Chalkboard Art

Hello, from snowy, icy Alabama.  I thought I would be escaping the icy cool temps of the North by living in the deep South for 18 months, but that doesn't seem to be the case.  This unusual winter storm has fallen on the most inconvenient day for me. I was so looking forward to a visit from my mom and aunt who were scheduled to fly in from Philly to Birmingham today, but due to this once in 25 year weather phenomenon, their flight was canceled.  I am praying very very hard that they will be able to get here tomorrow.  The strangest thing about all of this is the fact that this past Saturday, I was wearing shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops, to a NorthFace and Uggs on a Wednesday to most likely shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops this Saturday with the 71 degree and sunny forecast.  

Since I knew we would be having some visitors while we are here, I wanted to make a multi-purpose room out of one of our spare bedrooms.  The purposes being: A Man Cave and Guest Room. 

While my husband was away for some training over Thanksgiving, I wanted to surprise him with a Man Cave when he came back.  I decided I was going to do this room on the cheap! I really had to get creative with things I already owned to spruce it up. I repainted and reframed pictures, I used cheap Walmart fabric for curtains, and tried to make it cozy, but sophisticated manly at the same time. Cozy for our guests, and manly for the hubs. 

My grandma was getting rid of this huge painting she had picked up at an Estate Sale for around $20. 

I took it off her hands knowing that this would make an awesome chalkboard for the guest room/man cave. 

I picked up some chalkboard paint from Walmart

{Via}

and gold spray paint 

{Via}

I got on a roll with the painting and forgot to snap some pictures along the way.  I sprayed the frame gold, not worrying about getting paint on the actual picture because I knew I would be painting over that with chalkboard paint anyways. 

I gave the frame about 2 coats of paint. Then I simply followed the directions for the chalkboard paint. I made sure to allow the suggested drying time before each coat.  I gave it two coats of paint with a foam roller and small paint brush for the corners and sides.  The hardest part was waiting for it to cure 3 days before writing on it!!! 

Once the 3 days were up, I conditioned my chalkboard.  To do this you take a piece of chalk and cover the entire board.  After you erase it, you are all set  you to write.  The conditioning process is important and ensures that once erased, writing does not appear embedded in the chalkboard.

I made a small template on word of the writing I wanted on the chalkboard to surprise my husband when he came home! 

Here is the finished product all ready for my mom and aunt's visit! (Lord will and Weather permitting!) 

I love being able to customize it if we have guests or add "Man Cave" sayings. 

I really love chalkboards a lot. Here is the one I have hanging in my kitchen that keeps me going when trying new recipes! 

DIY chalkboards are so easy and unique because the frames and shapes can be so different.  I love the little personal touch they add to a home that can be changed out with holiday's or special occasions. 

Have you ever made a chalkboard for your home? What kind of sayings do you like to write on them?