This spring, CICO Books is excited to publish the eagerly-anticipated new book fromAnnie Sloan, the inventor ofChalk Paint for use on painted furniture: Annie Sloan Colorful Living: 30 Creative Upcycling Paint Projects for Your Home($21.99 paperback). Trained as a fine artist, Annie Sloan has combined her love of art, paint, and interiors. After years of research and experimentation, she developed her innovative range of no-prep Chalk Paint in 1990 for use on painted furniture. Her paint has become a phenomenon, and now with 27 books to her name, Sloan is one of the most respected experts in decorative painting. In her new book, she presents 30 brand-new sustainable projects for transforming old furniture and homewares into something fresh and unique. The author guides readers through sourcing vintage pieces and painting and gilding, dyeing fabric, stamping, printing, stenciling and other techniques to give outdated pieces a new life. This book features a wide range of projects to suit various tastes and skill levels, from simpler projects like a rust effect lampshade and patterned wooden bowls that can be completed in under half a day to more ambitious projects like creating a diamond checkerboard floor and elegant faux malachite desk over a weekend. Throughout, The Queen of Color shares insights, tips, and step-by-step directions and beautiful photographs that will inspire readers to try these projects at home. The lessons do not encourage readers to strip original surfaces on actual period antique items, but to learn the difference between antique and vintage and when to restore and when not to. With the popularity of Facebook Marketplace and flea markets in general, the author shows how anyone can decorate in an affordable way to bring personality to a space. The upcycling movement speaks to going green, conscious consumerism, and thrifting all in one. To learn more, visit www.rylandpeters.com.