Friday, January 22, 2010

Spray Paint Obsession: chalkboard canvas

I love Pottery Barn. But there's just one little 'ole problem. I can't afford to shop there. So . . the reason I continue to get their catalogs (free, by the way) are for ideas. Ideas for home decor, ideas for birthday parties, etc.

One day I was looking through the catalog and saw this cute buffet topped with yummy breakfast items. Love it. But there was something I loved even more. I loved the quote above the buffet that was written on chalkboard. Ding! Ding! Ding!

So this is what inspired me to create the chalkboard canvas. Something to hang in my home that was inexpensive, easy, quick, and fun to make.

So here's my chalkboard canvas tutorial:

First go out and buy some chalkboard spray paint. This is the only kind I've ever used (so I'm not sure if it's the best or not . . . but it works). I think I bought it at Joanns Fabrics (about $5-$6).


Then buy canvas. You get to determine the size. I bought 11x14. (get the cheapest as possible - - they can be a little expensive, so use a coupon)

In a well ventilated area spray paint your canvas well (in a sweeping motion). Make sure you got it everywhere, but you don't want there to be so much that it's dripping or running. Let dry for a few hours and then spray paint again. (needs to have at least two coats to create a chalkboard finish).

After 24 hours of drying you can finally write on it. But first rub the full area with the side of chalk and then erase surface (to break it in).
I stapled (on the back) the tops to the bottoms so it'd be easier to hang.


I've decided to write quotes pertaining to each month or maybe when guests come to town to personalize it a little bit. Oh. And I totally wish I had amazing handwriting like this cute girl here. That's not one of my talents though. Don't worry, I'm gonna get rid of the cheesy hearts in the corner. It looks like a 12 yr. old did that (no offense to any 12 yr. olds out there. :)

10 comments:

  1. Why can't you live closer so you can come decorate and craft my house? I'm going to copy the things you do when I get more free time. But I will credit you :)

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  2. i am loving this! it is perfect for us renters that can't paint our actual wall... and i have been dying to put chalkboard paint on something!

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  3. That's a really good idea- I love it!

    Thank you so much for linking up with the Talented Tuesday link party at My Frugal Family, which is hosted every Tuesday. Please feel free to stop back in every week and post your newest projects!

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  4. Great idea. I am in love with the chalkboard paint, but have not wanted to put it directly on the wall (cause I don't want to paint over it) This a great alternative when you want it without a "frame"

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  5. Amy, I just found your blog and I love this idea. It would be great for my "We Can Do It Cheaper" Thursday MCLinky. Come visit me and link up (I'm also doing a giveaway right now with a PB knockoff). I can't wait to try this out for myself. Thank you!

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  6. Thank for the tutorial- can't wait to do this for my apartment! :)

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  7. Loving this tutorial and glad I found your blog. Question for you, I am thinking of doing this in our playroom. Do you think the canvas would stand up to the kids drawing on it and erasing quite a bit? I like the idea of hanging a canvas vs. actually painting the wall!

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  8. Such a great idea! I was wondering if chalk paint worked on canvas. You're a gem for this tutorial!

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