Tuesday, October 18, 2011

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!


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