Giant Masonite Chalkboard

We have this great central wall in our kitchen but it's right next to the doorway into the laundry/mud room.   At the end of the laundry room is our pantry.  The garage door is also just on the other side of this doorway,  and there's a door into the backyard across from that.   So we go in and out of that room too often to keep this door shut.  However, when it's open it covers this great kitchen wall space.

 A pocket door would be perfect here, but would be a more expensive project than I want.  I finally just took the door off and put up the chalkboard I've been picturing there for months!

 I took a large piece of Masonite we had sitting in our garage and painted it with chalkboard paint.  I did 3 coats.  With the help of my sweet husband, we screwed it right to the wall.  Masonite is inexpensive and pretty light!  It can also be moved if I choose in the future.  I added the cute chicken wire magazine rack for the daily mail, coupons and now the top one is just for grocery, menu, and recipes on my two week menu.

 

  I'm happy to report all my dreams have come true with this wall!   A huge chalkboard is so fun in the kitchen, with endless uses really!  The magazine rack filled with papers is not the prettiest, but this is real life after all; and there are so many papers that come and go right?  This helps keep them off the counter anyway : )

Here's a few shots of what's been on our chalkboard over the past month.  (We have 4 out of 6 birthdays in Dec. and Jan.)

(Leftover night!  That was my funny husband;  he's actually great about whatever might be for dinner : )

Easy chalkboard sign

Have you tried chalkboard paint?  It is so fun!  I have seen recipes for making your own chalkboard paint in any color, oh the possibilities!  I plan to try making my own sometime, but for now I have the pre made paint from the hardware store.  Ready for the easiest chalkboard sign ever?
      
             Supplies:

• Thin piece of wood
• Chalkboard paint
• Paint brush
• Hooks
• Twine

I primed my board, and painted it with two coats of the chalkboard paint.  Then I just screwed these eyelet hooks into the top, strung some twine between the two and DONE!

 Here is the same sign at my sisters wedding reception:

And here's what I have on it today:

 I am loving the chalkboard look!

Kids easel makeover

This easel needed a small makeover.  The chalk side didn't really work anymore.  The other side was a whiteboard and pretty scratched.  I'm not a big fan of whiteboard for kids,  markers are always risky and used in places they are not supposed to be used; or the markers just get lost, ruined, or dried out.  I decided on chalkboard for both sides.

 I was not sure if painting over whiteboard would work, but good news:

Whiteboard can be painted!

Step 1:  Clean really well with a de-greaser.

Step 2:  Sand with 80 grit sandpaper to really rough it up.

Step 3:  Tape it off.

Step 4:  Prime!

Step 5:  Paint with chalkboard paint, two coats.

To break the fresh chalkboard in, color over the whole thing with the side of some chalk:

 Then erase and let the kids at it!  We've used this for a yard sale sign and at my sisters wedding.  My girls also use it for their summer lemonade stands, playing school, and just doodling. Our easel is as good as new!