Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Is Anything Easy?

Have you ever set out to do a project that you thought was going to be easy...so easy that you could almost do it in your sleep...so easy that you could whip it out in just a couple of minutes...I mean really, how hard could this be!

Well, this chalkboard was supposed to be that kind of project. Ever since I remodeled my kitchen I have had this enormous, empty wall in the eating area, I really want to do a painting to put here, but I haven't had the time and I have always thought that a chalkboard would look cute in the kitchen.



So...in the barn I found this very old, decrepit mirror, my son-in-law was nice enough to remove the mirror from the frame and cut out the piece of MDF (I really need to learn how to use the jig saw). I gathered all the stuff I would need: sandpaper, stain, varnish, chalkboard paint, new brass screws, and a little brass bow to add a touch of ornamentation. Refinishing the frame went well, so I moved onto painting the board. After applying several coats of blackboard paint I left the board our to dry overnight ...who would have thought that some kind of animal would spray on it! More sanding and repainting.





Finally, with the paint dry I went to put it all together but with the pressure of inserting the board into the frame two corners of the frame came unglued; the frame was in three parts! I almost sat down and cried. But, I glued the corners back together (in the process I found out that under duress Bungie cords make excellent clamps)  and after retouching the stain and varnish, the next day I was finally able to put it all together and wonder of wonders...on the wall. I almost had a temper tantrum, and this simple little project almost got thrown into the trash but it is done now and I think that it turned out okay.


I like the way that the "black" ties in with the chandelier and the black wrought iron chairs.


                                                                    What do you think....? 

                                           Bienvenue chez moi....welcome to my home


Posted by quotidienns at

37 comments:

  1. HeatherMay 3, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    You really had some difficulties during your chalkboard adventure, but, in the end, it did turn out spectacular! It adds a great touch of whimsy to your charming French kitchen!

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  2. Christine E-EMay 3, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    this looks adorable... now you can post your menu when you have company! or draw pictures! or post your to-do-list! or places you wish to see in France this summer! or??? the possibilities are endless.

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  3. Carola BartzMay 3, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Ah Adrienne - I'm so glad that you didn't give up! It looks so beautiful - and it really fits in that space. You have such a great eye for things like that.

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  4. artis1111May 3, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    This is perfect for the spot!!!!! I love it when people use things other than what they were meant to be. It makes us think. We need to always be looking at what could be instead of what is. Kathy

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  5. ornellaMay 4, 2011 at 12:36 AM

    Un lavoro ben fatto e brillante idea ...tutto si accosta così semplicemente! Sono contenta di essere entrata nella tua bella casa.Un Bacione Ornella

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  6. Musings from Kim K.May 4, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    It's just the perfect addition to your kitchen. Sometimes the most difficult projects end up being the best ones. I love your lilac blogger banner too.

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  7. AdrienneMay 4, 2011 at 5:20 AM

    I like it! It's such a great addition to your kitchen.
    ~Adrienne~

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  8. Gail DixonMay 4, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Love it! Certainly worth the time and effort you put into it. It looks fantastic. Be proud.

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  9. CindyMay 4, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    It looks lovely despite all the obstacles. We have found with renovating our home that nothing is ever easy or cheap! Be proud of your skill and patience...
    Cindy

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  10. ClausMay 4, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    Very pretty! I have two chalk board plans on hold, and thought it could be a piece of cake project...until I read your experience! Now, I'm afraid, but I shall face the challenge with a positive attitude, and a lot of hope! :o))
    Yours came out beautiful! I like the shape of it (mine are plain square).
    Have a lovely day!

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  11. hostess of the humble bungalowMay 4, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    I think the chalkboard is fun...too bad it was so frustrating in the process.
    Love the lilacs on your header Adrienne!
    Hostess
    XO

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  12. Michelle @ Dream Home DIYMay 4, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Oh Im so glad you didnt give up becuase it turned our just perfect :0) I love the simple detail of the frame....but its still so unique because of the shape. Wonderful job!

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  13. Mimi SueMay 4, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    I have had exactly that kind of experience more times than I want to remember. I do think it turned out great. Love the bow. My motto is "All's well that ends well!" Mimi

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  14. DonnaMay 4, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    I think it turned out wonderful, Adrienne. I sometimes have projects that end up like that too.

    Hugs,
    Donna

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  15. RettabugMay 4, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Well, I'm impressed! I have a similar blank wall that I've been staring at for over 5 yrs. trying to decide what I want to put on it.

    You have lovely handwriting...that really helps besides being bi-lingual, too! I have neither talent. :-(

    Well done, even if it WAS a pain!
    fondly,
    Rett

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  16. My Shabby Streamside StudioMay 4, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    It's so much more satisfying after a struggle. I've been there!

    Thanks for your kind comments on my blog.

    Bisous,

    Sandy Foster
    My Shabby Streamside Studio
    http://www.myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com

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  17. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMay 4, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Oh your chalkboard is just lovely~ the shape is wonderful and even though it took some work- it turned out fantastic! Stopping by from SSS party today! :)

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  18. TriciaMay 4, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    I feel your pain. I too have been making a chalkboard this week and it hasn't went very well either.

    ~tricia

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  19. SarahMay 4, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    I think it is terrific! I love the shape of the frame, and the black does look great with the chandy. ~ Sarah

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  20. At Rivercrest CottageMay 4, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    thanks for the tip on the bungee cords...it was one of those hitting-my-head-why-didn't-I-think-of-that ideas!

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  21. AnnMay 5, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    What a wonderful project, Adrienne! I just love the way it turned out...the brass bow is perfect and yes, I think the mirror looks great with the light fixture.:o)

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  22. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    been there....done that...LOL...and have actually thrown a project or two in the trash. I LOVE your chalkboard and the shape and your chandelier. :)

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  23. CatherineMay 5, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Hello Adrienne,
    the board came out finally very nice!It goes well with your chandelier.

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  24. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Your chalkboard looks lovely and it is the perfect accent on your wall!

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  25. Ldy ~~ DyMay 5, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Hi Adrienne,
    I could feel your frustration, but wow! The finished product looks wonderful! I just love how it goes so well with your chandelier. Great project! Hugs!

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  26. AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    It is absolutely beautiful, Adrienne!

    Thanks for the bungie cord tip! I would never have thought of that.

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  27. Angie HoldenMay 5, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    I looooove that!! The shape is perfect!!

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  28. Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.comMay 5, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Oh my, that is so gorgeous! You did an amazing job.

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  29. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMay 5, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    I think it turned out great, Adrienne! I love the shape of this frame for it, too, and it fills that wall so nicely!

    Visiting from Time Travel Thursdays. : )

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  30. AnonymousMay 6, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    Oh it's so lovely, I would love one just like that but have minimal talent!

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  31. UnknownMay 6, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Your project turned lovely. It really looks great where you have it.

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  32. Ann-Marie ~ BramblyMay 6, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    I love it! Such a wonderful frame to use.

    Ann-Marie

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  33. ShandaMay 6, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Very nice.. I love redoing old things and using them in my house and garden. Unfortunately, like your later blog, often things are harder than they seem!

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  34. saltbox
    treasures    May 8, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Your chalkboard turned out great! and, yes, I have done numerous projects that took hours (days :) instead of minutes, especially when I try to be a woodworker with no formal training. I love the idea of chalkboards on the wall. How fun to share notes, etc.
    Visiting from Voila!
    Have a great day!
    ~ Julie

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  35. The Charm of HomeMay 8, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    That turned out wonderful. All your hard work was worth it. Very cute chalkboard. Thanks for linking it up!
    Sherry

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  36. NanMay 11, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    I am SO glad you didn't throw it in the trash - it's beautiful! And I love the bungee cord idea! That's fantastic!

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  37. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageMay 12, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    I think it turned out lovely! I'm so glad you didn't give up and toss it. Your patience and endurance paid off. ;)

    Thanks for faithfully linking to Time Travel Thursday.

    Hugs,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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