Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

From Gaudy to Glamorous; yet another Garage Sale Makeover!

Hope you ladies are having a wonderful weekend!  While I didn't make it to many garage sales this weekend, I have been busy revamping junk treasures that I found at recent sales!  You may remember seeing this mirror that I posted a week or so ago, that I'd picked up at a yard sale.  It might not look too bad in the photo, but in person, the mirror wasn't in perfect condition, and the frame looked very cheap and plasticy. I took one look at it and knew that it would make the perfect chalkboard!

The first step was to remove the mirror, then have hubby cut a 1/4" piece of wood to fit.  I know, I need to get brave and learn how to use power tools!  Whenever the hubs hears me say the words  "Sweetie, do you think you could ...............?", or, "Honey, could you help me with..........?" as I smile sweetly, he knows that I've got yet another project for him!  Luckily, though, he's a more than willing helper!  Ok, I'm getting off the subject!

After I primed the wood cut out, I followed with 4 coats of chalkboard paint, using a little roller.  I find that works better than a brush or sponge, as they can leave brush marks in the finished product.  I've also had good luck with chalkboard spray paint, too.

I then primed the frame with Rustoleum spray paint primer, and waited til the next day to paint.  Well, the next day was a bit rainy, so spray painting was out of the question.  It sure would've been alot easier, though with all of the nooks & crannies of the frame!  I really, really wanted to paint that day (when the mood to paint hits me, there's nothing that can stop me!), so I mixed some latex paint, and some craft paint til I got a shade that I really liked.  I call it a soft antiquy aqua. (is "antiquy" a word?!).  I used a sponge brush, and it really took a long time to get into all of the little crevices.  After several coats, followed by drying, I distressed the frame just a tiny bit, then followed with Ralph Lauren's antiquing glaze in "smoke".  I love how easy this glaze is to work with.  You just wipe or brush it on (I use a sponge brush), and wipe it off.  So simple!  I really love how the glaze ads so much dimension and character to the frame.  You would never guess that it's really plastic!
Here it is!  What do you think?!  Oh, I should mention that I used epoxy glue to adhere the chalkboard to the back of the frame.  If you never have worked with epoxy glue, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1.  This stuff really stinks!
2.  Be sure to follow the directions on the package exactly, and mix thoroughly.
3.  A little goes a long way.  I usually end up making too much, which just means wasted product, which means wasted money.  And I hate waste!
4.  I like to wear disposable gloves when I work with epoxy, because if you get it on your hands, it's really tough to remove.
5.This stuff really stinks!
6. I like to mix the epoxy with a wooden skewer, on a little piece of cardboard or aluminum foil.
7.  Did I mention that this stuff really stinks?!
I really am happy with her transformation, and  have just sold  her in my etsy shop.  So now I am on the prowl for more gaudy frames to redo!!

I have linked this project up to Between Naps on the Porch, for Metamorphosis Monday. 
and Reinvented, for the Trash to TreasureTrash to Treasure linky party.
Also joining Jan at Bobbypinsboardwalk for her fun Bragfest!

29 comments:

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

Donna, that is the prettiest chalkboard ever! Where are you putting it? I was wondering if the chalkboard paint would stick to the mirror?

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Oooh...how very pretty! I love the color...nice job.

mizdarlin said...

What a great idea, and thanks for the tip about Ralph Lauren glaze..pretty enough to use anywhere!

kimmykats said...

It really stiniks....OH I mean the glue!! A wonderful project! I really need to make myself a blackboard...so many projects so little time! I pull the same kind of thing on my husband when I need a little help--they always grumble! (that's what husband are trained to do) I need Ralph Lauren too!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

It's amazing how some serious paint and highlighting can turn an ornate plastic frame into something beautiful. Looks turned out great.

hugs
Sissie

Karen said...

Donna, this is simply gorgeous! Great job!

Wendy said...

Love the transformation. I would never have guessed it was plastic! Looks awesome! Need to add this to my treasure hunting wish list!!
Wendy

Kim said...

What a fabulous makeover! Thanks for the heads up on the Epoxy stuff. I'll keep that in mind. You have a wonderful Etsy store!
Thanks for your visit today, I'm so delighted to meet you!
xoxo,
Kim

Southerncook said...

Donna, Thank you for visiting my blog and I must say I LOVE what you did with the mirror. What a fabulous makeover.

Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! I can't believe you would sell her. I love it! Thanks for your visit too. I am glad to inspire. Jenn~ Craftomaniac.blogspot.com

gena said...

What a great job ! Reminds me of Snow White's "Mirror, Mirror" !!!!

Your blog is great - I'll be back for sure !

Thanks for stopping by Lavender Hill,
gena
www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspotcom

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This really looks wonderful~ great color...great project!

Anonymous said...

What a great looking mirror, I really like the color of the frame.

Melissa

One Cheap B*tch said...

I love seeing garage sale makeovers. Your mirror looks amazing now! And to think that might have been tossed in the trash...

Jeanine

Joselyn said...

Such a pretty makeover! Love the color! You did a great job!

Kerri said...

Wow...simply beautiful! You did a fantastic makeover on that thing!

Shirley said...

One question: Does epoxy STINK? :-) LOVE this project !

Heidi said...

wow! I love how much the new color brings out the details in the frame! and I agree, epoxy STINKS!

Pam said...

This is a wonderful redo! Great find!

trish said...

Oh I just love your makeover!!

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

Way to look past the initial state and "see" something beautiful! I love your makeover -- it's lovely!

decorating diva {aka deanna} said...

love it!!!! i love the color you mixed- i to mix alot of my own colors for painting- it saves $$$ and the time of going to the paint store, by just using what you have on hand. way to go!

Sheila said...

Gorgeous!!

Prior said...

Thanks for stopping by, so I could begin to follow you... We think alike! I'm glad you liked my bottle... I love this transformation...You did a wonderful job. It looks very high end now!

Lezlee

Cindy Adkins said...

How fabulous! Gorgeous AND what a brilliant idea--BRAVO!!!!
HUGS,
Cindy Adkins

kjsutcliffe said...

I love the frame, I have a mirror that needs a desperate make over - hmmm, I think I have the inspiration now thank you!

Ela@NewFamilyOnTheBlock.com said...

I love your blog. You have some fantastic ideas!

I would be really honored if you would join me at my first link party and giveaway that is up now:

http://lifeinmypjs.blogspot.com/2010/06/pajama-party-1-giveaway.html

~Ela

Anonymous said...

WOW -- that was a fast sale. I love the chalkboard with the way you painted the frame. So unique. I can think of so many places where I could use a piece like that. Thanks for the great tutorial and linking to the Boardwalk Bragfest!

Holly Lefevre said...

This is gorgeous. I love the color!