the softness of the look.  So, when i was satisfied with what i had i  waxed it one last time.  The next day i buffed it out.

Annie Sloan Paint – Table and Chairs

I had these two upholstered chairs so i painted and distressed the chair legs to go with the table!

It was easy – paint, wax, sand/distress, wax….Voila!

So Very, Very Shabby Chic and perfect for  Little Paris!!

Painted Table and chairs

here’s what the chair legs looked like before…

Annie Sloan paint on chair legs

So the bottom line is that i am enjoying the whole process and having lots of fun with the Annie Sloan Paints!

Stay tuned because i hateto waste time so have been painting on other little projects which are coming along…

A beautiful rainbow…in my kitchen!

I arrived home last evening

 and  was treated to the amazing reward for cleaning my swarovski crystal chandelier!

rainbow
crystal chandelier rainbow

This was definitely worth the time it took me to clean this chandelier….

crystal chandelier
raindow

I happened to get home just a the late day sun was streaming into the back room through the sliders….

crystal chandelier
rainbow on the ceiling

the light was perfect to

 project this rainbow of color all around the walls and ceiling!

Delightful!  Just like Fairy Land!

The Whistling Elk goes Mobile

THE WHISTLING ELK is adding a New Service

If you Love the Shop  and want to receive special discounts and save on gasoline…well, now you can

THE WHISTLING ELK IS GOING MOBILE!!

Introducing

HOME PARTIES WITH THE WHISTLING ELK

You invite your friends for a fun shopping evening…

We bring lots of Whistling Elk merchandise to your home…

The more your friends buy the more you save!!!

CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS AND BOOK YOUR PARTY!

Here’s a photo blog showing some of the products you can bring in for your exciting trunk show!

LoLLia fragrance
LoLLia Perfume, Creme, Soap, Bath Gel

LoLLia is a line of fragranced personal products including soap, bath gel, perfume, bubble bath and shea butter handcreme.

It makes a great gift and we have 6 different scents!

Shelley Kyle Fragrance
Shelley Kyle Perfume Cream Powder HandSoap Scrub

Shelley Kyle makes amazing perfumes.  We love them!  There is also body creme, shimmer powder, handsoap and a dynamite body scrub.

We love the various scents – my favorite is McClendon which is a citrus based deliciously light fragrance.   Mmmmmm

Silverplate scoop, picks, cheese sets
Silverplate Accessories

We have carried silverplate serving accessories in the shop for many many years.

 Our most popular sellers are the cheese sets, ice scoops, tart servers and cocktail picks.

We usually pair these up with our beautiful french tea towels and Tea Forte teas – making a great gift!

LoLLia Scented Candles
LoLLia Scented Candles

LoLLia recently introduced these wonderful candles.  There are many different scents and the packaging is beautiful….

I am addicted to the one called “Another Quiet Day” – it is sitting in my living room and the scent actually wafts thru

the room without my even having to light it!  Fabulous!

Kennebunk Home throw blankets
Kennebunk Home Throw Blankets

Our throw blankets are a best seller for us!  Everyone loves them….there are lots of colors and styles.

 They are warm but light – very luxurious and drape beautifully.   I cannot live without at least three or four in my living room.

La Vie Parisienne Jewelry by Catherine Popesco
La Vie Parisienne Jewelry by Catherine Popesco

We have quite a collection of La Vie Parisienne jewelry.  It is well priced and made using antique Parisian molds so the chains are verry interesting and

elaborate.  Lots of charms, crystals and ooh la la style.  Their use of enamel is beautifully done.   It’s a very special line!

Love, love, love

Random House Gift Books Common Ground Books
Punch Studio Notebooks Random House Gift Books

Inexpensive gift books are sprinkled thoughout our shop.  Along with beautiful little note pads.

It’s the thought that counts!

Lampe Berger Home Fragrance
Lampe Berger Home Fragrance

Lampe Berger !!!  What could be better than fragrancing your home with a product that also acts as an air purifier?

The lampes are beautiful and the scents too numerous to mention….a must for every home.

Lampe Berger Home Fragrance
Lampe Berger Home Fragrance Lampes
Lothantique perfume, pillow mist
Lothantique Fragrances Emelie et Melanie Que de l’amour

I am enchanted by pillow mist….even since i discovered it.  Its so wonderful to float off to sleep with a soft fragrance.

We carry Lothantique, Emelie and Melanie and a special bottled Lavendar….

I AM Fragrances
I AM Fragrances by Danica

I AM fragrances are a fun new addition to our product mix….

Lots of  different scents with fun names….they are sure to give you a giggle and will fit nicely into any size purse.

Christmas Fairies
Mark Roberts Christmas Fairy Collection

Mark Roberts Fairies are unique.  Charming.  You will find them irresistible!

We have a HUGE collection!

So,  you can decide what you’d like to include for your home party – trunk show.  We’ll mix it up and present it beautifully for you and your friends!

Waiting for the Cable Guy

I cleaned my chandelier while i was waiting for the cable guy….haha….i guess i knew i’d be waiting for a while…

Candelier
Swarovski Crystal Chandelier – Elite Bohemia

 It always amazes me how small changes can affect a room.

My chandelier is a beautiful swarovski crystal 12 lite…and it was still  gleaming.  i guess i just didnt realize it wasnt AS brilliant….

Elite Bohemia Chandelier
Swarovski Crystal Chandelier

 So now that its sparkling clean again….my mouth is hanging open with dismay at its glorious shimmer….and oh i just love it so much!!!!

Doesnt it amaze you how small changes can so positively affect a room????

Swarovski Crystal Chandelier
Swarovski Crystal Chandelier