DIY: Creating a Chalkboard Wall

My son doing his best 'Vanna White"

As you know from a few previous posts, I have been feverishly working on my basement revamp! One of the many projects  included creating a new Chalkboard Wall for the kids.  They just love using chalk on the driveway, but in these winter months that's unfeasible.  So I thought... let's bring the LOVE of CHALK indoors!  

Supplies

• MDF Boards (cut to size)
• Chalkboard Paint
• White Paint (preferably semi-gloss) 
• Screws
• Hammer / Screw gun
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Level

This Chalkboard Wall creation actually cost $0, because all the materials were leftovers from other recent projects. If you were to start from scratch, the project would cost you approximately $20.

 {Step By Step}

1. Tape off the area where you'd like to apply the chalkboard paint (from the picture, you can see the old paint in the center and the freshly painted wall around).

NOTE: Your chalkboard wall can be as big or small as you'd like.  I also created a recessed panel below to work with the existing outlet placement ~ you don't have to do this.(Obviously, I don't want the kids drawing with chalk on the outlet)

2. Once you've painted the chalkboard on the wall, cut your lumber to the appropriate size.  The lumber will cover the line of where the wall paint color meets the chalkboard paint. Start with the top rail.  Make sure that it's level.

NOTE: We used MDF (medium density fiberboard)...it's the easiest and cleanest to work with.  I had leftover pieces from creating my craft area and had the rails cut to the exact size at HD. 

3. Install the two side rails, but ONLY put in the top screw.

4. Install the middle and bottom rail.  Again, check that they are plumb.  Then return to the side rails, and screw them into place.

Lastly, fill in all your screw holes with spackle.  Once dry, retouch any spots with paint.  It is best to wait a few days before using chalk, see the back of the can for more details.

This is the chalkboard paint that I used:

This is a picture taken when using the chalkboard paint for another project, found {here}

{Ready to USE}

 

Your chalkboard is done and ready for endless hours of FUN.  This is a fairly straight-forward and easy project that will be a sure hit for the cold winter months (and hot summer days). 

As you can see, my son couldn't wait to start drawing.  

Thanks for taking a look at my most recent basement project.  
Check back soon for more updates and tutorials!

I'm linking up to these linky parties 

 

DIY: Chalkboard Platter

Happy Groundhog Day... The pivotal point of the year when we await Famous Phil's emerging from underground to see if Spring will be here soon or if winter will be sticking around for another 6 weeks.  With all the snow we're having in the Northeast, was Phil even able to make his grand entrance from the hole this morning?? 

I recently picked up a can of chalkboard paint and it's been a blast to work with.  I've used it for several projects and my most recent was to update a simple platter that I purchased from TJ Maxx for $5!

{The Completed Chalkboard Platter Makeover}

{The Before}

 This is a before picture of the platter &

proof of my $5 {AMAZING FIND}

Step by Step Transformation:

Once you find the perfect piece that you want to don with chalkboard paint, mask out the area to be painted.

Start spreading it {ON}! Apply THIN coats of the chalkboard paint.  The can says it'll need 2 coats, but I used 3.  It also says to use a roller or a foam brush.  Due to the shape of this platter, a roller would have been impossible, so I went with the foam brush.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Once the paint is applied to the entire surface, make continuous strokes from side to side without stopping.  This will make for a smoother (non-bumpy) finish. 

This is the product I used...it's about $10-$12 and can be found in the paint section of most major hardware stores.

Once you've applied your 2-3 coats, it's time of the {REVEAL}.  I pulled off the tape, and was left with a bit of a mess...UGH!  Because of the platter shape,  the tape wasn't applied perfectly, and some paint spread onto the surface that I DIDN'T want painted.  No problemo...  I used my thumb nail an Xacto blade and a little bit of patience (ya, right) to scrape it off, and good as new!

{Finito...}

Now you can use your platter for so many places around the house...

let's take a peak at all the ways I've used mine:

What's for Dinner?

Let's Celebrate a Special Occasion!

What's Today's Date?  

O, right...it's February 2 ~ Groundhog Day!  Please tell me Phil didn't see his shadow.  Maybe if he can't get out of the hole because of all the snow, Spring will be here sooner than 6 weeks???  Please, O, Please!

 Blessings and Inspiration

Last Name Initial as a welcome to your home

And Lastly, but certainly not least, a {WELCOME}statement for your guests!

I have another project that I can't wait to share with you using chalkboard paint...check back later this week for the {BIG DEBUT}

Have you ever used Chalkboard Paint?  

And if so, how/where have you used it?

 I'm linking up to these linky parties 

 

The Color of Green: Soothing, Relaxing, Calming

Every color you incorporate into your home has a meaning and you subconsciously react to it. Because the color green surrounds us in nature, it's an ideal backdrop to introduce in our interiors. All colors in the green family, from lime green to forest green, portray a sense of peace and harmony. And many of you who know me well, know that my favorite color is green!

Enjoy some of these GREEN inspirations!

Check out Pieces, a design store based in Atlanta, Georgia, that offers unique furnishings and home accessories. Their style is a bit edgy, yet modern and incorporates the Southern California style with the Hamptons sophistication.

If you like an overall neutral palette throughout your home, add some decorative accessories that have a splash a color. Continue this same color throughout, for a continuous look!

LOVE THIS beautifully crafted Hans Wegner Wishbone green lacquered beechwood chair from the 40's, available through Just Scandinavian.

(images courtesy of Decor Pad, Martha Stewart, Pieces Inc, Architectural Digest, Real Simple, Just Scandinavian )