My Chalkboard Backsplash And Some New {Old} Kitchen Chairs

Tags

ASCP chairs and table, chalkboard backsplash, DIY Chalkboard Backsplash, french inspired kitchen, shabby chic chairs, west elm owl salt and pepper shakers

It seems like forever since I last posted. I’m sure it’s been less than two weeks, but in the blog world, that seems like forever. I have been busy working on a few different projects, but just haven’t had the time or energy to upload and edit photos. Sometimes these things just have to be put on hold for awhile (I’m sure you can all relate)!

I thought I’d give you a tour of my kitchen… I’m planning on a few changes in here – the walls and ceiling both need new coats of paint  - I like the colour and think I will stick with a fairly similar shade of blue. The most recent “update” is the new chalkboard backsplash. The backsplash and countertop is laminate that was installed in the 70′s. I’m not a big fan of laminate, and the colour doesn’t make it any more appealing in my opinion. A few years ago, I painted over the laminate with the same paint I used for the walls (sorry, no photo). It held up quite nicely, but was starting to show wear in a few places, so I figured it was time for a change. I applied three coats of chalkboard paint  - no primer! I think it’s a big improvement and am loving my French Menu!! The countertops are really bugging me now though!! I’m not sure what to do with them… I’d love to see some butcher block there and maybe a new farmhouse style sink, but I will have to do some more research. The cupboards also need hardware – I”d like to find some simple black knobs. 

I’m a big Decor Steals addict… like my countertop storage? I’ve also ordered the black and white bakery sign and can’t wait to hang it somewhere in the kitchen. 

I absolutely adore my West Elm owl salt and pepper shakers. 

I realized when I was photographing the kitchen that I forgot to post about my new chairs. I picked these up on Craigslist a couple of months ago and painted them to match my pedestal table.

One of my next projects in here will be a drop cloth ruffle valance for the window. The pictures on the wall also need to go, and the fridge needs to be moved to where my desk is, but I’m getting too far ahead of myself, so we’ll save it for another post!I’m also toying with the idea of installing some Ikea shelves {with drawers} on the wall to house some of my daughters’ art supplies. I’m not super fond of storing it all on top of the fridge, but right now there’s no better alternative. We’ll see…Sharing here:

Miss Mustard Seed

Funky Junk Interiors

Coastal Charm

Savvy Southern Style

Redoux

French Country Cottage

DIY Framed Chalkboard from a Mirror

Tags

Chalkboard, chalkboard paint mirro, Chalkboard Paint Projects, diy chalkboard mirror, Framed Chalkboard mirror, mirror turned chalkboard

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?

This framed mirror came with a dresser that I rescued, but I didn’t want to keep it with the dresser, so I decided to turn it into a chalkboard. Yes, you can prime a mirror and paint it with chalkboard paint! Who knew, right? I decided to use a Zinsser latex primer that I bought last year and don’t like that much {the oil based works much better on furniture}. Here’s what the frame looked like when I found it:

For this project I thought the crappy latex primer would work just fine… especially since I slapped on about 4 coats just to make sure the glass was really coated well. I lightly sanded after all the priming was finished, and then used a spray chalkboard paint in black {I think I bought it at Walmart}. It took about half a can to cover the surface adequately.

For the frame I decided to go with aqua {why break my aqua streak?} instead of antique white, which I had originally planned. I used Behr latex paint in Mermaid’s treasure and added some ivory white until it was light enough. I then distressed it and added a dark glaze to age it a bit and take some of the edge off the aqua. For the glaze, I actually mixed dark walnut wood stain with glaze and mixed it together. I tried applying the stain on just by itself {on the back}, but it was too dark… so I came up with this idea. I added about 4 or 5 drops of the stain to a small {1/2 cup or so} of glaze. This worked nicely and gave the effect I was looking for.

I used gorilla glue to attach the mirror to the back and tested it once dry to make sure it was really stuck on there… believe me, that mirror is not coming off! I’m not sure what kind of hook/fastener to attach to the back for hanging, so I’ve left it for now.

The lilac tree is finally blooming in our yard… I think these are my favourite flowers, with the exception of the plumeria. I can’t get enough of the smell, wafting through the house. Can you smell them?

Linking up with the parties listed here as well as:

WOW

Debbie Doos Newbie Party