Learn with Me - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

On a recent Saturday morning estate and garage sale outing,  I met Lisa Powelson of Encore Decor Atlanta link to her site - she had placed a Craigs List add that included that magic word "fabrics".   Lisa does her own upholstery and wood refinishing and spoke highly of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint (costly but wonderful)!  I started doing on-line research of this product and found that a LOT of blogs seem to be dedicated to using this product and the wonderful results.   The Annie Sloan website describes their history:

Annie Sloan developed her now famous Chalk Paint to answer the need she had for a paint which would have many uses from acting like limewash to looking like old painted furniture and that had a good range of colour that could be extended by the user. This paint is very easy to work with and allows people to be creative as one doesn't get involved with the technicalities of preparation and it also allows you to change your mind without hassle. http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/paints.html

 I spent some time studying what people were saying about this product and getting over the sticker shock.  It seems to be only available through approved stocklists (only two in the state of Georgia) and the cost appears to be tightly controlled (e.g., $35.00 for about a quart of the paint plus shipping).  Even eBay prices are close to this mark.  The paint also appears to have no competition which is unusual and interesting.  I am fascinated enough to try this and will record how it goes.  I have a chair and ottoman ready to go (French country style - should work well); have decided on starting with two colors - off-white and Paris grey (love the name); and, will be joining two friends for lunch this week in Senoia, Georgia, which just happens to be the location of one of the two state locations for purchasing Annie Sloan chalk paint.  In the meanwhile, I will continue to study the on-line demonstrations of what is being referred to - somewhat patronizingly, I think - as a "girl's paint"!