Who, What, Where Wednesday – Droopy Daisy

One of my earliest memories of treasure hunting was with my grandmother, who I called Nanny.  She worked at my grandfather’s car lot downtown, but during lunch, we’d almost always go for a walk around our small downtown in Alabama, and pretty much always wind up in the dusty, musty, antique-furniture filled store around the corner.  One side was new clothes and shoes, but if you ventured further into the store, there was a huge room full of junk, covered in dust.  We’d paw around in there, dragging out treasures.  I was all of ten years old.

I distinctly remember being in seventh grade and asking for a plain, unfinished chest of drawers to paint – for my birthday (I still have it!).  When it came time for me to get my own place, Nanny gave me her old furniture, and I painted it.  I was the only 19 year old girl I knew who had a college apartment kitchen full of antique and vintage kitchen tools and accessories.

My love for all things old has never waned.  For many years after college, I was a middle manager in corporate America, spending my days behind a computer screen or trying to figure out how to stay awake on yet another conference call.  After I had my second son at the age of 35, I decided to stay home with him.  Within three months, I was beginning to realize I needed something else to do, so Droopy Daisy was born!  I have had two previous “crafty” businesses, but both had suffered from my busy work schedule.

I started out small, doing projects for friends and making my signature hymnal art.  Soon, I was painting so much furniture that I needed to find a paint I could use inside that wouldn’t aggravate my children’s asthma.

I stumbled onto American Paint Company and gave it a whirl.  I was in love!  No odor, no headaches, none of the problems I have had with other paints.

I also do shows and festivals all over Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.  I love my new career, and I especially love the fact I can live my passion while still being there for my three kids on a daily basis.

I often wish my Nanny was still around to see what I’ve done with the lessons she taught me, but cancer took her when I was 21.  I’m sure she looks down on me with a smile!

I adore helping out with custom painting jobs and transforming the items I pick up at garage sales and thrift shops.  I also love teaching about American Paint Company products.  My workshops are fun and informative and I’ve made many friends through the classes I offer.

Here are some photos of furniture I have painted with American Paint Company chalk and clay based paints!