But on this fine sunny day, I am in a playful mood and let inspiration take me into a very different direction: if they must be chic, they shall be boho chic. Bold and fun, green, cream and gold are on my palette. I begin with stripping the chair.

I choose Antibes Green from the Annie Sloan's range, a vibrant, sunny green often seen on country furniture in the South of France, and add gold traces here and there.

Touches of Cream help give lightness to the chairs.

I apply - very badly - fake gold leaf to enhance the details at the top of the backs. This is my first attempt at gilding, it's rather messy, and I suppose it takes a knack but I'm not going for perfection here. Quite on the contrary, it will go with the antiqued look I will give the piece.

 I apply dark wax to the gold leaf to soften the brightness and give it an aged look. 

Working on the seats, jute webbing and hessian go first.

These ugly ducklings are slowly becoming swans. A quick glimpse at the paint waxed with black wax. All will be revealed soon! Well, as soon as I find the perfect top cover for them...