Chalkboard or blackboard. . . depends where you are from. . . but one thing is for sure, everyone loves them!!
So here’s the story. . . girlfriend (of the non thrifting kind) phones me and says:
She: Kerry, I’m looking out of my window and across the road on the neighbours lawn is a broken mirror. It has a sign on it that says ‘FREE’. Is that the sort of thing you look for?
Me: Hmm. . . what sort of mirror?
She: Well, it’s kind of really big and made of wood. A bedroom type of mirror, but the mirror parts not there.
Me: Okay, put the phone down. Now run over and grab that mirror before someone else does!
So, I’m expecting from her description that it is perhaps the top of a dressing table sort of mirror. . .
and then she walks in with this.
What a score!! A cheval mirror – minus the mirror of course. I was ecstatic!!
My friend is dubious. . . but she is of the non thrifting genre, so we can excuse that.
After some sanding, several coats of putty coloured paint and a good distressing. . .
Ta da. . . my new market blackboard.
Perfect for the market updates, news events and sale prices.
She comes apart for easy transportation. . . and when she’s not in use at the market, I’m sure I’ll find lots of places to put her around the house.
Here’s a little tip for you too: to clean a blackboard pour half a cup of vinegar into a bucket of warm water and wash with a squeegee.
I’ll be partying with these girls all week. Make sure you check them out for inspiring creative ideas.
This weeks studio news:
-
Last week of my 20th Anniversary sale. Buy 3 patterns and get a 4th pattern FREE. Get your Christmas patterns now at Woodberry Designs.
-
Thank you for the fantastic response to my new book last week. To find out more about ‘The Creative Mumpreneur: how to take your craft addiction from the kitchen table to creative business’ click here.
-
woo hoo. . . one week until Simply Christmas starts. Become a follower of the Shabby Art Boutique so you don’t miss all the fun.
Until next time, I’ll be in the studio.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Wow what a fabulous idea!! Great friend too!!
What a find, and what a great transformation. This is perfect for your market stall Kerryanne. Such a lovely friend to think of you and the mirror, even though she isn’t a thrifter.
Lee:)
What a fabulous find!! I absolutely LOVE it!
Jenn 🙂
great score!!! what a good friend (of the non thrifting kind!)
alicia
Hi Kerryanne,
Ah, You have really done this piece justice!
What a fabulous transformation and soo handy for market or love letters to the family. lol
Your thrifter friend has done well for a newie.
Creative hugs,
Anna
Wowzer…that is just fantastic and you have turned it into something so useful.
Have a great week.
Toni xx
It’s gorgeous !!! It’s going to look wonderful on your stand.
Hugs – Fee X
Love it!!! I have one of these mirrors – might have to break the glass….lol.
Sharyn N xx
WOW! I love this; argh, why can’t my neighbours leave gorgeous finds like THAT on the curb (so jealous!!!)
Thanks for the inspiration!
Take care,
Christina
designingbynumbers.blogspot.com
I really love this….
Thank you for sharing it at the party.
By the way I love the music too… I’ll be visitinng here for a bit. Exploring your blog tonigh!
I’m obsessed with everything chalkboard. Love what you did! It’s inspired me to make a chalkboard on an easel for my living room! You might like my chalkboard painted bathroom wall… http://www.stylebaggage.com/?p=38 it’s my latest chalkboard creation I’m lovin’…btw, saw you at The Picket Fence. Happy creating!
That is awesome!! At least your friend knew enough to call you, and you advised her oh so wisely. Coolest standing chalkboard I think I’ve ever seen!
Midge
I had exactly the same mirror. I got it like 15 years ago from a friend who was moving to Italy and I painted it white.
After a while I got bored of it and sold it for 30 euros.
Wish I still had it!!! Your schoolbord is super!!!
P.S. Love the story!
Just passed up one of these mirrors at Goodwill the other day because it didn’t have the base. Great idea. Love having a huge blackboard like that. Nicely done!
Liz
Just wondering what you put under the chalkboard paint, if anything? It looks like plywood in the original photo which could be pretty rough. I have an antique dresser & mirror (which was recently broken) and am thinking of doing something like this to it. I just thin that I need to put something over the original backing.
I used chalk paint Jennifer, so it didn’t require priming. If your base is rough, can you insert a piece of 3mm wood?