Do you ever need a vacation after you take a vacation?
Mr. Fanatic took last week off to do projects around the house and he now needs a vacation.
A RELAXING vacation.
Spreading 23 + yards of mulch is hard work.
(That's about 621 bags for those of you who get bags of mulch.) So thankful our daughter helped us.
As if that weren't enough, Mr. F picked up a couple of yards of cypress chips for our path, then several yards of composted horse manure for our organic raised beds.
In addition to the mulch, chips and compost, Mr. F finished installing our gas cooktop and helped me with an easy project that's been on my project list for several months.
I found this mirror on Craigslist awhile back and it's been so long I can't remember what I paid for it. I'm pretty sure it was $55 or $65.
First thing you need to do if you want to transform a mirror to a framed chalkboard is to take off the hanger...
...and all the staples in the backing.
The mirror was held in by some spacers which we took out.
We bought a full 4'x8' sheet of hardboard for $13.47 at Lowe's and had them cut it into pieces.
The surface was roughed up with a sanding block and then primed with Zinser.
I decided to buy a quart of chalkboard paint in a can rather than chalkboard paint in a spray can. Sometimes spray paint can be a little tricky with coverage.
After putting the first coat of chalkboard paint, I knew I would need several more to get good coverage.
After a few more coats (for a total of 4), the board looked perfect.
After drying overnight, the board was chalked...
...then wiped off.
I put two 3/16" boards in the frame so that I wouldn't have the spacers in between the painted board and the backing.
All finished!
Now, all I need to do is write a great quote on it.
I've since painted the frame with chalk paint, but left a little of the gold showing through You can find how I did that HERE
Pam
I love that frame. Great tutorial. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletePam that turned out just beautiful! I have been wanting to make a large on for awhile now but have not figured out where to put it once I do. Love yours!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Turned out beautiful Pam!
ReplyDeleteLove your chalkboard! I purchased an old frame recently that I'm making into a chalkboard too. Even have the hardboard that I got at Lowe's all ready to be painted with the chalk paint. Now I just need to finish it but have several other projects going at the same time.
ReplyDeleteVisiting you from Met Monday~Have a beautiful day!
Hi Pam! That's a great project. It stirs up all sorts of ideas about seasonal quotes, but for right now I'd write, one word after the other down the right side of the board - "DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY" :-) Laura
ReplyDeleteThanks for this one Pam. I have a frame I really need to transform. How about "Do small things with Great Love."
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of y'all and wondering if you got all the mulch spread. :) That was definitely a lot of mulch! I used to dread it when we'd have 40 bags to spread. LOL! Love the chalkboard! You did a fabulous job. I don't really have any ideas about what to write on it. I'm watching Ellen right now, and she's always saying "Be kind to one another." Maybe that would work? Anyway, great job!
ReplyDeleteGreat transformation! Just recently found your blog and love following it. Have a great day!!~~Angela
ReplyDeleteLove that frame! Your project turned out great. I like the two suggestions from Laura and Olive for something to write on the chalkboard.
ReplyDeleteI think we spread about 365 bags last year, and it was tough. You guys really do a wonderful job on your landscaping.
Beautiful chalkboard Pam...one of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Hitch your wagon to a star"....
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done! Great styling on the table top too.
ReplyDeleteStephanie @ thestyledsoul.com
You did a great job. Found you via Thrifty Decor Chic. I'm your newest follower. You can find me decorating, painting and baking on HickoryTrail
ReplyDeleteHi Pam...quick question....is there a reason why you didn't just paint the mirror? Just wondering. I love your results and am considering a mirror that has been collecting dust in my garage....thanks for all the advice
ReplyDeleteMelissa
The frame is really heavy and the hardboard is much lighter. I've never painted a mirror, though. You could try it to see if it would hold up.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job. I too want to make one. But what do you mean when you say "I Chalked the board"
Thanks
Chalking the board just means to rub chalk all over the chalk board, then wipe it down. That way, the chalk board isn't so black.
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