photo cc1_zps954c9cb4.png  photo cc2_zps5d5b43a3.png  photo cc6_zps0ed9b97b.png  photo BUT6_zps8dfa3d9f.png

Friday, September 10, 2010

My first DIY home project!

For a while now, I’ve been wanting a chalkboard on the back wall of my kitchen so I can write up this week’s meals… not that I run a restaurant or anything, but sometimes I just want Bri to choose- know what I mean? I typically shop for 6-7 days worth of meals, so there are always options as to what we can have for dinner. Well… I’ve seen some great DIY chalkboards in the blogosphere and 30DAYS even did a recent post on all the great ways to use chalkboard paint HERE. I also stumbled upon a few that were adorable on Etsy, but they ranged from $30-$70, and that’s just a bit steep for my budget!

So… I decided I’d make one myself… or Hubby would… yep. So we made a quick stop to Home Depot (love that place) and I’m proud to say that we bought enough supplies to make TWO of these chalkboards for only $15!

Here’s what we did…


Supplies: Paint, molding, quarter-inch MDF (smooth board) cut to the size chalkboard you want, wood glue, chalkboard spray paint, chalk. (We used left over pain from our dining room wall… I love that color red!) You’ll also need a saw, Mitre box and some picture brackets.


First, Bri spray painted the board, using three coats so it was nice and even. I supervised. Then he cut the molding into four pieces and mitred the corners so they came together neatly. I painted the molding pieces with a couple coats of the latex paint and let them dry overnight. Then Bri glued the pieces to the board, setting heavy objects on top for a few hours so the glue would hold. He used some heavy picture brackets to secure it to the wall.


This is an important step… before you write on your chalkboard, rub it all over with the side of a piece of chalk. Otherwise, what you write up there first might not erase... and that would be a bummer. So what do you think? I think it turned out quite nicely!



I’m thinking I need some hooks underneath to hang my aprons, and grocery bags from. Maybe a cute rustic sign above too?

Stay tuned... the entire kitchen, all gussied up will be posted soon! Finally!

Have a great weekend ya’ll!








P.S. I linked up to the super fun Linky Parties over there ---->

9 comments:

  1. Hi Candace, Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. You have a cute blog and I am now a follower. Your ideas are great. I know what you mean about homesickness. . . been there done that. Enjoy your young married years with your hubby. Come visit again. Karie @
    karieschiccreations.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for joining us again for A Crafty Soiree! Your first project turned out very nicely and it's great that it was a team effort! I agree with Ali, that shade of red was a good choice. I've always preferred brick red to hot when it comes to decor.

    BTW I saw your mention of Claim Jumpers and I am so jealous. We used to go to one all the time when we were still in NorCal. I loved the chili and their fried zucchini and the potato salad was wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Candace, This is fabulous and I love that it was a "group" project! Thanks so much for linking up at A Crafty Soiree... can't wait to see what you come up with next week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Candace- I looooove it! Great job!
    Thanks for linking up at my pity party. xo, Mique

    ReplyDelete
  5. looks great! you should try some of those chalkboard markers. love those things!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It looks great! I'm painting with chalkboard paint for the first time so I was very interested in your project.
    I love it!
    KarenSue

    ReplyDelete