ERIN ROCHON DESIGN
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Create A Farmhouse Style Centerpiece Using Dixie Belle Paint

1/6/2021

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Adding a centerpiece to a table or console is a great way to create a focal point and cheerful element into your space. I had some leftover wood from previous projects and made a box, but you can buy a premade box at most craft stores.
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I love the warm and vintage feel of Modern Farmhouse decor, so I will transform this new wood box into a worn, salvaged centerpiece. Here is how I did it and the materials needed to create your own Modern Farmhouse style centerpiece.
Materials

  • Make or purchase a wood box from a local craft store
  • Dixie Belle paint colours Gravel Road and Cotton
  • Container with water
  • Dixie Belle Mud Black
  • Easy Peasy Spray Wax
  • Charcoal Dixie Dirt 
  • Belle brush
  • Fine artist brush
  • 220 sandpaper
  • Dixie Belle spatula or palette knife
  • Shop rags or lint free cloth
  • Flowers or greenery to decorate
Step 1
Pour a small amount of Gravel Road paint into a container. Dip your brush into your paint, then into your container of water and start painting. This process of dipping your brush in water will help the paint absorb into the wood and stain it. Once you have completely covered the first side, take a shop rag or a damp lint free cloth to wipe off the paint, allowing the wood grain to come through. Repeat this process on all sides of your box.

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Step 2
Once dry, use your spatula or palette knife to layer on your Dixie Mud to the ends and edges on each side of the box. This will add character and texture to your surface. Dry time can be between 4 to 24 hours depending upon how much mud is applied.

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Step 3
Paint your box in Cotton, making sure to add lots of heavy brushstrokes. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat.

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First coat
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Second coat with lots of texture
Step 4
Using the sandpaper, distress the box, with particular attention to the edges. To give it an authentic distressed look, sand in a circular motion. The wood stain that we did in step 1 will begin to peak through.

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Step 5
​Mist Easy Peasy Wax on one side of the box and wait 30 seconds before wiping off. Repeat this process on all sides of your box. After adding the wax the finish was so smooth!

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Step 6
Using your fine artist brush, gently wipe your Dixie Dirt into the texture on the sides of your box, a little around the edging and anywhere else you would like to add some depth and patina.

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Step 7
That’s it! Your centerpiece is done. Add flowers, greenery or seasonal decor and place it on a mantel, dining room or console table. To add more detail, you can also add a stencil. I used Dixie Belle new mosaic Silk Screen stencil and distressed it for more character.


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This was such a fun and easy transformation! Click here to order your Dixie Belle products to complete this DIY. Happy Painting!
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Get The Grandmillennial Style By Thrifting

12/28/2020

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Grandmillennial style has been a big design trend throughout 2020 and continues to be on the rise. It is a throwback to more of a classic, nostalgic, traditional style adding a modern twist. Moving away from the current  minimalist to a maximalism aesthetic.  A few of the elements found in this style are needle point pillows, fine china, florals, wicker, embroidered linens, classic wallpaper, ruffles, pleated lampshades, antiques, vintage collections and textiles with lots of pattern and bold colour.
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photo credit Anni Schlechter
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photo credit Sarah Dorio
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An inexpensive way to try this design style is to hit your local thrift store for lots of vintage finds. Here are a few items I found at my local Salvation Army Thrift store that work with this design aesthetic.
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Thrifting for Grandmillenial elements is a fabulous way to try out this nostalgic trend. Make sure to hit your local thrift store. Happy thrifting!

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DIY: Thrifted Snowy Candle Holder

12/16/2020

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I love adding candles into my holiday decor, it’s festive and adds warmth into your space. I found these candle holders at my local Salvation Army, perfect for a fun snowy candle holder DIY. Here is how you can easily create this DIY just in time for the holidays.
Materials
  • Thrifted candle holders
  • Modge Podge
  • small paint brush
  • Epsom salts
  • wax paper or a small drop cloth
  • Jute rope
  • Spruce, cedar clipping or decorative berries
  • Hot glue gun
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Step One

After cleaning your candle holders, use your paint brush to apply a thick layer of Modge Podge. Work in small areas as the Modge Podge dries quickly.
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Step Two
​Pour some Epsom salts on your wax paper. Gently roll your candle holder with the wet Modge Podge into your Epsom salt.

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Step Three
​Repeat step one and two until your candle holder is covered with epsom salts. Make sure to add more to spots that were missed.

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Step Four
​Wrap the jute rope around the mouth of your candle holder and tie it off. Add glue if you need to keep it in place. Add glue to the knot to place your clippings of spruce or cedar and your holiday berries.
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​To add more of a dramatic impact create a set to make a dramatic display  on your mantel or dining room table. Happy thrifting!
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How To Create A Seaglass Vase Using Dixie Belle Paint

12/10/2020

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​Photo credit Pottery Barn
Do you love the cool muted tones of Seaglass? Seaglass decor replicates the look of worn glass found on the beach. It can be expensive to purchase at decor stores but you can easily imitate the look using Dixie Belle Paint. Here is how you can easily complete this gorgeous effect.
Materials 
  • Dixie Belle White Lightning Cleaner
  • Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral paint in blues or greens like Peacock, Mermaid Tail, Mint Julep or Sea glass
  • Dixie Belle Cotton Chalk Mineral paint
  • Glassware
  • Blue Shop Rags
  • Wax paper
  • Jute rope
  • Epsom salts (optional)
  • Modge Podge (optional)
Step 1
Choose glassware that has a slightly rounded shape. Here are a few examples that would work.
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Your local thrift store is a great source to find vases if you don’t have any on hand. Give it a good clean with White Lightening to remove any dirt.
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Step 2
Using wax paper as your paint palette, pour a small amount of your blue or green and white paint.  For this DIY, I am using the colour Mermaid Tail and Cotton. Use either your finger or a brush, mix the colours together. To create a soft coastal colour, you will need a ratio of about 3:1 of your white paint or higher.
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Step 3
Once you have mixed the perfect shade for your seaglass, take your shop rag and hold the four sides of your rag leaving it bunched up  in the middle. Your shop rag is the key to achieving your Seaglass look.
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Dab a small amount of paint on your shop rag and then dab off the excess until there is only a minimal amount of paint left.
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Step 4
​Start by dabbing the bottom of your vase with your shop rag, moving towards the top of the glass. Make sure you are applying a very light amount of paint. If too much paint is applied you will get more of a rustic look and it will take more time to dry. Continue moving up and down your vase until you have completed your first layer of paint.

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Once it’s dry to the touch, you can apply your second coat. ​
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​First Coat
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Second coat
Step 5 
Crumple up a new shop rag, dab it into your Dixie Belle White paint and wipe off excess. Start by lightly dabbing the white around the bottom rim of the glass. Slowly moving, and blending as you go. Do the same step around the top of the vase. 
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Step 6 (optional)
To give it an authentic sea crusted look, brush some Modge Podge to the top rim and bottom of your vase. Place a small amount of Epsom salts on some wax paper. Gently roll the Epsom salts in the areas with the Modge Podge. Let dry for about 30 minutes.
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Step 7
Wrap some jute rope around the top.
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That’s it, you have created Seaglass decor! You just need to find the perfect spot to showcase it. Head over to Dixie Belle Paint Company to find the perfect paint colour for your Seaglass. Happy painting!
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How To Create A Thrifted Festive Centrepiece

12/2/2020

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I have a confession, I have a bit of an addiction to thrifted glassware. It is an inexpensive way to decorate and can be easily changed up for each season. The holiday season is here and I wanted to create a festive landscape using glassware I thrifted from the Salvation Army thrift store. Here is what you need to make one.
Materials

  • Thrifted glassware (large enough that you can place a few items inside)
  • Epsom salts, can use scented
  • Fairy lights
  • Small holiday figurines
  • Cedar, evergreen cuttings or other decorations​

Step 1 
Give your glassware a good clean to remove any dirt or residue.
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​Step 2 
Place all of your materials on your table. This will help you keep track of what you have to add to your festive landscape.
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​Step 3
  • Use your epsom salts to replicate snow and pour into your glassware
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Step 4
  • Turn on your lights and hide the battery pack in the epsom salts. You can place the battery pack into a bag first to keep it clean. Bury your lights in the epsom salt.
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Step 5
  • Start building your village and layer in your festive figurines.
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Step 6
  • Once you are happy with your festive landscape, find a spot to display it on a table or a mantle. Use your cedar, evergreen clippings or decorations and place it around your glassware.
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​That’s it! This is such an easy and beautiful DIY to do. Next time you hit your local thrift store make sure to check out the glassware section. Happy thrifting!
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Thrifty Holiday Decorating

11/26/2020

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Have you started decorating for the holidays? 2020 has been a challenging year, and many are looking to add some joy and warmth by getting an early start to decorating. Holiday decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. I often recommend hitting your local Salvation Army thrift store to find gorgeous and inexpensive decorations that will add some holiday cheer into your home. 

​The first step in finding the right decor for your space is to establish what your holiday style and colour palette is. Do you love a rustic holiday feel? Or are you all about the glamour and sparkle? Maybe you love a more traditional red and green colour palette. Once you have your colour palette and style figured out, hit your local thrift store to start pulling your look together. Here are a few holiday finds from my local thrift store.


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​Classic style with this red and white Nutcracker.
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Add a fun non traditional colour into your design with this wreath with blush and hot pinks
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​This rustic faux fur Santa would be a great way to add some texture into your space.
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​This metallic sleigh would be a fun way to display Christmas candies.
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​This pre-lit tree planter would add some height and interest on a mantle or in a foyer.
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This shimmering angel would add a vintage flair on top of your Christmas tree.
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This beautiful tablescape adds a pop of colour with its traditional red and green colour palette.

Holiday decor shopping is inexpensive and fun. Hit your local thrift store to get some great finds. Happy thrifting!

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5 Thrifted Decor Items That Will Give You That Cozy Fall Feel

11/1/2020

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With the colder weather here and spending more time indoors, it is so important to create a warm, cozy feel in our spaces. You can easily add a cozy vibe into your home and it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are always great finds at your local Salvation Army thrift store that you can incorporate easily into your decor. Here are 5 thrifted decor items that will bring that  cozy feeling into your home.
1. Artwork
Adding artwork into your space is a great way to bring in colour and adds visual interest. Art evokes emotions, so make sure to choose art that you love and makes you feel good.
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2. Pillows
Nothing says comfort more than a fluffy pillow layered on your couch. Finding these faux fur pillows at my thrift store are perfect for those cool fall nights.
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3. Plants
Plants are living elements, creating a relaxed feel in any space. Thrifting for plant pots is a great way to add some texture and inexpensively house your plants. This pottery plant pot I found on one of my thrifting trips was the perfect size for my Jade plant.
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4. Natural elements
Adding natural elements like wood and textures adds a warm feel into any space. Using woven baskets is a great way to achieve this. I love finding woven baskets at the thrift store, they can be used for your plants or as art on your wall.
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5. Books
Curling up on your couch with a good book at the end of a long day is a great way to relax and decompress. Fill up your bookshelves with thrifted books to get you through the colder months. You can also use them to style your coffee table.
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Adding these 5 thrifted items into your home will up the cozy feel in your home and is easy on your budget. Make sure to hit your local thrift store for great finds. Happy thrifting!

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Spooky DIY Spider Web

10/27/2020

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With Halloween looking a little different this year, we can still have some fun and create a spooky outdoor Halloween display that is easy on the budget. I used a thrifted picture frame from my local Salvation Army thrift store to create a spooky spider web frame for my front door. 
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​This DIY was easy to do and a lot of fun! Here are the steps and materials needed to make your very own spider web frame and outdoor decoration.
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Materials

  • Picture frame 
  • Chalk style, acrylic or black spray paint
  • Paint brush
  • Jute rope
  • Hot glue gun
  • Creepy spider
  • Halloween decorations and pumpkins

Once the frame has been cleaned and dried, it’s ready to be painted. I used a black paint from Dixie Belle Paint, but you can also use acrylic or spray paint. ​
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​Once the paint has dried, it’s time to make the spider web. I started by cutting two pieces of the rope and tied each one on either corner of the frame to create an X shape.
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I cut another piece of rope and placed it horizontally on the frame, running through the centre of the X.
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Turn the frame over and add some glue to hold the rope tightly in place.
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Once the glue has dried, cut another piece of rope and tie it down along the middle of the frame and loop it around where the ropes meet in the centre.
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Almost done! Last step is to create the circular pattern of your web. Grab a piece of your rope and start close to the edge of the frame. Tie a knot and loop the rope around the rope on the frame in a circle pattern. I used a small amount of glue to attach the loose end to the knot.
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Keep making smaller circular patterns on your web until you reach the center.
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To complete the frame, I added a spider, flowers and a bird. The next step is to take it outside and set up the spooky vignette. ​
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I used this thrifted garden lantern to house my creepy rat and added a few pumpkins to complete my spooky outdoor decor! I love the result and it was so easy to do! Have fun and happy thrifting!
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Featured Blog

10/23/2020

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Thrifty & Spooky Halloween Decorating

10/4/2020

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That spooky time of year is almost upon us and it’s time to start thinking about decorating for Halloween. A great way to find creepy and inexpensive Halloween decorations is to head to your local Salvation Army thrift store. I love decorating for Halloween and found this spooky rat, spider, birds and glass vase to add to my scary vignette.
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​I added some googly eyes to my thrifted glass jar and added some moss.
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One tip when you are creating a vignette is to place everything on a table. It will help you see what you have to work with and allow you to try different items out when you are layering items into your vignette.
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I realized that I needed another item to add some height and used this decorative tree.
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Then I had some fun and decorated my console.
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I love how my creepy Halloween vignette came together! Make sure to head to your local thrift store to find some spooky decor. Happy thrifting!
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    ​Erin Rochon

    Erin Rochon is a Interior decorator and is passionate about upcycling. She has been featured several times on CTV Ottawa Morning Live and Daytime Ottawa teaching viewers about upcycling, furniture refinishing and DIY's.

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  • Home
  • Shop
    • Fusion Mineral Paint >
      • Paint & Metallics
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      • Accessories & Finishes
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    • Clearance FAT Paint, Iron Orchid Designs & (RE)Design with Prima
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