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!