Yesterday you saw this chalkboard when i posted about the Burn Party:
It was SUPER easy to make.
I bought a $15 mirror from Ross that i had been eyeballing for a while and used some of the chalk-board paint i had on hand.
I have to admit, i was really nervous about painting on a mirror. I didn’t find very many places where people had painted over a mirror or glass (as in a picture frame) to just use as a chalkboard.
{Side note: can anyone tell me the show that i was watching while doing this (in the second picture)?}
This last picture {and guys, sorry for the crap quality of pictures, the lighting in my den stinks at night so i have to use a flash} was after the first coat. Do you see that line around the middle? Well i had to trim in the edges with a sponge brush (all i had on hand) and while that was happening it dried (this stuff dries pretty dang quickly) and when i painted over it i got that lovely line. At this point, i’m not going to lie i was pretty nervous. The paint was NOT sticking like it has when i’ve used it on wood…and i was nervous that i just ruined a perfectly good mirror. I ended up doing 3 (maybe 4) full coats and i let it dry completely over night.
The next day i “seasoned” it, which if you didn’t know you HAVE to do this on a new chalkboard. Take the chalk, turn it length wise and run it up and down the entire chalkboard and then whip it off. Otherwise your’e going to be left with whatever you put on the Chalkboard first and try to take off.
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I also got a pretty sweet table for the back patio that you saw yesterday.
Let me give you the backstory on this table:
About three-four months ago i walked into World Market (which happens all the time, because that store is amazing) when they were having a HUGE sale on all of their outdoor furniture.
Insert the Valencia Rectangular Dining Table:
I saw it, fell in love, and then fell in TRIPLE LOVE once i saw the price tag.
Guess…
…
…
$80.
YUP. I got a $250 table for $80, and i was ecstatic! {which as you can see it is on sale right now for $225}
They actually had a few chairs/benches that i’m totally kicking myself for not buying them, but i also didn’t have the $$ to drop at that moment.
So, i made the purchase and hauled it out of the store by myself refusing any help [beast mode activated] because i was so excited, and i put it in my garage with the vow “this weekend i will build you”….and that was almost four months ago. 🙂
I finally got to it this past Saturday, and it was SO EASY; the only assembly required was me screwing in the legs; talk about feeling stupid for not doing it sooner.
[please excuse the nasty, moldy, needs to be bleached concrete.]
You may notice that it has a little shine to it, well that was because i used their outdoor wood finish.
{which i also got on super clearance, originally $14 i got for $4}
Let me just say, this thing has a strong odor. It isn’t chemically as much as it is a musky annoying smell. I was SO THANKFUL that i did this on the patio so it could air out. After applying the oil i had to wait 10-15 minutes to whip down all of the “extra” oil that was left over. I’m hoping that it will help it stay beautiful throughout the bad weather, but just in case i bought a tarp last night and put it over the top of it to keep it from getting fully soaked.
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So there are some updates and a little DIY project you could totally do in one night!
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Don’t forget to sign up for the
Christmas Trinkets & Traditions Swap
Sarah Grace, Laura, & I are hosting!
I think Sarah Grace said it best on her blog this morning…
“this is a great chance to share a unique christmas tradition with someone else! it can be anything that you feel represents one of your favorite family traditions. maybe it’s a christmas cookie recipie your family has made for years, or a christmas ornament, or a favorite holiday movie or cd.
whatever is special to you is perfect for this swap, so sign up for the chance to learn about another family’s traditions!”
. . .
To Sign Up:
Email Laura at : emaillaurawick{at}gmail{dot}com
Including: your name, blog name, and mailing address, with a big “HEY I WANT TO SIGN UP!”
Laura’s blog has tons more information if you’re interested!
I would be THRILLED if y’all participated, getting to know each one of you and your traditions would be absolutely fantastic! 🙂
i loveeee that table! and loveeee world market! everything in that store makes me feel warm and fuzzy. i want it all!
I never thought you could paint a mirror like that. So cool! I really want to try some projects with chalkboard paint too!
Thanks for the chalkboard idea, I could use that.
I have to say, I totally noticed that table and loved it in your burn post! I read the post but didn't take the time to comment. If I had, I would have told you how much I adored it. 🙂 Now that I know you got it for such a steal, I love it that much more.
That chalkboard is pretty awesome too!
Way to step out there and host swaps!!! I have only participated in one swap. I really enjoyed it.
Great table! Lucky you that is such a GOOOOOOD PRICE!
Tara
wow friend.. your DIY chalkboard mirror came out fantab!!! I LOVE IT!!
My friend did her table outside, and it works out great for the kids to sit outdoors and doodle on the table! Can't wait to see your end result!
xxo, Bev