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!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Transforming a Gaudy Frame into a Glam Chalkboard

You know how much I love making chalkboards, right? Well today I thought I'd share with you my latest gaudy to glam chalkboard project!  When we were down in Savannah this past winter, I found a large vintage framed print while out thrifting.  While it was looking a bit worse for wear, I immediately was drawn to the ornate details of the frame.

 Here I am giving you a sneak peek of the end result, but it didn't start out looking this great. 
Oh, no! 
Here is what this puppy started out life as!
While I actually liked the vintage Italian print, which was mounted on hard board, it was looking pretty tired. And it just wasn't the look I was going for!
The frame actually was even gaudier in person than in this photo. The inner boarder was a gold velvety type material. But I didn't let that deter me!  Did you know you can actually paint over fabric?
Yes, you can!

So, after removing the print and giving the frame a good cleaning, I mixed up several shades of chalk paint by DecoArt, til I created a pretty shade of Robin's Egg Blue. One of my very favorite colors, I might add!
For that gold velvet border, I first painted it with Behr latex wall paint in cream. I didn't want any of that gold to show thru my chalk paint.  Once dry, I went over the entire frame with several coats of the Robin's Egg Blue.
Did I tell you how much I love that shade??!
 Then, I mixed both clear and brown creme waxes, also from DecoArt, and applied to the frame (but not the velvet border).  After letting dry, then buffing out, I was amazed at how the wax not only gave the frame an Old World feel, but highlighted all of the wonderful details that had been lost!

 I had hubby cut me a new piece of Masonite board, which I then covered with heavy duty chalkboard vinyl, and 
Viola!
A glamorous new chalkboard was born!
 I must say that I am very happy with how it turned out, and now I'm glad I gave that tired looking frame a second chance at life!
I've added it to my Etsy shop, if you care to take a look!
I wanted to thank all of you who visited my feature last Saturday, over at Junk Chic Cottage, and left such sweet comments!  I was beyond thrilled to be included in the Blogger Spotlight, and your kind words made it even more special!
Have a great day!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

This is so clever! Love the end result!!! And the paint effect too! :)

The Bear's Blog said...

Beautiful.

Susie said...

Donna, I love it !!! I have an old frame around here somewhere...I am making me one of these chalkboards. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

White Lace and Promises said...

This is one of my favorite projects to sell. If I take one to my booth, it sells immediately. Took a small one over Saturday and a friend of mine told me she bought it. Snap! Love the color you chose! The last one I did was turquoise.

I love all your pretties.

Bente said...

Hi Donna. The transformation is so great. Love the result and the color is perfect.

Hugs from here

Ordinary J said...

Amazing transformation

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW, Donna, what a great job - you would never know that it was the same frame. Love the blue color.
I'm off the Home Depot to check out there chalk paint - have a project in mind.
Have a great Memorial Weekend.
Mary

Trisha said...

That color is the best and I love the waxing you did to it! Perfection!

~Trisha

Linda @ A La Carte said...

You know I love that color blue and the wax just made this piece amazing. Great job!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, I LOVE your chalkboard and that color you created is gorgeous. I am really getting into it here too at home and also in my shoppe.
As always you worked your magic with this piece and it will go fast!!
Gorgeous with the old world effect too.
Hugs

NanaDiana said...

That looks just great, Donna. SO much better than the original! lol Yep- I can tell you like that color! xo Diana

Tete said...

I love this color, too and chalkboards. The details were so lost before, but now you can really see them. Great job!

Okio B Designs said...

How much do I love that color???! =) A lot! It's gorgeous!

Jeanine

Musings from Kim K. said...

You are so good at creating your own paint colors. It's a gorgeous transformation (like we'd expect anything less)!

Little Miss Maggie said...

That is quite an astounding makeover. I love Robin's Egg blue too. You gave this frame a whole new life time. I'm sure it will self very fast.

Cynthia said...

This came out fantastic and I love the frame. That was a nice painting but it did look a bit tired. Love your transformation.

Cynthia