DIY Chalkboard on the cheap!

You know how when you spot something in a magazine and you can't stop thinking about it?

Yeah, like that..

That's what was going through my head when I came across this photo below.

It's on page 52 of the Summer 2013 issue of Vintage Style.

Oh that stinkin' chalkboard!

Why must it be so cute?

I loved you down to the rusty lil screws and washers..I did!

So instead of wanting on something I'm sure I could never find, I made my own.

I grabbed up some scrap wood left over from signs.

This piece here is 1/2" birch

I used some mixed paint I had left over from my bed DIY.

I first painted the wood white then went over it with the blue.

Once it was dry, I sanded the edges and aged it up some.

I didn't worry about painting the center because it will be covered.

I then used a much thinner piece of birch for the chalkboard.

I used Valspar.

After the chalkboard paint was good and dry I seasoned it up.

By that I mean, going over the entire board with chalk then brushing it off with a damp rag.

I plan on replacing these washers and screws with some rusty ones soon.

I have them outside so they can weather up some.

I used the new ones just to give you an idea of how it will look.

I attached the two boards together using my washer and screw sets.

I also attached a sawtooth hanger just in case I want to hang it.

For now it's foolin' my family..LOL

We didn't have fried chicken last night but we did have a very healthy salad ;)

I love the look of the washer and screws.

I'm already looking for somewhere else to use these cuties!

Have you crushed on something lately and duplicated it?

Speaking of crushing...

Ballard Designs just liked my instagram picture above.

I have loved them to the moon and back!

Nothing like a crush LOL

xoxo Susie