More Chalkboard Love, and an Adorable Surprise!

Hello and Happy Saturday!  The other day I told you how I was obsessed with chalkboards.  Well, today I thought I'd share with you my latest creation, that I have added to my Etsy shop. I will show you a bit later what she used to look like.  I didn't want to scare you by showing you the "before" shot first!!  I think you will be amazed by her transformation! She was pretty sad and dated looking, and just begging for a head to toe makeover!

I just had to paint her this bright and cheery aqua color.  Much better than her old look!  I also decoupaged at the top one of my all time favorite advertising labels from the Graphic's Fairy.  Love the Graphic's Fairy!!  I really like the cute little ledge (which you will see below) that is the perfect spot for holding chalk and maybe an eraser.

You can never have too many chalkboards!
Ok ladies, are you ready to see her prior to her "redo"?

See, I told you the poor thing had seen better days!  Not sure if you can see it or not, but some sweet soul obviously spent alot of time cross stitching "Love me, love my cat" in that way too country-ish looking heart!  Don't get me wrong, I love cats, but that circa 1980's cross stitching just had to go buh-bye!

I can almost hear her breathing a sign of relief!  What do you think?
Oh, I forgot to mention a few details of the project:  I removed the old board (which I will save for a future project. You know me by now, I can't bear to throw anything out that has crafting potential!), and hubby cut me a new one from masonite.  I use the kind of chalkboard paint that you brush on, as I seem to have better luck with that than the spray on kind.  Have any of you ladies used the chalkboard vinyl adhesive?  I think I would like to try that out for future chalkboard projects, and was wondering what you thought of it.

Today I received the nicest surprise in the mail!  My sweet friend Cindy sent me this darling necklace that she made for me!  Thank you Cindy, you made my day!  Isn't that little girl just the cutest?!  I wonder what she is thinking about? :)

And she also sent me this pretty, cheery daisy card which you can see in the background.  Cindy is the sweetest, most thoughtful and generous person!  She has not one, but two blogs, (you can check them out here and here) and is oh, so creative!  Stop by and tell her "hi"!  Thanks again, Cindy!
I have linked up with:
Cindy over at Whimsical Musings for her Creative Spirit Challenge Party, 
Funky Junk Interiors SNS Party
The Graphics Fairy Brag Monday
Cottage Instincts Make it for Monday Party
be sure to stop on in!