I’m getting back to crafting, I promise, but first I just have to say a humungous “THANK YOU!!” for the amazing outpouring of encouragement and support I received after sharing my story on Wednesday. I absolutely cherish every one of your sweet comments and have been so totally overwhelmed and blown away that I feel like I can’t even come up with adequate words to express my gratitude– for sharing your own stories, for your prayers, for your words of wisdom, just everything. I feel so blessed to have many wonderful friends supporting me. Thank you all so incredibly much! <3
And now back to your regularly scheduled program… 😉
On Monday I revealed my glam fall shelf decor and talked about how to get a high end look for less. Part of that look was my DIY Fall Chalkboard Art! I had seen and admired many, many chalkboard projects around blogland in the past, but until this week–Get Your DIY On‘s chalkboard projects week– I had never attempted one myself. Since I wanted to make sure I did this chalkboard thing right, I contacted my friends at DecoArt, and they sent me two complimentary bottles of their fantastic Americana Gloss Enamels Glass Chalkboard Paint. I couldn’t wait to get started!
Armed with my paint, I gathered up all of the other supplies I would need to complete this project:
1. Picture frame (I got mine for $3 at Walmart!)
2. Glass chalkboard paint and cosmetic sponge
3. Chalk
4. Spray paint and ribbon (optional)
5. Design for chalkboard, printed on cardstock
Step 1- Spray Paint Frame (if desired)
I didn’t want to use a black frame with a black chalkboard, so I gave my frame a few quick coats of white spray paint. If your frame is already your desired color, obviously you can skip this step.
Step 2- Apply Chalkboard Paint
Next I used a cosmetic sponge to dab chalkboard paint onto the glass. {At this point I’m thinking, “This is so simple! How had I not tried this yet?!”}
Once I had the whole thing covered, I let it dry and then applied second coat just to be safe.
Step 3- Wait, then Bake
According to the directions on the bottle, I was supposed to let it dry for four days before I baked it, but you’re talking to the most impatient girl in the world here! I let it dry for 24 hours and then popped it into the oven for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.
I followed the instructions and let it cool with the oven door open, so I did listen a little bit…
Step 4- Condition the Surface
To get my newly painted chalkboard ready for my b00000-ti-ful chalk art, I first “conditioned” it, which is just a fancy way of saying that I rubbed chalk over the entire thing.
I then wiped it off, and I was ready for some art!
Step 5- Use the Chalk Transfer Method to Create an Outline of the Art
I first talked about this method in my monogrammed onesies tutorial, but it worked really well for the chalkboard, too. I printed out the design I wanted on card stock. Then I held it up to the window and on the back side, I traced the design with chalk, pressing down firmly.
I then placed my design face up on top of my chalkboard surface and firmly outlined the front of my design in pencil…
…transferring the chalk onto the chalkboard surface!
I could just color in the lines and I had my completed design! Want your own “Fall in Love” print? {For personal use only please.}
{Click here for FREE printable!}
Step 6- Put It All Together
After I had my chalk art all filled in, I popped it into my freshly painted frame, added a cute little ribbon, and it was ready to display!
Love! After seeing how simple and beautiful this chalkboard project was, I am ready for a lot more chalkboard paint in my future! My mind is already swirling with ideas on how to use it next! And speaking of chalkboard ideas, check out the gorgeous projects my Get Your DIY On co-hostesses created:
Chalkboard Bathroom Shelf by Christy, Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer
Chalkboard Lamp Shade by Mandy, The Hankful House
Little Chalkboard Folding Chair by April, House by Hoff
Chalkboard Projects for the Fall Front Porch by Krista, The Happy Housie
Be sure to stop by on Sunday, October 6th at 7 pm EST to link up your own stunning chalkboard projects! See you then!
Have you done any fun chalkboard projects lately?
I link up at these fun parties!
**DecoArt provided the chalkboard paint for this project, but I received no additional compensation from them. And, of course, all opinions are my own! For more information, see my disclosures here.**
Ashley says
October 4, 2013 at 5:13 amOkay… now I think I can do that! I’ve been a little scared of the chalkboard but you made it look easy. 😉
Thank you for opening up about your family’s history of breast cancer and sharing your story. So many of us have been touched by cancer. Your bravery and faith will touch so many.
xoxo,
Ashley
justagirlabby says
October 4, 2013 at 9:37 pmYou can totally do it, Ashley! I was intimidated too, but it was seriously easy peasy!
Thanks so much for your sweet words. They really mean a lot! Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Kim Hainline says
October 4, 2013 at 9:39 amThis is really cute! I wondered how people do the fancy art on chalkboards!
justagirlabby says
October 4, 2013 at 9:32 pmThanks so much, Kim! This was my first time trying, but I think I’m addicted! Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
mary says
October 4, 2013 at 10:23 amwanted to know where you got the printable for the fall project fall in love with the leaf is there a site I should go to ?thanks
justagirlabby says
October 4, 2013 at 9:31 pmI actually just whipped it up on picmonkey! I’ve added it to the post so you can download it if you want! Have a wonderful weekend, Mary!
~Abby =)
[email protected] says
October 4, 2013 at 4:13 pmSuper cute idea – and it can be used for a to-do list in your kitchen, too! Thanks for sharing how you made the pretty letters – at first I thought you just had spectacular handwriting skills. 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 4, 2013 at 9:29 pmOh how I wish I could write that well freehand! Nope, I cheat! 😉 I love the to-do list idea! Brilliant! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Laura!
~Abby =)
Carrie From Carrie This Home says
October 5, 2013 at 9:00 amFirst off, I had to go check out your story and I was blown away. I love the attitude God has given you through the whole situation. Yes we do serve a God who doesn’t make mistakes and He can turn this into something good. Thank you for sharing such a personal event.
I love anything chalkboard and this turned out so cute! I’m visiting from Share Your Creativity (#9 and 10)
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 3:23 pmThank you so much for your words of encouragement, Carrie! They really mean a lot! God is so good. Hope you’re having a wonderful week, friend!
~Abby =)
Patricia Krank says
October 5, 2013 at 1:19 pmThanks for this printable Abby. I’m going back to read your story now!
Blessings,
Patti
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 3:22 pmThank you so much for reading, Patti! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Krista @ the happy housie says
October 6, 2013 at 1:38 amUm, glass chalkboard paint?!? Seriously! Wow! A whole new world has opened up to me! I love your chalkboard art- so cute!
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 3:18 pmThank you, friend! I can’t believe it took me this long to attempt a chalkboard project– love the stuff! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
October 6, 2013 at 9:51 amHi Abby, I just found your blog through Let’s Get Social Sunday. I’ve just spent the past half hour reading through your posts. You have a beautiful family and love all your projects. I’m looking forward to following 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 3:07 pmThank you so much, Ashley! I’m so glad you popped over! Heading over to your blog to check it out now! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
October 6, 2013 at 7:17 pmLove this, so cute! Pinning this, and thanks so much for sharing it at my link party!
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 3:05 pmThank you, Jessi! And thanks again for hosting another great party! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Kendra says
October 6, 2013 at 8:56 pmLove this idea and I’m totally impatient as well – not sure I could even wait the 24 hours you did. Stopin’ by from Monday Funday.
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 3:03 pmGlad I’m not the only one! 😉 So happy you popped over, Kendra! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Marilyn says
October 7, 2013 at 7:01 amWOW, I love this project and your chalk transfer method is genius
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 2:59 pmThanks, Marilyn! I’m too cheap to buy a silhouette, so chalk transfer it is, lol! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Javeiya says
October 7, 2013 at 8:23 amI see you are a huge fan of black and I totally agree being patient is such a HARD thing! XD Love the super simple and easy project. The shelf looks great!!
justagirlabby says
October 7, 2013 at 2:58 pmI am! And I’m glad that I’m not the only one who struggles in the patience department, lol! Thanks so much for stopping by, Javeiya!
~Abby =)
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
October 8, 2013 at 9:56 amThis is so cute! I love it. I really need to practice my chalk writing and tracing for sure. Mine always looks like my 6 year old did it 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 11, 2013 at 11:12 pmLol! It can be tricky for sure! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Shannah! (Beautiful name, btw!)
~Abby =)
DesignedByBH says
October 8, 2013 at 11:49 pmVery cute! And I like the way you did the transfer! 🙂
justagirlabby says
October 11, 2013 at 10:59 pmThank you! That’s what I call the “I’m to cheap to buy a Silhouette so I have to figure out a creative shortcut to avoid spending money” method, lol! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
~Abby =)
Sarah says
October 9, 2013 at 9:56 amLove your technique, it looks great. Thanks for sharing the printable.
justagirlabby says
October 11, 2013 at 10:55 pmThank you, Sarah! I can’t believe I waited this long to try it! I may be painting chalkboard paint on everything now, lol! Have a great weekend!
~Abby =)
[email protected] at home mom says
October 11, 2013 at 3:46 pmoh! I love this a lot Abby, just learned something new today! 🙂 it’s really nice and glad you are ‘chalkboarding’ now ha!ha! (just invented that word) 😉
justagirlabby says
October 11, 2013 at 10:28 pmLove your made up word! I’m using that one some time! 😉
~Abby =)
Jamie says
October 14, 2013 at 1:30 amYou’ve been featured from Give Me The Goods!
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
justagirlabby says
October 14, 2013 at 1:20 pmThank you SO much, Jamie! You totally made my day!! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)