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!
Rhoda, they're just beautiful! In fact, that whole wall is gorgeous.
It can never be too much stuff when it's all beautiful stuff! 🙂
Nice job and I was drooling over those green dishes! I have a few pieces…all right I have two pieces…and love them! Good job!
Looks great! That whole area is pretty. Do I see a pretty rug under your painting project?!?! You are a lot braver than me – that would have been the time I dropped a paint brush or knocked the paint can over. 🙂
Rhoda, you weren't the last person to attempt a chalkboard. I haven't done one yet. That whole area looks great. I don't think it's too much stuff at all. The green bunny dishes…4 dessert plates, a dessert stand and a creamer. I love them!
You aren't the last person not to try chalkboard paint–I haven't either (I'm waiting for the right piece too!). It turned out really nice & I especially like the knotted rope at the top.
Hi Rhoda,
The chalkboard project was a huge success — so fresh and crisp looking! The shelf looks wonderful displaying your pretty green dishes. Amazing what a little spray paint combined with a lot of inspiration can accomplish!
I love that you don't worry about rules and naysayers. Your writing style is smart and entertaining too…. I always enjoy stopping by for a visit!
Warm regards,
Bill @ Affordable Accoutrements
Oh' I love your chalk board, the cutest one I have seen in blogland! your chunky shelf is darling too. I just love the grouping you did w/ them and all the cute stuff you have on your hutch! GREAT JOB!
Your chalkboard looks fantastic! I love where you chose to place it. The shelf does not even look like the same piece of wood–it is perfect!
Great job!
Now now,that was worth the wait wasn't it? Very nice!
That all turned out really nice! I like the way you used the green dishware to balance. It works.
Mary Lou
Kat and I were talking about how certain things remind us of certain bloggers. I told her that I can never look at leopard print without thinking of you. lol
Love your chalkboard (although I have to confess – you're not the last one to do it. I still haven't, but want to!). I totally love that now-black shelf. I probably wouldn't have been able to see the potential of that one. Good job!
Kari
And it's perfect!!!
Love your chalkboard redo – and you will love having it for sure!
Gorgeous photos of your gorgeous space Rhodie AND I loved seeing your sister's house – tried to leave a comment yesterday but I wasn't able to for some reason. Her home is beautiful – thank you for sharing with us!!
Rhoda,
You have an incredible eye! Those transformations are beautiful and they add a lot to your already gorgeous dining room.
Blessings,
Beth
I rally like your latest project, Rhoda. You have a great style! I like your sister's house too from the last post, especially her 9-foot piece and kitchen island. Thank you for stopping by my blog on Wed. I made one booboo, though. Apparently the birds that we were watching were pelicans, not storks. Silly me. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Hugs, ~cindy s~
Turned out so well ! I love where you hanged it ! Minimalist…whats that ? LOL……
Hugs ~ Kammy
Rhoda, the shelf and chalk board look amazing!
Jane
Busy-busy-busy….End result-fabulous. I love the chalkboard. Now I am on the lookout for something to repurpose……. your dishes are beautiful….
Looks great! I love the way it picks up the black/white in the photo too!
LOVE the chalkboard!
the blackboard is the cutest thing in the world! love it!!!!! the shelf really came out great too. but that blackboard. yummy!!!!