Remember the old mirror I found at the rummage sale over the 4th weekend, for $3? I knew I’d paint it and do something fun with it, so I figured this was finally my chance to do a chalkboard, like I’ve seen ALL over blogland. I think I’m the last one to do this one. I was waiting for the right piece. 🙂
And this chunky wood shelf with the ugly faux grain laminate was a steal at $2, and I’m so glad I snapped it up. After a coat of black paint, it looks totally different and really a shoe-in for a Ballard’s look-alike shelf. Are you ready to see them finished?
I did a few coats of spray chalkboard paint on this one, then taped off the inside and sprayed the outside with the trusty Heirloom White that is all over blogland too. Great color, by the way! I have a quart of the stuff that I’ve had for a couple years, but the spray paint really comes in handy for fast projects. And to answer your questions, YES, I did paint right over the mirror with the chalkboard paint. It seems to be holding up fine, so even if you’re not supposed to do that, you know I don’t follow rules. I did about 3 coats, letting them dry in between. I’m sure it might scratch off if I tried, but it is fine for writing. Tape and newspaper come in handy for masking off areas you don’t want to paint.
Used some Kilz on that nasty shelf to make sure the black satin spray paint would stick. Sorry, I missed the other spray steps, but you get the picture. See what I do for you girls?
Here’s the mirror with her fresh coat of white paint. Ahhh, so much better and such a great fit for my kitchen now. Maybe I will now have a place to display a weekly menu for my hubby who has been strongly hinting that I should do some meal planning around our house. Ha! Whatever for?? I actually did write the weekly menu (Monday – Friday) on here this week and he loved it. My man likes to eat and when he’s not eating, he likes to read about what we are having for dinner. 🙂
And the black shelf. I debated on which color I wanted on these and finally came to the conclusion that I needed to mix it up with black and white. How you ask?
Well, here’s my thinking process. I looked over this area and decided that all white would be too much white in one area by my antique cupboard here in the breakfast part of our kitchen.
So, a mix would be better. Black on the shelf and with the chalkboard being black, the best balance in my eye was to do the frame in white and I’m really happy with the way it all looks together. Sort of picks up that black and white zebra runner too.
Now some would think this is all way too much stuff, but you know how I feel about that. I’ll say it again. I’m not a minimalist and I love to layer things. Added more of my green dishes to the black shelf to balance out that side and with the chalkboard underneath, it works for me. I love the trend towards a simple tablescape too, but I also enjoy hanging stuff on the walls. It just makes me happy!
Those are Splenda packets on the bunny dish within grabbing distance for my morning cappuccino.
There’s an old phone jack under the chalkboard that we’re not using, so this was also a good way to cover it up.
I know how we all love a good Before and After project, so there you have it. From shabby to chic! This wall makes me smile.
Kimba’s DIY party is also going on, so stop by there for lots more DIY ideas!
So pretty, Rhoda! Thanks for the tip on the Kilz…I've painted over fake wood before, and used about 40 coats of primer and it still wasn't the best job. Next time, I'll try Kilz. 🙂
We have a chalkboard over a phone jack in our kitchen, but it's not nearly as pretty as yours. 🙂
I love, love, love it! I'm not a minimalist either. The more and the bigger the better. Layer away! I give it 2 thumbs up!!!!
I found the spray chalkboard paint at Hobby Lobby & used a 40% off coupon & only used about 1/2 the can for this project. And yes, it sticks to the mirror just fine (do about 3 or 4 thin coats) and yes, I can write on it.
Great job. They look great together. Wonderful redo.
It turned out wonderfully! I love the placement of everything you have on that wall. I too have a little Splenda dish on my counter, comes in VERY handy. So, I’ve heard that chalk board paint chips when sprayed on mirrors. Have you heard this? I’ve never tried it so I’m not sure if there is any truth to it. Let me know how yours is holding up. I’ve seen a few mirrors at G.W. that I would have loved to turn into chalk boards but I was scared they would chip. The blog that I read it on said that you have to replace the mirror with Plexi-glass, an extra step I don’t want to do so let me know if it’s working for ya.
Kendr@ Domestic Princes in Training
Great job Rhoda. You're not the last one to do a chalkboard 'cause I haven't tried it…yet.
Hugs!
Kat
These transformations turned out so cute! I smiled when I read about your husband's love of eating/reading about eating!
I am sooooooooooooo glad to see that you, like me are NOT a minimalist! I LOVE *eye candy*. But also, like you, I always struggle with the color of what to paint my re-do projects..I think that's always the hardest decision of all, cause once its done…I am always happy!
Love how your projects came out!
Blessings…Lorena
Do you think the spray chalkboard paint works as well as the liquid? I have a huge mirror that I plan to make into a chalkboard for my 15 year old daughter's room and I bought the can. But spray would sure be quicker.
You go, girl! I do really love this makeover–and I love the fact that you've put it in a place where it makes you happy! It makes me smile to read once again that you are not a minimalist. Every now and then I read a blog post that makes it sound as if one must have a certain style of decorating to be "in" or even pleasing. And that's just not true, is it? Minimalism can be lovely, but it's not my style, either. I'm proud of you for showing off how nice things can look while using lots of things that you love.
Have a great day!!
Great job! I"m not a minimalist either. 😉 I love the entire wall! So pretty!
You layer your things very well. I'm not only impressed that you finished the chalkboard and shelf, but also that you hung them up so quickly. Wonderful!
Rhoda.. It looks fantabulous!! Love the whole wall!
Great use for that mirror! I was wondering what you were planning. I just finished my ugly thrift store mirror this week (I did white as well, but not Heirloom white..it's something else). I'm going to post pics up this weekend.
And wow, what a difference in the laminate shelf!!
I love the whole arrangement! I am so jealous of all your green dishes!
Love it, Rhoda! I never knew you could paint on mirrors! I just did my first chalkboard a few days ago (will post about it when hubs gets back from business trip with our camera!) Anyway, I wanted to ask you, what do you use to hang your plates? I've been dying to hang plates and the plate holders I bought to use just don't work well. Any advice would be welcomed – thanks!
Looks wonderful, girl! I think that your kitchen is looking fabulous! You are SUCH a motivator! Thanks for sharing!
Rhoda,
Fabulous! I remember when you first showed us the mirror and shelf. I thought that mirror was the cutest thing and I like it as a chalkboard. Too cute! The shelf in its "found" state wasn't doing much for me, but now that bugger is so cute, too! I like your reasoning for choosing the colors you decided upon. When my daughter was over yesterday, I was showing her all the things I wanted to paint and she suggested colors, which was helpful, because I don't want to paint everything the same color! Thanks for sharing. I have no doubt that whatever you create will be neat.
Nancy
You are not the last one to do a chalkboard I am LOL, that is ADORABLE Rhoda….
Yesterday I painted the back of our door leading into the garage with chalkboard paint, I have had it for months and finally tried it…so easy !!! Great spot for a "honey do list" LOL I wonder if hubby will be laughing…
Now I have to find something neat like your mirror 🙂 to make my chalkboard…
Have a great day,
Kathy 🙂
ps sorry, did you paint right over the mirror ???
Kathy 🙂