Ballard Designs Wanna Be Gilded Chalkboard

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I can't believe it's taken me so long to get on the bandwagon. The chalkboard paint bandwagon, that is.  I've lusted after many variations on this theme, but I think you get my drift ~ gilded chalkboards rock! {Note: I wanted to share photos from page 46-47 of Ballard Designs' December 2010 catalog but I can't seem to find a reproduction of those photos anywhere.  You'll just have to take my word for it that they're totally my inspiration.} 

It all began with an oval gilded and scrolly frame from Club G.W., otherwise known as Goodwill.  No one has to know that it's actually plastic.  Sshhhhhh. It was all of $2.99.  I love it when that happens.

I really liked this frame!  The painting, however, was not entirely my taste, so it was perfect for this project.  I removed the screws off the back of the frame and removed the picture.  Then I removed the beautiful oval-shaped glass and got to work.

I set up shop in the garage and proceeded to rough the glass surface up a bit with sandpaper.  After I wiped down the glass with a soft, clean cloth, I applied two very light coats of Krylon chalkboard spray paint onto the glass. 

It dried within a few hours, but the can said to wait 24 hours before using the chalkboard.  So I placed my new chalkboard into its gilded frame and I waited, and I waited and I .....well, you get the picture. I couldn't wait to write on my chalkboard!  Anyhow, day 2, here's how it looked.

Before writing on it for the first time, I roughed it up a bit with the side of a large piece of chalk, then wiped it clean with a felt chalkboard eraser. 

Then it was really ready for the unveiling. 

I can use it in my studio

 or anywhere around the house that could use a little chalkboard love.

I LOVED THIS PROJECT.  Easy, cheap and looks absolutely fabulous!  Now if I can just master that MAGNETIC chalkboard paint, hehe....Next time I'll share my refurbished gilded frame MEMO board (read: jewelry organizer), a la, you guessed it Goodwill again!  You know what they say, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."  Lucky me.  

I'll be linking up here

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