I have always said that it takes a certain kind of optimism to look at something lovingly, without judging eyes, and see potential. When you look at the world around you with Creator-Eyes, you spot possibility everywhere.

Strangers look more like friends…

And that seemingly useless item that was tossed in a box, maybe as a last-minute addition to a yard sale, has a story to tell. And lucky you! You get the privilege of telling the story.

This weekend, I got to take a road trip to Cincinnati with fellow Kentucky girls, Jess from Mom 4 Real and Traci from Beneath Your Heart, where we met up with a team of bloggers along the route of the World’s Longest Yard Sale  to see Krylon’s newest products in action.

While shopping the sales, these prayer beads caught my eye. I love the driftwood-looking prayer beads from Sugarboo Designs but at $120, they are not in my budget, especially considering my four-year-old is likely to spend a day wearing them as her must-have accessory. I haggled and got this over-sized set for $10, which is cheaper and far less time consuming than buying the beads to make my own.

Krylon’s newest product (which will now be a staple in my workshop) is their Chalky Finish Spray Paint. Friend…it is chalk paint that you spray. So think of all the benefits of chalk paint but with the convenience of spray paint. Yes, I was giddy. I snagged a can of Misty Gray, thinking it would be perfect for spraying the prayer beads to give them the driftwood look I craved.

Here’s the chalky finish paint in action. I apologize for the quality of the video; I was spray painting in the driveway so you’ll get the full summer-effect with lawn mowers and screaming kids. I was just so excited for you to see this action that I had to take a video. Honestly, I was so giddy from the results, I might geek out a little in this video.

This paint would be ideal for:

• Adding character to your boring light fixtures, chandeliers or lamps
• Loving on thrifted picture frames
• Giving wicker or old baskets a white or gray-washed look
• Painting chairs or other furniture with spindles or hard-to-reach places

And here’s the finished prayer beads on my coffee table, which was built using the floor boards from my great-great grandparents’ house. After the chalky spray paint dried, I lightly distressed the heart and beads. This paint distresses beautifully! I didn’t wax the beads but you can (and probably should to protect the finish) use wax over this paint.

You might not chance upon a set of full prayer beads like this but you could get the same look with wood bead garland from the Christmas section of a craft or home decor store. Just spray the beads and lightly sand them until you’ve achieved your desired look. If you make your own, show me! I want to see how that turns out.

Isn’t it fun to be part of someone or something’s story? I just love that.

Speaking of stories, my new friends have shared some projects and fun finds from our trip on their blogs. If you’re in a wandering mood, stop by!

• Beckie from Infarrantly Creative
• Abbey from The Cards We Drew 
• Fotini from Farmhouse Chic
• Jess from Mom 4 Real
• Kim from Reinvented
• Pam from House of Hawthornes
• Dacia from Lemon Drop Life
• Tracy from At Home with Sweet T
• Traci from Beneath My Heart
• Sarah from Simply Sarah Style (one of my best blogging buddies)

Have a wonderful, Monday, dear friend! And don’t forget to check out the offerings in Krylon’s first-ever Pinterest yard sale, where you’ll be able to snag the pieces refinished by Krylon. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Charity Wings Arts & Crafts Center, a non-profit organization that hosts free art classes and events for a worldwide art and DIY community.

 (Just a reminder, friend: I received free product for this post but all of the opinions, of which I have many, are mine.)