Remember the old mirror I found at the rummage sale over the 4th weekend, for $3? I knew Iād paint it and do something fun with it, so I figured this was finally my chance to do a chalkboard, like Iāve seen ALL over blogland. I think Iām the last one to do this one. I was waiting for the right piece. š
And this chunky wood shelf with the ugly faux grain laminate was a steal at $2, and Iām so glad I snapped it up. After a coat of black paint, it looks totally different and really a shoe-in for a Ballardās 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?
Hereās 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. š
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, hereās 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 Iām 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. Iāll say it again. Iām 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.
Thereās an old phone jack under the chalkboard that weāre 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!
Amanda says
i tend to think less is more, but no worries you definitely pull it off. love, love your blog.
thanks
Sandra says
Wow, girl! You did great! I was looking forward to seeing pictures of your chalkboard. I think you and I made them at the same time. lol I was just about to show mine on my blog. I love how the shelf came out too. You are soooo talented! Such an inspiration to us all!
Blessings,
Sandra
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
This is just perfect!
PamperingBeki says
It looks GREAT!
I'm glad you painted the chalkboard paint on something that can be discarded when you're tired of it. I've heard that trying to cover chalkboard paint on walls is a complete NIGHTMARE! I wouldn't want to deal with that! Haha!
Kasey @ Creative Designs says
Love it, and thanks for posting the steps you took to make the chalkboard. I have been wanting to do that to an old mirror I have but wasn't sure if spraying right over the mirror itself would work. Now I have proof! š
Angie says
the whole wall is just to die for! You're not the last girl, I'm doing a chalkboard project with large tray I bought with a quarter! I'm glad to know there's chalkboard spray paint…I wasn't sure. Awesome job!
Kathysue says
Rhoda, that was a perfect choice for the little mirror and shelf. Great job,it really looks perfect where you displayed it. I think I need a can of that Heirloom white, what brand of paint is it? Hugs kathysue
Jenny says
Very nice! Everything looks great together!
mommynoodles says
It looks great! And if that's what makes you happy,then do it girl! Fill that wall up! lol Happiest is what counts the most!! Natalie,
Jen says
You are not the last one in blogland to do a chalkboard. I have had my chalkboard paint waiting for 7 years now in my garage. I want to do a big menu board and am just waiting for that right piece to speak to me. I love what you did.
The Scooper says
Such great pieces! Wonderful lines. They both look great.
Nicole @ BugaBoos says
I love it! I love the little knotted rope on it and I love that chunky little shelf! Great makeovers!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Kathysue, that paint is by Rustoleum American Accents & I found mine at Hobby Lobby.
Ashley @ AshleysBusy says
Yay, you did it! I love it, and I love that rope detail!
Silke says
Oh, what a gift you have for putting things together! I love what you did with the mirror and the shelf! I wish I had an eye for that kind of transformation… š Silke
Lou Cinda says
This looks great! I also layer and you do it so wonderfully!!
Lou Cinda š
Jillian, Inc says
Love that phrase "layering stuff". I'm gonna use it on my husband because his phrase is "do we really need something in every corner and inch of the house?" ha! I learned that from my mom, who still has a wonderfully decorated house at age 82 but smaller than the one in which we grew up. We were visiting her a week or so ago and I kind of commented one night while going to bed about the stuff everywhere. And my husband just made the "zip my lips" motion and I laughed out loud!
Rosie says
Great projects! I love the fact that you just painted over the mirror. I'd do that! š My beadboard wallpaper arrived! Will start my project after vacation!
rosie
Anonymous says
What a clever idea turning that plain brown mirror into a very practical chalkboard. I also love all the layering on your wall! It all looks great. TFS!
Sheila
SoBella Creations says
Great finds!