How To Make An Over-sized Chalkboard: Project Challenge #3

Good Morning!

Like many of you, I'm loving the chalkboard trend that ones see's just about everywhere you turn these day's.

I have been pondering a way to use one in my decor for a while now.




With this months Project Challenge being all about chalkboard paint I couldn't think of a better time to put together a project I thought was worthy of trying out.

I decided a great big over-sized chalkboard would be a fun thing to add to the dinning room space.  Something with a simple frame that I could give a rustic finish to in order to make it cohesive with the cottage / farmhouse look I'm working with in my home.

After looking around a bit for a large frame to hold my longed for chalkboard I soon realized I was going to have to make the whole thing from scratch myself in order to get the size I wanted.

After gathering up some simple supplies I was ready to get started.

I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy this project was to finish.  It took me no more than a couple hours, most of which was waiting for paint to dry.

Check out the video tutorial below if you'd like the details and step-by-step instructions on how to make one for yourself.

The finished chalkboard turned out just as wonderful as I had hoped it would.

The kiddos are itch'in to be able to use it but they have to wait until after mamma get's her "pretty pictures".  

Once they find where I've hidden the chalk, I'm sure my pretty chalkboard will be full of "beautiful" artwork!

Now that I've shown off my chalkboard paint project, make sure to go check out all the other creative and inspiring ways my fellow Project Challenge participants have dreamed up.

Below you'll find a handy-dandy link up for your convenience.

Enjoy!

Robin

An InLinkz Link-up

Easy To Make Coat Hooks

Good Morning!

If you have kids you know how disorganized things can get in a hurry!

In an attempt to make cleaning up after themselves easier I put together a quick and easy coat hooks rack to add to the small space behind their bedroom door.

Nothing overly fancy, just a spot to hang a few items to keep them up off the floor and within reach.

A few basic supplies, all leftover from other projects, and a half hour of my time was all that was needed to make this handy project.

If your interested, I have put together a video tutorial to walk you through the steps of making your own coat hooks, just in case your in need of one.

Turned out great, the the kiddos approve - I'd call that a win - win!

Bye Now,

Robin

Road Trip

Have you been wondering where I've been?

I took off on a crazy week long road trip with my brother and sister to Los Angles!

It was amazing!

We drove from Minneapolis to LA in my sisters RV and had a blast along the way.

 Beautiful views .  . . 

Tourist hot spots . . . 

And much needed, hang out time with my little sis and brother.

It was such a great time and an experience we won't forget soon!

Now that I'm back I'm itch'in to get started on some painting projects and catch up on what you guys have been up too.  

Talk to you soon,

Robin

Fun Finds

Good Morning!

I haven't had a fun finds post in a while simply because I haven't been out shopping for treasure much the past month.

But I'm getting my act together and had a few chances this past week to stop into a thrift store or two.

It feels so good to be back at it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This first thing I found was a stack of four pretty blue and white plates.

These screamed "spring" to me, plus I am all about adding pretty shades of light blue to my decor come springtime so I couldn't pass them up.

For my current black and white obsession I picked up two of these plates to add either as display items or to use at the dinner table. 

I always adore pretty floral printed pillowcases and was happy to find this stack of the vintage variety.

One of these day's I'd love to use them mixed together for a fun colorful bedroom but I am unsure how I'll pull it off so for now I'm just gathering supplies,  LOL

And finally, these sweet crocheted edged napkins called out my name when I walked by.

They will be a great addition by my mis-matched collection of lace edged napkins.

Hope you've had a little time yourself this week to seek out a few new treasures for you home. 

Would love to know that you've found!

Bye Now,

Robin

Dining Room in Black and White

Good Morning!

Today I have my freshly finished Dining Room to share with you.

As with the other main spaces in my open floor plan I have stuck to a classic Black and White theme.

The color combo is perfect for this time of year here in Minnesota.

Not quite winter, yet not fully spring either.

The finished look is clean and fresh feeling which makes me very happy indeed.

The room itself started out with a heavy dose of white in the form of wall color, furniture and accessories like table cloths, plates and the like per my normal style.

Then I shopped around my house for accents in black to include in the room.

Things like candle holders, vintage fans, old camera's helped build the look.

As did a few homemade DIY projects like a chalkboard and an over-sized clock face.

I removed a shelf on the large wall behind the table and replaced it with a DIY Chalkboard that I have dreamed about for ages.

(more to come on that in a few days)

I love the look of wreaths hanging over chalkboards so I quickly put together a spring like Hydrangea wreath to use - - another item I've been dreaming of owning for a very long time.

Off to the side of the table is a small corner space I often have trouble knowing what to do with.

For now I have placed the over-sized clock face I recently completed for a Project Challenge on the small farmhouse table I built years ago.
(full post about the clock face  here along with a video tutorial if your interested)

After adding a few pretty items to the tabletop and a wire basket filled with some pillows on the shelf below, I am finally in love with this tricky corner.

The final part of the Dinning Room features a vintage desk that has become more of a display space than work space.

After having hung my favorite handmade sign above it I had a great time arranging a pretty display to enjoy.

Vintage items like the fan, bibles, and cast iron cow all help add a little bit of character to the space and also help me add a touch more of the black accent color.

Sure hope you enjoyed this quick tour of my newly decorated space.

It always feels so good to mix things up and bit and show it off.

Thanks for stopping by today.

See you soon,

Robin

Linked to:

Be Inspired
The Scoop
Tweak It Tuesday
Something To Talk About
Amaze Me Monday

New Curtains

Have you ever had one of those experience when you pop into a store with a friend because they need to pick up something and while your there you stumble upon something you had no idea you needed?

Well it just happens to me this week.

My sister and I stopped off at our local hardware store so she could pick up some paint.  While we were waiting for it to be mixed up we decided to browse through the curtain section after we spied a sale sign.

Surprise! Surprise! 
I found a set for under twenty dollars that are perfect for my newly decorated living room.

Aren't they just beautiful!

I love the scrolling design.

You may remember how happy I was about not spending a single penny to give my living room a new look.

But now I realize when the right item comes along and it's under twenty bucks, it's OK to roll with it.  Especially when they look this good!

As soon as I got home I put them up and knew right away I hadn't wasted my money.

I sent my sister a quick picture and she agreed!

I was however worried about the fact that the curtains were very wrinkled from being in the package and in my haste to get them hung I didn't iron them first.  

The thought of taking them down just to iron and then replace them seemed like too much effort on my part so I was making peace with my pretty, wrinkled curtains when my sister offered the use of her handheld fabric steamer!

And let me just say, OH MY!  

I am in love with this gadget!

If your like me and have never in your life used a fabric steamer it's mind blowing how simple, quick and easy it is to use.

I was having such a fun time using it I steamed not only the curtain but some cushions, then some clothes (just for fun) and finally another set of curtains that didn't really need it.  I had serious doubts about ever returning it to my sister.

I did of course, but now I think a steamer of my very own is in the not too distant future!

Lucky Me!

Have a great day everyone!

Robin