“You should come to the FAT Paint Workshop at Hue Design Studio.”

That’s how it all began. An innocent little message from my blogger friend Lori, who, oh yah, just happens to be a decorator/painter extraordinaire. East Coast Moms Media had put out an invitation to a few bloggers to take part in a FAT Paint workshop in Halifax. Lori kept insisting I should come. I resisted at first, mostly because I don’t see myself as “crafty”. Painting a sign? Would there be drawing involved? I was not keen on this whole idea when it was first mentioned. It was in Halifax, on a Sunday, a 3 hour workshop, possibly humiliating myself…didn’t sound like a whole lot of fun. Boy, was I wrong.

I finally agreed and set out. Lori and I met up early for a little brunch at Lion and Bright. It was a great chance to connect and spend some IRL (in real life) time together. Lori lives in Pictou County, so Halifax is a bit of a meet in the middle for us. Brunch, trendy locale, coffee with a new friend…this is how you start a Sunday. Then it was off to Hue, at 5558 Sullivan Street, Halifax.

What a sweet little shop! I immediately felt at home in this warm, welcoming space. The owner Michele had some treats and beverages set up, aprons and a work area ready to go, and with Laura, Heidi and Colleen from East Coast Moms and a couple other local bloggers, I knew we were in for a good time. *Cue the laughter. 😉

Hue Design Studio carries Farrow and Ball paint, Robert Allen fabric, beautiful wallpapers, and of course is a FAT paint retailer. FAT paint, developed by a brother/sister Canadian duo, is a chalk style paint which makes it easy for everyone to embrace their “inner artisan”. We’ll see. If I describe myself as not crafty, I was pretty sure there was no “inner artisan” to be found.

photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography

Once we settled in, Michele led us through our FAT paint workshop. We started by picking wood sizes for our signs, stencils and then picked from the beautiful assortment of FAT paint colors. With help from my interior designer Lori…;)… I settled on an Apple color for my board, stenciled with Bitter Chocolate. As a total beginner, I began to feel my confidence grow with each brush stroke with the FAT paint. It goes on smooth and thick (hence the FAT name). I applied two coats, but one could have done it. Why did stencils ever scare me? Oh my goodness, under Michele’s guidance and instruction we all personalized our signs from her wide selection of stencils. It was SO easy! My mind was swirling with future homemade gift ideas, home decor options, etc. I asked Michele a lot of questions, and besides my sign, really felt like I came away with a ton of new knowledge from the workshop.

photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography

I can’t tell you how many times I have said, “I am so glad I went to that workshop!” Connecting with some other bloggers, laughing a lot about life, learning a whole new skill and the excitement that brings, it was all so refreshing and encouraging. Just a delightful way to spend a Sunday in January.

photo credit-Heidi Jirotka Photography

My “inner artisan”? I think I found it. Yesterday I re-did my first piece of furniture…one of my daughter’s night stands… with FAT paint in Bella Blue. I am in love! I’m making plans to head back to Hue later this week for more paint. Now I have to do her matching dresser. As Michele would say…I’m “inFATuated”. 😉

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary Fat Paint workshop at Hue Design Studio, however all opinions and views are my own.