Autentico Chalk Paint Workshops

At ShabbyAnd... We host Autentico Chalk Paint Workshops all year, on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays.

They are usually 3 hours long, and you cover using layering techniques with various colour patterns, create special effects using Distressing & Autentico waxes, using crackle glaze and the craquelure system in the basic workshop, then you cover Crackle Glaze effects, Craquelure system, 3D Effect using stencils and the Terrapieno embossing paste and Art Medium in the advanced workshop. Basic workshops are £50, reduced from £65 for the Autumn Promotion. Advanced Workshops are £85, refreshments are included.

You can bring along your own piece of furniture! So bring your stool or small table, and we will teach you how you shabby your furniture.

You can call us after the workshop!

All the dates are kept up to date in store, on-line and on our Facebook.

365 days in a life of ShabbyAnd…

365 days in a life of ShabbyAnd… - first year in a life of our local Shabby Chic Furniture, home accessories and Chalk Paint Supplier 

“ShabbyAnd… was started from a hall table. “The table I wanted was very expensive and made of reformed wood. Then my partners’ mum Janet gave me a table that was a perfect size and character but was very dark wood, she said I could paint it”. Inspired by the experience, my first ethos was to create shabby chic furniture that was affordable to everyone.” – says Ann Beament, owner of ShabbyAnd… 

It takes a lot of hard work to get off to a good start with a new business and preparations had been going on for the better part of six months. What started in March 2013 as an online shop, soon – due to demand – received a real-life presence at Barfield Road in West Mersea, with a grand opening in September last year.  

With a selection of gift items, often made by local artists and a growing number of commissions, it blossomed quite early  and soon had the addition of being an Autentico chalk paint supplier – Shabby And… is not your average chalk paint retailer. Clients come here for advice, inspiration and a healthy dose of chic and vintage charm. But you can read all about it on their website, so how about sharing some information you cannot find online? Here are a few sneaky peeks into the life of ShabbyAnd… 1 year on: 

• More than 1700 transactions 
• Over 80 commissions, including 4 kitchens  
• Became a Star Dealer (there are only 10 out of 250 stockists) for Autentico chalk paint, and on that note, it turns out the most popular colours are white and cream!   
• Run regular paint workshops 

Success? Bearing in mind that, according to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months, we’d say ‘yes’. 

What’s next for them? Ann, sole owner of the business working with two part-time members of staff wants to become the main dealer in Essex for Autentico chalk paint and further develop the paining techniques workshops to incorporate Advance Sessions. In addition, they are starting workshops for the Colchester based Cedar Project in September for people that want to get back into work. 

Today it certainly looks like they are on a road to becoming a landmark. Don’t just take our word for it, visit them yourself. Better yet, you have a chance of getting a hands-on approach and discovering how it’s all done during one of the workshops. Get your hands dirty to make something pretty – they certainly know how!