Chalkboard Painted Mirror

I never liked the way chalk felt. It makes me cringe to hear someone write on a chalkboard. I shudder to think about fingernails. I still went out and bought a can of chalkboard spray paint. That was about 5 months ago. It sat with my other spray paint colors, watched as they were chosen for projects, wishing it were next. I just didn't know what to do with it. Then I remembered the mirror that was given to me. It was an "I don't want this anymore, Sarah do you want it?" kind of deal. Usually when family members are about to give something away they ask me first. I'm not a hoarder, I just like free stuff.

I had already started painting when I realized I should take a picture.

It was a small, nicely shaped mirror painted a shade of green that made me want to cry (see above). I knew I'd paint it but had no clue where to put it. So I started painting it with ASCP in Old White hoping I'd figure out what to do with it. I love that color. That's when it hit me! CHALKBOARD PAINT! The mirror was begging for it. I gave the mirror 2 coats, let it dry and prepped it for use today! It is now our little welcome sign as you come in through the garage..

Framed Butterfly Print

I made this  for a friend's baby shower as part of her gift. She is having a girl, so butterflies and pinkish hues work well for this project. If it were a boy I may have to think twice. 

Anyways...I needed a small cute frame to paint but I also needed a frame that had a matte. Don't let the picture deceive you, it's about 5 inches tall. I just thought you would like to see the lovely friends forever ducklings. So...cute. Ducks are what come to mind when I think my best friend. But they had to go for this baby shower gift.

To beautify this frame and matte I used 2 colors, ASCP in Old White for the frame and an oops paint that is a very pretty grey/blue color for the matte. Both received 2 coats of paint.

I always have a hard time letting things dry. While I waited I went to my computer, printed out the word "hi" in Maiandra GD font.  I placed a purple butterfly sticker (Target dollar bin!) above the word and cut it out to fit my matte. I would have chosen a pink butterfly because it looks better against the gray paint, but my friend doesn't like pink, so there you go. I still might change it. I couldn't wait to put it together!

up close

DIY: painting a dresser with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint



I keep a running list of items I would like for our house. It's long. I stopped by the goodwill on a Wednesday after lunch with a friend and found this lovely dresser marked $15. Wait...$15? But it's so...heavy, and detailed, and in decent condition? I looked at the piece carefully and took the tag off and claimed it!

Here it is before:

Originally I wanted to use this as a buffet, but decided it would be best in the master bedroom. The room is also neutral, so I wanted a bolder color. Since this was my first furniture project I wanted to make it as easy as possible. Enter Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Duck Egg. Yes, it's expensive at $36 a quart...a quart. The frugal side of me said "WALK AWAY." But I bought it after reading online how great it is. It's true.

1. No priming. I cleaned up the dresser, including the piece of chewed gum (ew) on the front.


2. I used 2 coats and used less than 1/4 of the can for the ENTIRE dresser including the drawers. I couldn't believe it.

I bought the Annie Sloan clear and dark wax, although I've read several people who have used cheaper furniture waxes and got the same result.  

After 2 coats of paint I put 1 coat of clear wax, let that dry, then started with the dark wax. I used it sparingly...because it goes on thick. I brushed it on carefully with a small painter's brush, then immediately wiped it off with cheese cloth or a soft tshirt. I did this until I got my desired look. The drawers took awhile because they are so detailed. I put an extra coat of clear wax on the top of the dresser since it's used most often.

Then I gave the hardware a coat of Rub and Buff in Antique Gold to complete the project.

After they all dried I put the hardware back on and it was love at first sight!

The total cost of this makeover about $40...if I break down how much paint I actually used and add in the Rub and Buff for the hardware. I found the Antique Gold Rub and Buff at Michael's.

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