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.**
Okay... 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
You 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 =)
This is really cute! I wondered how people do the fancy art on chalkboards!
Thanks 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 =)
wanted 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
I 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 =)
Super 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. 🙂
Oh 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 =)
First 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)
Thank 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 =)
Thanks for this printable Abby. I'm going back to read your story now!
Blessings,
Patti
Thank you so much for reading, Patti! Have a great day!
~Abby =)
Um, glass chalkboard paint?!? Seriously! Wow! A whole new world has opened up to me! I love your chalkboard art- so cute!
Thank 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 =)
Hi 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 🙂
Thank 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 =)
Love this, so cute! Pinning this, and thanks so much for sharing it at my link party!
Thank you, Jessi! And thanks again for hosting another great party! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
Love 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.
Glad I'm not the only one! 😉 So happy you popped over, Kendra! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
WOW, I love this project and your chalk transfer method is genius
Thanks, Marilyn! I'm too cheap to buy a silhouette, so chalk transfer it is, lol! Hope you're having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)
I 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!!
I 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 =)
This 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 🙂
Lol! It can be tricky for sure! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend, Shannah! (Beautiful name, btw!)
~Abby =)
Very cute! And I like the way you did the transfer! 🙂
Thank 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 =)
Love your technique, it looks great. Thanks for sharing the printable.
Thank 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 =)
oh! 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) 😉
Love your made up word! I'm using that one some time! 😉
~Abby =)
You've been featured from Give Me The Goods!
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
Thank you SO much, Jamie! You totally made my day!! Have a wonderful week!
~Abby =)