Chalkboard, chalkboard on the wall...

Being a teacher, I've always loved the nostalgic look of old-school chalkboards, and it seems like I've seen projects everywhere, like here, here, here, and here. The latter one inspired me, so I thought I'd finally take it out of my idea file and give it a whirl:


It all started with a trip to Ikea, also known as Dan's sixth level of hell. Guess he's not a fan of the labrinth layout or meatballs because, believe me, there was some under the breath bitching. I kind of like the occasional visit to get design ideas, though, and he was a good enough sport to go along. (On an unrelated note: If you haven't watched Ikea Heights, the amateurish soap opera filmed with hand held cameras, you need to! Start with episode 1. It's scandalous!)

(Epic style Ikea photo from here)

Then, I bought this cheapo frame. Isn't it fussily ornate, a la the Snow White mirror?


I sprayed about two coats of white paint on it, while wearing the my ratty "painting" pajamas with the X-mas trees on them. And a gas mask. And a backwards baseball cap. And sunglasses because it was windy. And, yes, my neighbor looked over the fence when to find out what the rattling sound was (spray paint cans) and saw me donning this creepy get-up.

He didn't say hi.


Then, I spray painted the glass with one coat primer and two coats chalkboard spray. (No picture taken of this step because I was trying to hoof it back inside to avoid further skeeving out my neighbor.)

I'm still trying to decide whether to hang the final product in my office or bedroom, but here's a shot of it leaning against the wall:



Dan and I have already started to use it for little love notes, so I may end up just leaving it on my dresser.

It makes me smile! :)

Want to see another chalkboard project? Check out my chalkboard pumpkin I made for Halloween 2010.