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!
I tried to be a minimalist a couple of times . . . and failed BIG time! LOL! I love being surrounded happy stuff! And you have surrounded yourself and your family with GORGEOUS happy stuff! Everything is your casa is just soooooo beautiful and classy — yet always warm and welcoming. You got the gift, girlfriend!
Grins, Pamm
Everything looks Fantastic! When you run out of things to do at your house please come to mine! In the meantime, I'll keep collecting treasures for you to work with!
Wow! You are AMAZING!!!!!! Thanks so much for all the inspiration!
Hugs,
Sariah
It looks great! Everyone home needs a chalkboard and yours is just perfect.
~Michelle
Hi, girls, hope you'll read up here to answer your questions.
I DID paint right over the mirror, about 3-4 coats of the spray chalkboard paint. It seems to be sticking fine, so I don't see a problem with it. I have no idea which one is the best, as this is the only one I've tried.
Love, love, love it. I like everything about this wall, and the new chalkboard and shelf are just perfect. Hugs, Marty
I haven't tried chalkboard paint yet either…but I keep meaning to do it! 🙂 Yours looks great!
~ Sarah
Great job! I especially love your new chalkboard and I just purchased the paint last weekend myself and am looking for an old picture or mirror to test it out on. Thanks for the inspiration.
I LOVE your layered area. I would have an area like that looking like a jumbled mess but yours looks beautiful!!
I usually write a menu on my chalkboard in the kitchen. Now, following that menu is a whole different story….lol
Great work! These both turned out so great. Will have to give the chalkboard a try sometime.
Take care, blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
You are just too much for me with your beautiful stuff! Really… I love it. Great job.
I LOVE IT! I didn't even bat an eye about you having the black shelf with the white board…looks great!
Beware of that chalkboard paint, though…once you start…it's kind of addicting! Everything starts to look worthy of a healthy dose just so you can write and erase on it! 🙂
It turned out great! I love it! I think you just gave me a great idea!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing! I Love your shelf!!!
Oh they both turned out wonderfully!
So cute, Rhoda! I didn't know you could paint right over a mirror like that.
I love the whole wall and how you arranged everything. You've got such a knack for making things look great together. It's beautiful!
To be honest, I'm quite surprised that this is your first chalkboard! It turned out great, and the shelf looks amazing!
i love what you did with the chalkboard paint! very creative!
I always delight in my visits to your blog. There are many creative ideas for chalkboard paint but yours ranks with the best of them. Fabulous job! Blessings to you.
THERE YOU GO AGAIN!!!
your home is just lovely!!!
I love this chalkboard!!!
arent they fun to make!!!
i made a small one in my studio last week – i just outlined it on the wall since no eles sees it but me…but that chalkboard commands attention…love it!
Hi Rhoda! Even though there are 58 people ahead of me already (wow! I get happy when I get 8!!), I still had to stop and say "great job!" Love the outcome of both projects. And don't ever 'apologize' for having too much stuff… you're allowed to have a smuch as you want… especially when you can make it all look so good together and make yourself happy in the process. (and, truth be told, seeing yours makes me feel better about all my stuff! yay stuff!)