chalk it up...

Now that the snow machine turned on and hunting season is over, my spare time has a little room to breath. Oh wait, all of those project items I accumulated over the summer are staring me in the face!

There are projects that look like tables, dining chairs, big mossy couches, old desks lights and end tables. Yipes! On second thought, where can I stash all this stuff so it doesn't stare me in the face?

Well, over my holiday time off, I took an hour to do a simple project and add to our wall decor. One of my favorite pieces to add to any home is a chalk board. This can be made in just a few easy steps and at minimal cost once you have the materials.

Step 1.) Find an old frame with an existing print (not real painting)

After hunting in the morning early this fall, my husband and I decided to check out some antique stores in the Fennville area on our way home. There are quite a few great places; one is in an entire old barn and has an overwhelming amount of items. If you ever plan to go, make sure you schedule your entire day, and for a nap midday. It is also just down the street from Crane's Orchard, so you can grab some donuts and cider before your siesta.

On our way to the giant barn, Brett careened us towards an estate sale out of someone's garage. Estate sales are awesome - it's an everything must go kind of deal, and you never know what will be lounging around waiting to be found. I feel like he had the kind of out of body experience when I spotted our Green Mossy on the side of the road at a yard sale. However, his words were, 'That is a sweet table!'

At this point, may I remind you (as I did him) that we already have a dining table project in the works. Not to mention, as we pulled up the amazing gilded chairs were being sold separately. My wood grain loving husband did not let that stop him from falling in love with the quarter sawn oak table top. As I scoped the scene for anything else interesting, he stood next to the table and ran his hands over the finish like he was petting a puppy.

Brett could not walk away from the $50 price tag on such a beautifully crafted piece. A dining table for $50 - how could you not? I tried to reason that we already had a table, but then he tempted me by pointing out the huddle of old trunks. Not old trunks! My weakness...

After finding a unique trunk like piece on wheels that was the perfect size for a side table in the living area, he convinced me to get a table. Besides, the dealer did not want that table on his property at the end of the day. Here was an opportunity for a sweet deal!

After negotiating the trunk for $35, the table still for $50, I got the dealer to toss in a free framed painting that had $25 marked on it. Most frames are easier to come by; try your local thrift store.

Handy tools: One antiquing expert of a husband, good negotiation skills, empty truck bed for moving all the antiques you acquire while junking with said husband

Step 2.) Disassemble frame and print. 

Most prints are printed on MDF/particle board, canvas, or the like and usually are secured with finishing nails or upholstery staples. Those can easily be bent back or pulled out to pop the print out of your frame.

Handy tools: Pliers, hammer, flat head screw driver

Step 3.) Sand and paint your print. 

To gain the chalk board surface, you will need to purchase paint that has the chalk board finish. My favorite is the chalk board spray paint, since it gives a smooth, no-line finish (unlike a brush).

Take a sanding block and rub it over the side of the print board you choose to use to make the surface even for using chalk. Wipe off any excess debris and follow with 1 or two coats of your chalk paint.

Handy tools: Drop cloth, sanding block, vacuum for dust, 1 can of chalk board spray paint, well ventilated area

Step 4.) Paint your frame.

This gives you the opportunity to tie the frame into the theme of your decor, or add a splash of color as an accent. You can get really creative with the finishes; not to mention, you can change it up if you ever get sick of the finish chosen.

Sticking with my beloved chalk paint, I chose Annie Sloan'd Old White to match the other cottage white finishes in our house. Cue 5 minute paint job. To add a little antiqued zest, I opted for mixing the dark wax with the clear wax 50/50 for the finish. Unfortunately, when it was rubbed on, the wax was way darker than I expected.

Well, good thing chalk paint can go on any surface. I used a white-washing technique to lighten up the frame after the dark wax had time to dry for 15 minutes. To white-wash, simply paint on a layer of white and then take a t-shirt rag and rub with the wood grain to create your desired finish. The more you rub off, the more the under layer is visible.

I loved the finish that it gave with the dark wax subtly coming through! The frame was finished with an all clear wax as the final step. I would love to try this with a gilded piece to allow for the gold finish to peak out under a washed color...Ahh! Stop adding to my project ideas!

Handy tools: Chalk Paint, t-shirt rag, drop cloth, paint brush, wax brush, paper plate, plastic knife (or palette knife) for mixing dark waxes with clear waxes, plastic cup for pouring paint, paint can opener, hammer (reseal that can!)

Step 5.) Reassemble print and frame - walah!

Once you know both the frame and chalk paint covered print are dry, pop the print back in the frame and re-secure. How simple, you have a new chalk board frame!

Finish with a chalk paint pen, or traditional chalk and display with love. Here is my finished frame and board next to my holiday chalk sketch in the back entry. Enjoy a sneak peak of that space; the crystal chandelier(s) is one reason I fell in love with the charm of our house.