Chalk Art

I have had this large picture frame for many years.

It was a deep shade of gold, it looked like this other frame I had (below)

All I did was buy a primer and paint combined in an off white.

Gave it a couple of coats and let it dry.

I also gave the glass inserts three coats of black chalkboard paint

 And let that dry in between each coat

Then, I have a friend who is doing a creative writing course along with me

We often bounce ideas off each other to help with our writing process

And one day the topic was Water.

Read his writing HERE

I loved the words he wrote, so I decided I knew exactly where I wanted to

Showcase these thought provoking words.

I quickly drew out a sketch of the words and how I wanted them to look.

Then, with my frame and newly painted chalkboard paint dried. 

I set to sketching out the words on the chalkpaint.

All done!

And I love how it looks.

There is something magical about water.

If you're having trouble figuring out what it says here you go:

Water is magical, especially old water

In overgrown lakes... 

They collect time, history, myths... 

Expectations & Dreams.

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Shabby Chic Coat Rack Makeover

Just before we moved to Madison, WI, I made a coat rack from 2 planks of wood, which I glue together, then screwed together, painted it a darkish green color then distressed it a little. Then on one of my many shopping trips to Hobby Lobby, I found some wonderful Cast Iron Hooks.

This is what it looked like before.

Not great but okay.

I REALLY don't like the ugly fugly, brown one underneath, but I can't take it off. I think the student housing must have used industrial strength to stick it to the wall as well as screws. So now with the winter here and our coats new place of residence, you can't see much of that brown one - yeah!

This is what I did to make over the green color.

First I, unscrewed the hooks, then lightly sanded over the wood, to take off the finishing wax.

I have wanted to try my hand at the crackling paint technique, but I didn't want to have to buy the special paint to do so. Then I remembered - Elmer's glue :)

Then using Elmer's Glue I painted all over the wood ( oops forgot that picture) Leave to dry, but only until it is TACKY.

Then using white paint, I Loaded my brush and painted over the tacky glue, in one direction -

Don't go back over what you've painted. Just keep painting till you have covered the wood.

Don't worry if in some parts the paint is thicker than others, you're going for a distressed look.

Then watch in awe, as within 5 minutes see the paint crack !

Now I did use a scraper after the paint had completely dried, just to scrape off little bits of paint here and there.

Screw you hooks back in place and then I hung the coat rack back up.

Now I love how it looks, the Cast Iron Hooks, really pop!

My Shabby Chic Coat Rack Makeover.

Ah...much better, don't you think.

I know I do!

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