Creative Spotlight: Laura Hayes' Passion for Chalk Paint®

August 7th, 2020

Laura Hayes is a Chalk Paint enthusiast and facilitator of Suzie Anderson Home Beginners Chalk Paint and Furniture Repainting workshops. Her beautiful studio is based in the Southern Highlands, NSW, where she custom-paints furniture, hosts beginners and advanced Chalk Paint Workshops, and sells bespoke, hand-painted furniture pieces.  

We talked to Laura about her passion for painting and her creative expertise and provide insight into what you can expect in one of her local Chalk Paint Workshops for Suzie Anderson Home.

When did you first fall in love with Furniture painting?

I have been painting furniture for longer than I can remember. Painting furniture began for me out of a desire to recycle my own tired furniture. This gave me so much satisfaction, but as I run out of furniture, I started looking for old and antique pieces to transfer. 

Does your European heritage give you a particular love of Antique/Vintage/Bespoke furniture?

Coming from Europe, there is a lot of vintage and antique furniture for sale. I used to go to the markets to find some treasures. 

When did you first move to the Highlands, and why?

I moved to the Highlands in 2013. I love the 4 seasons and the country's way of life. It inspires me to be creative.

What do you like about painting with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint?

I like Annie Sloan's paint as it is easy to use. Furniture doesn’t need to be sanded or primed. You can create many different painted finishes, modern or aged.
 

 Can you tell us about your Studio in Burradoo?

I opened the studio in 2019 to offer workshops and share the painting skills I have learned over the past 20 years. The studio was designed by me and built by my amazing super handy husband. I am very happy I was able to turn a hobby that I loved into a business that brings joy to others!

What sort of Paint Workshops do you offer?

I offer 3 different workshops: 1) paint workshops for beginners where you learn 4 different techniques in paint finishes, 2) bring your own furniture where you paint and transform your own piece and 3) decorative workshops where you learn the technique of image transfer, decoupage and stencilling.

What do you enjoy most about your Workshops?

My passion lies in sharing my painting skills with others and bringing people with the same interest together.
I have met and worked with so many beautiful people since I opened the studio and looking forward to sharing more.

Do you offer Painting services? Can you tell us about this?

Yes I do offer painting services, as there are many people who do not have the time or desire to do it themselves but want to keep a special piece of furniture which is dated or doesn’t fit in their decor anymore. I can also advise on colour and finishes.