Little Projects

After the busy month of places to be, things to do, people to see, it finally slowed down this summer in order for me to work on little projects.

My son and I re-vamped this clay flower pot for his cactus plant.  We used acrylic craft paint to paint the inside blue and the outside in white, giving it a two toned appearance.

After the paint dried, he applied glow in the dark paint on the outside surface. When the lights go out, it glows and for him that is an awesome effect. I have to admit, it really is!  I couldn't get a good photo in the dark to show you, but you get the idea.

I also finished another chalkboard project similar to the large chalkboard I made a few months back on this post and since then, have painted the frame white.  I have wanted a narrow chalkboard forever and with an extra piece of wood in the garage, I finally made one with my hub's help of course.

We used a flat wood board measuring about 14 x 47.5 inches.  I painted the board with chalkboard paint.

Mr.M cut the angles on the frame and nailed them together.  I then stained the frame and when it was dried, nailed it to the black board surface. The frame measures 15 x 48 inches.

Now all I have to do is make the frame look aged, I was inspired by this chalkboard.  I should have done that before mounting it, but oh well.
I will make it look like antique wood later on & will post about it, so stay tuned.

We added a little art on the board to add a summer feel to our patio.  This will be a 

great little board for seasons and holidays.  

Have you been enjoying your summer?  

Happy Crafting!

How to Make a Large Wood Chalkboard

I finally have my large chalkboard!  It took a while, because I originally wanted the board to be magnetic.  I could not find a piece large enough to serve as the magnet board.  I'm sure they are out there somewhere, but I just got tired of looking, so I used wood for the board.  I will eventually get my magnetic board, but in the mean time, this will do.

I've posted before on how to make your own chalkboard using old art work.  Today I am posting on how to make your chalkboard from scratch using wood.

 

We used molding from the hardware store for the frame.

We cut the molding at the corners at an angle as seen below. 

We glued it with wood glue and nailed them together.  The red strap was used to hold it in place while the glue dried.
When it was dried, I stained it lightly with oak wood stain.

 

The molding is 3 feet by 4 feet as well as the board. 

I sanded the board a bit to smooth it out.

Then the board was painted with chalkboard paint using two coats.  When the paint dried, we nailed the board to the frame.

On the back we attached picture frame hardware in order to hang it on the wall and that was it. Now I can use it to write schedules for the family and help them keep organized.  I hope that you enjoyed and Happy crafting!

©2010. http://www.inspirationsbyd.blogspot.com. All Rights reserved.

DIY: Chalkboard

This is not a post on Humility, but rather of what I made this past week.
Every week I write on my board something new that I try to apply to my life,
this week, it' Humility which is why you see it on my new chalkboard.

I purchased this old painting from a thrift shop many months ago
at a super cheap price.  I loved the frame,
not in the particular state that you see here,
but I knew that something great could be done with it.



I waited many months before deciding exactly what to do with it and what color to paint it.
I realized that after moving my original chalkboard to my craft room/ office,
I lacked one in my kitchen, so I decided to repaint the frame white and add a cream accent color to match my small kitchen cork board.

I cleaned the frame to prep it for painting, and removed it from the art piece.
I spray painted the frame with white satin paint,
then I painted the art piece with the chalkboard paint.

I used an off white craft paint to give the frame depth.

When everything was set and dry, I remounted the art piece to the frame.

Now I finally have my kitchen chalkboard.
I like to display on it things I want to work on during this Lenten Season.
This week it's Humility, next shall be Patience, that's a tough one.
Do you have something old that you want to make new again?