DIY Framed Chalkboards

I love these and have seen them for sale everywhere, always around $40 and up. No way, I can make it for less! I've been keeping my eyes open for the right frame for a while now.  I didn't want to pay a ton for a used frame (obviously), and I didn't want it to be too plain and simple either.  So many of the frames I've scoped out at Goodwill were overpriced because of the (ugly) artwork in them. (I don't care about the crappy art, I just want the frame!) All the frames I scoped at yard sales this morning were just too thin and plain. I'm looking for some chunky detail! 

After no such luck, Dad said, "let's see what's in the closet at my house." Okayyyy! Yayyyy for repurposing. Well of course I found one I could live with. It's a big, chunky frame. Check it out: 

I took out the glass and dusted it off. I've been DYING to use my turquoise spray paint (Rustoleum's Lagoon).  I decided I wanted to leave a little gold detailing on the inside so I taped that off and got to spraying. 

After cleaning the glass, I put 2 coats of Chalkboard spray paint ($3.97) on the glass. 

I organized the garage a bit while I waited for them to dry. I put them back together and ta-da! 

I totally dig it! I'm glad the gold worked out, I really didn't want to have to paint again. :) 

Now I just need to settle on a place to hang it! Entry way or beginning of hallway? Help me decide! :)

*Update: I decided to try out the frame in the entry. I really like the pop of color. Annnnnd to be able to see inspiring messages when I leave and come home would be really cool too. :)

I also had an extra frame on hand that I wanted to make into a little chalkboard to put on an easel for the bar area. You know, to write silly little quips or festive messages or menu items or the cocktail of the evening? :) The possibilities are endless. 

If you repurpose an old frame you already have, this project will only cost you the price of the paint! Even if you have to go thrifting or yard-saling for a frame, the project is STILL incredibly affordable. Now go repurpose some old frames! 

Yard Sale Finds and Freebies!

Dad and I went to some yard sales this morning. Here are my finds:

2 little milk bottles which I plan on painting with gold/glitter for vases. I love the shape!

(.25 each)

Annnnd I was antsy so I already painted them. One coat metallic gold, one coat of spray glitter! Yeehaw! By the way, spray glitter might be my new favorite thing. *finger on sprayer, look around to see what else I can paint.

Round wooden bar tray which I also plan on painting. (.50)

Yep, already did that too. Same paint as the vases! (I may or may not be gearing up for a NYE party...)

*Jackpot find: electric wine opener for $3.00! Wahoooo! I've been eying these for a while but hadn't pulled the trigger because I didn't want to spend $30+ when I could keep doing it manually for free. BUT this will be great for those emergencies when you need a bottle of wine opened 12 seconds faster, or even if someone with hand arthritis comes over and wants wine but I'm in the bathroom at that exact moment and can't help. You never know. A girl's gotta be prepared. Ok, kind of unnecessary, but hey, it's not a Billy the Big Mouth Bass, ok?

*Jackpot find: Weaved basket. This isn't just any 'ol basket. I have been wanting one like this for so long! At the co-op in Chico, I've seen these for $40! I couldn't pay that much for one of these, even though they are amazing. The perfect farmers market/grocery store/garden veggie-gathering basket, in my FAVORITE color, barely used, for $5.00! Woo!

Multi colored Christmas lights, 2/$1.00! (Marked as $1 a piece but I like to bargain so there you have it!) All they can do is say "no". Always try! 

Also, got that $10.00 Kohl's card in the mail. I love using this. It's like a game for me to see what I can get for $10.00.  I've been gathering discounted Halloween decor and supplies for next year and found a couple do-dads to add to my Halloween box. This pumpkin tablecloth and hand towel. Because the total was less than $10, it was free. Not bad for FREE. Not bad at all. 

PS: There will be a Halloween party next year so start planning your costume now.  :)

Did anyone score at any yard sales this weekend?