Sloan's freehand motifs featured on page 97 were very inspiring. Many of these free hand motifs could be used to create the painted finishes that are often found on early American colony furniture.  This book is a little dated, but does have a few great tips within it.  The faux Marquetry techniques found on pages 116 -117 are absolutely genius. Sloan details a simple way of re-creating traditional marquetry using decoupage techniques. Most everyone has access to drawer lining paper in their local stores which often come in faux woods such as burl, oak, and mahogany.  Sloan's idea of cutting out traditional floral designs out of these drawer liners is a way of achieving a higher end look with very little money.  Marquetry is often found on antique bombe chests, and french commodes, and with her technique a person could create a fabulous entry table, or a painted bombe chest can have the potential to look like an expensive antique.

Book Review From --Amy Handy -Open the first half of this volume to any page and you'll find multiple treatments of the same basic item type (beds, cupboards, chests, candlesticks, trays, frames, lamps), along with descriptions of the methods used on each one. The book's second half explains equipment and surface preparation, then offers extensive step-by-step coverage of many paint techniques, including all the expected ones (sponging, marbling, stenciling, graining, and the like) plus some unusual looks (incising, liming, tortoiseshell, faux marquetry). Even the common approaches are often given a twist, such as stamping with found objects, creating a tartan effect with combing, or using compositional decoupage for a narrative scene. Some of Sloan's examples require a degree of experience, but many (particularly those on smaller objects) can be tackled by the novice. 

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Faux Wood Techniques Painter Author Annie Sloan

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Faux Marble Painting Techniques Painter Author Annie Sloan

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Faux Marble Painting Technique Painter Author Annie Sloan

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Painter Author Annie Sloan

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Painter Author Annie Sloan

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Painter Author Annie Sloan

Inspirations In Painted Furniture (1999) Painter Author Annie Sloan Inlay Ideas - 1865 French Napoleon III Canapé w Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Dealer Antiques on Old Plank RoadHere is a beyond exceptional Inlay Settee from Old Plank Road Napoleon III Canapé Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Dealer Antiques on Old Plank Road Close Up Details

Pair of French 19th century companion marquetry drop-side tables Seller Connoisseur Antiques

A Dutch marquetry bombe shaped commode Daniels Antiques

Sloans Faux Marquetry Technique

Sloans Faux Marquetry Technique

CYLINDER TOP, MARQUETRY AND PARQUETRY 2 PART SECRETARY Dealer Martell Suffin Antiques

Parc Monceau Antiques