DIY Craft: Framed Chalkboard

I doubt the internet needs another chalkboard how-to blog post, but I had been wanting a chalkboard for our kitchen for a while. We had our big de-cluttering the house weekend recently. And aside from finding lots of nostalgia (reminding us why we don't de-clutter very often - too much fun stuff to find) like the dog hoodie we bought for our dog a few years back, I also found some fun crafting supplies.

This is why we can't get things done. Why take things to the Goodwill when you can have fun playing with all of the stuff you find?!

In our mess I found some really ugly gold frames that had held paintings I made back in high school. I spray painted both frames with a Rustoleum American Accents antique white. I figured I could use one for the chalkboard and the other for a baby nursery project. I went to Home Depot to purchase plywood (about $5 - they cut it to size for me for free), chalkboard paint (about $9), Gorilla Woodglue (about $5) and picture hangers ($3), since the frame had no hangers on it.

I primed my piece of plywood (cut 16" x 20" to fit in my frame) with Kilz white latex primer. Then I painted it with three coats of Rustoleum chalkboard paint using a foam roller. That stuff dries fast, so watch it! I used wood glue to glue the piece of plywood directly into the frame (this part is messy), but I had to let it dry overnight. I then hammered on the picture hangers, threaded some ribbon through the hangers, and wa-la! Finally I have my own chalkboard for the kitchen.

I think that's the first time the bathroom has ever graced this blog.

DIY Craft: Fall Leaf Initial

I actually completed a project I saw on Pinterest! Look at me getting things done!  I first saw this leaf initial on Pinterest from The Thrifty Abode's website and thought, "Hey, that's cute and I could definitely do that." Aaron from The Thrifty Abode used plastic oak leaves and Elmer's spray adhesive to create her look.  I used leaves with a little bit more contrast since our front door is such a dark red, I wanted the yellows to really pop and gave it a bright golden ribbon. I used a glue gun instead of spray adhesive, because I can be kind of dangerous with sprayed chemicals. Plus, I'm pregnant and had to work inside, so I didn't want something too strong to smell.

Here's Aaron's Version:

Source: thethriftyabode.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

And here's my version on a white door so I could get a picture, and our red front door:

Doesn't fall get you in the mood to start crafting?!

16 Weeks

Still kind of a puny bump...but definitely more than it was!

Nursery Bedding

So, I've really gotten into browsing the internet recently for baby stuff. I've started my registry, although it's hard to pick out some things because we're not sure of the gender yet. But, in any case, I found the most awesome baby bedding website, Carousel Designs, that lets you custom create your bedding from all different kinds of fabrics. You can even change the color of the wall and flooring to match what you already have in your house as well as change up the crib color to see what your bedding would look like on different crib finishes.  It's pretty addicting!  Here are a few designs I've been playing around with:

The best part is you can save your designs, so that when we do find out the sex of the baby in another month or so, we can see our saved designs! The only drawback? The sets are a *little* pricey. By little, I mean a lot pricey. Definitely more than I would spend on my own bedding. But it's certainly a good starting point to help you start to put a nursery together.

*I have no affiliation with Carousel Designs, and they are not compensating me in any way for this post. Although I would gladly take free bedding from them if offered. I just enjoy playing with their interactive designer.