diy: chalkboard tutorial

It's no secret that I have a love of all things chalkboard. I'm not sure what it is about chalkboards, but they are fun and remind me of my childhood. And it allows me to leave cute little notes, decorate for holidays and parties, create menus -- you name it. I've been on the search for a cute chalkboard for our apartment but only found ones on etsy.com for $200 a pop. So NOT in my budget. Then I discovered on Pinterest you can create you own with a mirror. Which was perfect because whoever lived in our apartment before us left a mirror that I didn't need. 

SWEET - I'll make my own chalkboard on the cheap!

What you'll need:

Any mirror you want to turn into a chalkboard

foam paint brushes

gray primer 

(preferably in gray so it doesn't show through)

chalkboard paint

(I really liked Rust-oleum brand)

chalk to start decorating when it's all finished!

 this was one of the easier projects I've done so far -- and definitely one I've been most happy with! The directions are simple. I took apart the mirror from the back to remove the actual mirror from the frame. Since I was happy with the way the frame was already I didn't have to do anything with it -- but if you wanted to repaint the frame this is when you would do it. Next you simply put 2 coats of primer on the mirror -- wait until it dries to start the next step. I waited 4 hours.

 Once the primer is dry, you can paint the first coat of chalkboard paint. Make sure you stir it well so the paint is even. And don't be concerned like me when you start painting and it comes out all streaky and uneven. Let it dry before you apply the next coat {three coats total} and I promise it will come out dark and even!

 Never mind the mess in the background ; )

and I forgot to take photos of the dry and blank chalkboard because I got too excited to write on it -- but here is the final product -- all ready for Valentine's Day! 

and below is my menu board for Superbowl Sunday.

Overall I'm really happy with the way it came out and how I saved myself a few hundred bucks from buying one online.

Can't wait to share all my chalkboard creations -- coming soon! xo

Anyone else love chalkboard everything as much as me?

-Steph

linking up with The Tiny Heart for Look What I Got