Power of Paint and a Giveaway

Today I'm sharing a sneak peek on a project as well as a fun giveaway!  First, the sneak peek.  Since Christmas, I've been quietly working on a few projects here at home.  I was really hoping to have them completely finished before sharing them with you on the blog.  But, I just can't stand waiting any longer.  So, I'm going to give you a sneak peek of one of them.  

For Christmas this past year, my daughter asked for a bedroom makeover.  We are almost finished, and I plan to share all the details of this makeover with you as soon as we are completely finished.  But for today, I wanted to show you what has naturally evolved from that project.  It's her adjoining bathroom.   This bathroom is shared with our guest bedroom.  Because of this, it's never really felt like her bathroom.  

There is the main bathroom area with a three piece.  Then, in the room beyond there is an additional sink with a vanity area.  It's hard to tell in these images, but the stripes were hand painted in a purposefully loose way (by the previous homeowner).  For some reason, they marked the stripes with a red pen and you could see these marks on every single stripe.  Made me crazy.  It also had a "circus" quality to it.  Don't ask me why, but it reminded me of a circus mural. 

The tile in this bathroom is contractor grade and super basic.  One thing that always stood out was the taupe tone in the tile.  The purple stripes seemed to really accent this this. Again, making me crazy. 

 One other tidbit to note, I really REALLY dislike painting.  So, my very gracious sister-in-law, Rosemary, agreed to come for a weekend visit and do it for me!  I know right?!  Very sweet.  

After removing all the switch plates, Rosemary got busy.  She started with a very cool trick to keep your paint can clean during the process.  

She punched holes in the can's edging so any excess paint would drip back into the can.  Then when you replace the lid, these holes will be covered for an air tight seal. 

We were fairly certain the stripes were an oil based paint, so we (notice how liberally I'm using the word "we" here - I did absolutely nothing) used a primer specifically made to cover an oil based paint, and allow you to paint over it with a latex based paint.  This is a wonderful solution for these situations. 

I chose Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, and the color is wonderful.  You will notice in the different images below the color really changes based on the light in the room.  This is the vanity area, and it looks more green in this room because there is less natural light.

I've got big plans for the large wall to the right.  If you recall, I had three large framed marbled papers stacked there.  We decided to use one of them in the bedroom, so we are starting fresh on this wall.  The color in the image below is the most true to the real color in the room.  The lighting along with my very poor photography skills made it challenging to get a picture of the true color. 

OK, this image your are looking into the bath area and notice how different the color looks with all the natural light.  So, interesting.  I love a color that changes like that from room to room.  

We removed the medicine cabinet over the pedestal sink, and I found this mirror.  A bit sad they chalk painted it, but we have plans for it too!  

Last thing, my daughter wanted a pop of color in the space, so we found these watermelon pink towels and had them monogrammed.  It's finally starting to feel like her bathroom, and she's thrilled about it.  

The Giveaway

Now for the giveaway!  One thing I learned from Rosemary during this entire painting process is you must be patient and make sure each coat of paint is completely dry/cured before you paint another coat.  This small bathroom took three days to paint.  She would paint a coat and then wait until the next day to paint a second coat.  Well, today's giveaway is going to make this process of waiting much easier.  The Paint Brush Cover is a wonderful product that allows you to store a wet brush between coats of paint.  You will also not believe the price point on this product!  The cover actually seals the brush in such a way it stays wet and fresh without washing it out between coats.     

I have a project I'll be using my cover on very soon (it involves some painting in my daughter's room).  But in the meantime, The The Paint Brush Cover Company has generously agree to give one to a lucky reader of the Muse!  

Here's are the details on how to win!

1. To be eligible you MUST click over to The Paint Brush Cover, watch the video, then come back and leave a comment about what you thought of the product.

For additional entries(increase your odds, people!):
- Pin your favorite painting project on Pinterest and come back and tell me about it (you will need to include in your comment a link to the pinned item for me to see).
- and if you're a blogger, post on your blog about the giveaway

Be sure to include a separate comment for each extra entry including contact information (so I can contact you when you win)!  Winner will be selected by random.org.  

Deadline for entering is next Wednesday March 5th at 5:00 PM Central.  

Good Luck and Happy Painting. M.