Story and photos provided by Nook & Cranny Mercantile

While other people were busy having fun on spring break, the ladies at Nook & Cranny Mercantile gave their shop floors a facelift. When Julie Grant, vendor and talented local artist, suggested painting a rug on the floor of her space, owners Amy Green and Linda Houck excitedly agreed.  

On Sunday afternoon, Julie, Linda, Amy and her daughter, Maggie, as well as N&CM paint studio director, Amy Edgar, gathered their painting supplies and got to work. Once the design was decided upon, the ladies cleaned, prepped, and taped-off the floor.  A layer of gray concrete paint was applied with a roller and allowed to dry. Next, two coats of Heirloom Traditions chalk-type paint were put down to form the background of the rugs.  

Julie demonstrated how to paint flower shapes on the floor. Everyone took turns creating flower shapes in a variety of colors. Once the basic shape of the flowers were complete, a variety of stencils were used to create borders and patterns for the rest of rugs.

Paint colors used include: Passion, Azalea, Buttercup, Shabby Gray, Sweet Pea, Jadeite, Timepiece and Chantilly.

Details were added later, such as petals and leaves on the flowers, fringe at the end of the rugs and the word “welcome” at the entrance of the store. Once the designs were complete and allowed to dry overnight, a concrete sealer was applied to protect the finished work

This look can easily be duplicated on most any surface. Concrete, glass, wood, metal, laminate, fabric and more can be painted with chalk-type paints.  Nook & Cranny Mercantile is Stillwater’s only retailer for Heirloom Traditions chalk-type paints. We also offer our paint line at The Copper Penny in Cushing and Firefly Cottage in Perkins.

Nook & Cranny offers many types of classes with chalk-type paints, waxes and finishes.  We also offer painted furniture, Snappy Chicks jewelry, home décor, McCall’s candles, LipSense, Mona B bags, and more from a variety of local crafters and vendors.

Nook and Cranny Mercantile is located at 10th and Main, just across from the Roundabout and next to Granny’s Restaurant.

Be sure to stop by to see the rugs and more, Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5.

Follow us on Fb and Instagram: Nook and Cranny Mercantile. And our website:  nookncrannymercantile.com.