2.21.2013

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

21 comments:

  1. That turned out super cute! I love it! You're so crafty!!
    Jenni
    www.foundinmycloset.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. That came out SO cute and way better than spending hundreds of dollars! PS You should come link up this post on my blog :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    February Group Giveaway!

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  3. So great! I love the idea of using it to decorate for events and holidays.

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  4. this is soo cute! my friend painted a whole hallway in her house with chalkboard paint so her daughter can doodle on it. So cute!

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  5. I love this idea and I laughed when I saw your finished project because my hubby makes me coffee in the mornings, too and it's one of my favorite things about him! I love the final product!

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  6. This is so great! I love how it turned out. I should do one of these for my boys. They would love it!

    Amy
    Fashion and Beauty Finds

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  7. I LOVE your DIY board, it turned out so fabulously!!!!!

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  8. Love this!!!!! Such a good idea! <3

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  9. Great project.

    If you get a sec, check out my latest post 'Flower Power'.

    XO
    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love this! I have an old mirror laying around, maybe I'll chalkboard it up ;)

    Kristina

    Kristina does the Internets

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  11. What a great idea! I find it hard to make things look cute in chalk but yours looks awesome! I love the "I love you because..." We do that in frames! :)

    Jill
    Classy with a Kick

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  12. Hey there, You have done a great job. I will certainly digg it and
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  13. Love this!! I ve seen a video similar to this on Songofstyles YT too...
    Thanks for sharing :)

    I am your newest follower on BL' #126

    Stylejourneys

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  14. this is such a great idea! I just came across your blog and it's great! thanks for sharing...
    ari
    http://t-strapsandtulips.blogspot.com/

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  15. This is awesome and Im definitely going to do this for my kitchen in my apartment!!

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  16. I need to try this! Looks like fun. ;)

    Btw would you like to follow each other? I would love to read more of your posts. They're pretty interesting! Let me know and I'll follow you back. :)

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  17. Ahhh I just made a million of these for my wedding! Yours looks adorable! Love it :)

    Kelly

    kellyinthecity.com

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  18. Effective tutorial . Great thanks for shared this on public .

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I love getting and reading all your comments and respond to most of them when I can. Love hearing from you all! xo

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