Chalkboard Magic

Chalkboards.  The new creative fad in home decor.  We made a few for our wedding decorations, and I decided to make a couple this weekend just for a fun side project.  A friend of ours renovates furniture and offered to let us sell a few of our chalkboards in her shop, so I decided it was time to practice perfecting the home chalkboard.  Here's what I did:

1.  First I went to Goodwill, and purchased two frames  - both in good, but worn, condition.

2.  Then I headed over to Wal-Mart for Chalkboard Spray Paint and two colors of spray paint, for my frame colors.

3.  Next, I removed the glass from both frames, to allow me to spray paint all pieces.
4.  First, I painted both of my frames - I decided on purple for the smaller frame, and white for the larger.  Then I set these aside to dry.
5.  Then, I painted the glass with Chalkboard Spray Paint (one of the greatest inventions ever).  Unfortunately, the larger piece of glass broke in half before I was able to get it painted (cutting my finger in the process...boo), so I was only able to continue on with one.
6.  Next, I set the glass aside to dry.  I coated both the frames and the glass with three coats of paint, just to be sure they were all fully painted and smooth.  It's a good idea to wait at least 24 hours to actually write on the chalkboard surface - just to make sure it is dry and the paint holds.  After that, write away!

7.  After everything dried, I put my pieces back together and Ta-Da!  Completed Chalkboard with a purple frame.  I'm thinking this might look good in a colorful kitchen, bathroom, or a girl's room...What do you think?

So there you have it.  Here's a breakdown of the costs involved:

-Large Frame: $4.99
-Small Frame: $1.99
-Chalkboard Paint: $3.50
-Purple Paint: $3.00
-White Paint: $2.50

With tax and everything, I think I spent about $16 dollars (that includes the Chalkboard I didn't get to complete because of my, well, "accident.")  So, that said, keep in mind that the next time I decide to make a chalkboard, my only purchases will include a new frame, piece of wood, or other hard surface, and spray paint, should I choose a new color.

Thrift stores, consignment stores, and garage sales are all GREAT places to find frames, and/or pieces to create your chalkboard.  I love seeing something like this come together, and having an opportunity to create something new.  So. Much. Fun!

Gulf Shores

My sincere apologies...it's now been over two weeks since I've posted an update.  Just for the sake of making excuses, mine is that I got hired as a server at a restaurant in downtown Fairhope and have been working almost everyday since.  Needless to say, I've been a bit tired and am really feeling the effects of the move over the last few weeks.  The excitement of the trek to Alabama and unpacking has worn off and the reality of actually living here is setting in.  Todd and I are both adjusting to life here and the changes that accompany moving to a new place, but we're hopeful for what's to come and are looking for ways to get involved with others and build a community here in "Mayberry" (as some Fairhopians like to call it).

Todd and I had a day off together late last week, so we decided to drive out to the beach.  Gulf Shores is a little town right on the Gulf of Mexico and is the closest beach to Fairhope - just a quick 45 minute drive.  So for the first time, I put my toes in the waters of the Gulf and experienced the
warmer water, white, fine sand, and jellies that call the waters home.



We celebrated our 4-month-a-versary yesterday.  I can't believe it's already been that long - it seems like a only a few weeks ago that we voiced our vows to one another and celebrated our union with our wonderful family and friends.  Someone at work asked me the other day how I liked being married.  I can honestly say that I LOVE IT.  There is nothing better than to walk through life with my best friend by my side.

In reference to my previous post, I found a literary journal that accepts short stories and poetry.  I have some ideas for a new story that I hope to begin working on this afternoon, and already have a few pieces of poetry I'd like to try to get published.  I know the writers market is difficult to get into, but I'm going to give it a shot and see how it goes.  I also wrote a new song over the last week, and am daily finding more inspiration and ideas to work with.  What better time to find writing inspiration than when life hands you a multitude of changes and adjustments?

I hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!