Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Free at St. Vinny's {DIY Chalkboards}


The other day I stopped in to Saint Vincent De Paul's Thrift Shop.  There were twelve (yes, I counted) bins, all half full of "junk".  I like junk.  Alot.  Except someone must have thought it would be funny to open the adult diapers and put them in each one of the containers.  Anyways, I hardly even noticed.  But after throwing aside the tenth one, I clued in as to what I was moving.  Nice. There was an 8x10 canvas painting that looked like a kid had tried his hand at.  I grabbed it and went inside.  "Are the containers outside donations or is that free stuff for scroungers like me?"  "It's free.  Take what you want."  Yes!!!  The answer I was hoping for!  I spent more time digging through those than I did in the actual shop!  Even got a huge  Nerf gun in perfect condition for the boys kids!  But this post is about chalkboards.  And see those water-spotted, out-of-date framed wall decor above?  Yup, rescued those out of the "junk". :)

Pin It

After spray painting each frame a fun, springy color, 
I used my DIY chalkboard paint recipe:

Stir 2 Tbls (or a little more) in to 1 cup of paint (any color!).
Lightly sand after the first coat is dry, and then add a second coat.  Lightly sand again and then lay a piece of chalk down and rub over the entire chalk board.  It "seasons" it, much like a pizza stone needs to be seasoned...  sure wish I had one!

Oh, and it only took two coats for these because it was on a cardboard material.  If you're covering glass, it usually takes three coats.
 I found some really thick jute rope I had on hand and stapled gunned it to the back. 
 Done shhhmun!



Sharing Here:


3 comments:

  1. i am obsessed with frames right now...i've been doing some chalkboards also...i LOVE free stuff :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Sir, You are really good writer.
    Great Post! I’ve never really thought about freelance blogging, but it definitely sounds like something to think about. Looking for Gold coast kitchens? We exclusive accumulation in top wellborn Gold coast kitchen that junction unitedly to create the nonpareil fourpenny kitchen. Find the best Gold coast kitchens today
    Thanks for the great post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. super job on the chalkboards!

    catching you!

    gail

    ReplyDelete

Comments - Next best thing to chocolate! :) Please let me know you visited!