Thursday, August 2, 2012

Just a Chair of Bowlies: A Tutorial

"Life is just a chair of bowlies." Mary Engelbreit

I'm sure you are all familiar with Mary Englebreit and her clever way with words. I've been a fan of her art and cottage style for years. Didn't you suspicion that when you saw our living room chair stacked with bowlies?


Although Mary does inspire me, I'm afraid this post isn't about her (sorry)--it's about bowls--the ones I've collected for years--the ones that I cannot walk past at thrift stores or year sales--the ones I've saved for the keeping room decor--

Now that I have my palette, it's time to paint those bowls. . .


Gather together wooden bowls. . . .Non-toxic acrylic paints. . . .Paint brushes. . . .etc. . . .
If the bowls have a shiny surface, sand them first. . . .

Paint the entire outside of the bowl in a circular motion. . . .

Or, just paint circles. . . .

Sand and distress once the paint is dry. . . .

I wanted the bowls to be light and bright, so instead of staining the sanded areas, I made a whitewash from vintage white and a little water. . . .

 In honor of Mary, I thought a few red cherries painted on the bottom of a couple of the bowls would be fun. . . .
With a pencil, lightly draw the cherries. . . .paint red circles for the cherries. . . .paint the leaf green. . . .dip the end of a paint brush in black and "paint" dots in various sizes. . . .highlight the cherry with a little white. . . .use a Magic Marker to draw the stems and to outline the cherries in a few places. . . .When dry, wax with clear wax (I used beeswax). . . .If you'd like to hang the bowls, drill a hole at the top of each and run hemp, a cord or a fabric strip through the hole. . . .tie. . . .

So cute for a vintage or shabby kitchen. . . .

Use a little mineral oil--or any cooking oil that won't turn rancid--
on a soft rag and lightly coat the inside. . . .and, you're done. . . .


So, whether you see Life as a Chair of Bowlies. . . .or. . . .

As a Bowl of Cherries. . . .
I hope you've enjoyed my Englebreit inspired project. . . .
It's simple, costs very little, and will add charm to any kitchen. . . .
And. . . .
I sure am glad to get those bowlies out of the chair!!!!!!!!!

For more inspiration, please visit: Mary Englebreit

Sharing with these link parties: * Tweak It Tuesday* Potpourri FridayInspiration FridayShare Your Cup Thursday *

15 comments:

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Those cherries are too cute! Great project.

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

I tell you the truth...I never heard of Mar Englebreit until blogging. True story. I'll have to go and visit-- because, I just have no clue.
the painted bowls... adorable. For some reason the striped ones are very appealing to me!
Love them.

Pat

Melanie said...

Love the bowls! I like Mary Engelbreit too, her style is inspiring to me too!

Melody said...

Those bowls are so cute. Now I have a new item to look for at my thrift shops.

I just found your blog recently. I follow by email too. I actually live on the opposite side of AR than you. I was raised in a rural area outside of Little Rock between Jacksonville and Cabot.

Take care and it is nice to "meet" you.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

For some reason I commented on this post in an email.. :) Anyway..I have only one of those bowls but am always on the lookout for them. They seem not to be very available in thrift stores in California. I did find one and that is the beginning.
Again..thank you for this post and for the great tutorial.
Hugs,
Mona

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

So CUTE!

Kranky Granny said...

Very interesting post.

Can't help but love our favorite hometown girl. If you are ever in the St. Louis area you must visit the old firehouse she purchased and converted into her studio, office and store.

mommy Orkid Belle said...

Those are so cute! I wish to find some wooden bowls someday on my next thrift shopping. :)

ance mist said...

Love Mary Engelbreit, too!Starting long ago, I saved all her magazines because I fell in love with the cute, cute covers. Then something awful happened and she started having covers just like any other mags; no more cute drawings. I wrote several times to the editor, explaining why I was stopping my subscription, to no avail. Pitty...but I still love Mary and her artistry!
And, I love your chair with the bowlies and your tutorial!!Thanks!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I surely did enjoy your chair full of bowlies! I love ME. Wish they still put out that magazine of hers. Loved it. Loved this!
Brenda

Anonymous said...

I love your chair full of bowlies! Oh, your painted on cherries are just precious. What a cute idea and you're a marvelous painted too.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Stephanie said...

Love your chair of bowlies. In my house I'm Queen of Everything.

Honey at 2805 said...

Your painted bowls are adorable! Thanks for sharing your project at Potpourri Friday at 2805!

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh, how I love your bowls...and, I, too, am a big fan of Mary Engelbreit. My sewing room is popping with her cheerful colors, artwork and style.
Thank you for sharing and now I must head out to thrift some more wooden bowls!
Blessings,
Carolynn xo

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi Dru,
I thought the bowls in the chair were darling. And yes, I did think Mary Englebreit. May not be too comfy for sitting on though. lol! I love cherries and you turned your bowls into real beauties. Thanks for showing us how you did it. Always love what you share with Share Your Cup.
Hugs,
Jann

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