Chalk it up!

I've been trying to come up with a project that I could use chalkboard paint. I've had dreams about it which I won't go into detail about, I still blush when I think about what happened to that chalk.

I've seen it out in blog world most often used by busy momma's to keep their punks organized and to prevent dropping Jimmy off at Susie's piano lessons.

I don't have any punks and my dogs are lame, they don't have a very busy schedule. 

They can usually keep their eat, sleep, play, poop schedule without reminders. 

Then it came to me. Why not just use it for decoration? Even I, the punkless one, could enjoy chalkboard paint that way.  So I set out to find something, anything to paint.

I found the following frame at a garage sale.  I was so smitten by it's husky frame that I coughed up the asking price of $10.00.  Granted, it's not really worth ten bucks, but neither E nor I thought to whittle them down until we had already paid.  I wanted that frame dang it and the perhaps $2.00 I could have saved wasn't worth it at the time.

This is what I started with.  Frame, chalkboard paint (which you can get in a can and then brush on, but I opted to be lazy and got the spray version) primer and a deliriously fun can of aqua spray paint.

I admit that I even sort of liked the actual painting.  I toyed with painting the frame a deep espresso until I saw the suspected bird poo on the painting.

Does it look like poo to you?

Yeah, I thought so too.  After thoroughly cleaning the frame and the suspected poo I primed the entire thing, canvas and frame.  The chalkboard paint can said you don't HAVE to prime, but considering the canvas had texture I thought it would help to prime it.  I was right, the primer once dry even helped tighten up the canvas which was a bit loose.

Once I had it primed I covered the frame with painters tape and put 3 coats of chalkboard paint on the canvas.  It went on super well, and only did 3 coats due to pure unadulterated OCD.

Once the chalkboard part was dry I covered the entire area with painters tape and painted the frame.

Again, OCD made me cover EVERY inch of it with tape instead of using paper or plastic taped down.

Here's the finished product.

That picture doesn't do that divine turquoise color justice. Seriously, it makes my soul warm and tingly.  I would paint the entire house that color if I could but I want to stay married.

Want to see the finished product in use?

We interrupt this message for a dose of Boston Boo-Boo lip.

Thank you.  Back to our regularly scheduled program.

Here is the frame at work in the den.

I thought I had a "better" picture of it, but it was so blurry I think I'll submit it as proof of the Loch Ness Monster.  The quote is my favorite; you must be the change you wish to see in the world, Gandhi.

I cannot wait until Halloween though.  I already have some fun "menu" ideas for it.

I love it. I feel so accomplished that I have a chalkboard in my house now.  I'm all set if I ever get me some punks.

This wasn't the only thing that got a makeover, this $6.00 garage sale chair got a new dress as well.  But you'll have to wait a few days to see her afters.

I'm a tease.  I know.