Showing posts with label DIY chalkboard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DIY chalkboard. Show all posts
Inspirational Chalkboard with DecoArt Paints
September 8, 2015
Today's the day I share with you my first DecoArt project, made with awesome swag I received at the recent Midwest DIY Blogger Round-Up held at Randolph Street Market in Chicago back in August. It wasn't enough that there were great speakers and DIY demos ~ we had to get fabulous DIY swag, too! (I was not paid for writing this, I just wanted to share my thoughts. All opinions are my own.)
It Is Well With My Soul Reverse Chalk Transfer Method
February 1, 2015
I've been haunted by a certain saying lately, having seen it all over blogland for a while now. Have you seen it?
It is Well
with
My
Soul
Honestly, I thought it was from the Bible.It's actually lyrics from a song entitled "It is Well with My Soul" written well over a hundred years ago by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss. When I looked into the history of the song, I was quite humbled. It involves the tale of a husband and wife (the Spaffords), their children and the unbelievable losses their family suffers through the years.
Mr. Spafford, an attorney, and his wife, Anna lost their only son to scarlet fever in 1870. They later lost their wealth as a result of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. They then lost their FOUR daughters in a shipwreck in 1873. Spafford wrote the lyrics to the song shortly thereafter. The song is truly beautiful, and you can
hear it here.
It really made me think about how blessed my family and I are, and how easy it is to take that for granted. Knowing this, I was convinced that I wanted to use the quote for my huge DIY chalkboard that hangs in our kitchen eating area.
I scanned the internet for just the right font, and I ended up with this.
I've been known to free-hand some of my other chalkboard art, but I wanted to make sure this was done right. So I employed a super-easy method I've used in the past and you can find my reverse chalk transfer method tutorial for it here.
In order to get the letters just the right size, I used a free website called Block Posters and enlarged them, printing them out on my own printer. It's a really fun and easy site to use. Just upload your picture and follow their instructions. My particular quote printed out in six pages.
I cut the copies down to size (cut the white parts off) and taped them together into one big quote. I then placed it on my chalkboard, using painter's tape to mark the board so I had an idea as to where to reposition them after I chalked the back of each sheet per my tutorial.
After chalking the back of each sheet, I secured the entire thing to the chalkboard, again using painter's tape. Then I outlined each letter in pencil and colored them all in.
Here are the first three words outlined and colored in. Once I lifted the paper off the chalkboard I was left with a very faint outline of the words. I then filled them in a bit more with my chalk and
ended up with this.
I added the anchor using the same method that I used for the words. I just googled "anchor image" to find it. I then downloaded it to my computer and printed it out as is, since the size was just right for my project.
I then used the reverse chalk transfer method for this as well. It's a really easy technique you can use if, like me, you're not always comfortable drawing something freehand.
Well, that's it until next time, friends!
I hope you enjoyed reading about
my Reverse Chalk Transfer Method.
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Decorating with Artichokes
June 26, 2014
I have to be honest right off the bat and say that I've never even eaten an artichoke.
Not to mention the fact that I think the word artichoke is one pretty weird word.
That being said, I DO like how artichokes look when used for home décor and entertaining.
So much so that I recently created a Pinterest board dedicated to artichoke decorating! But rather than make you go over there to see my pins (although you're always welcome!) I thought I'd share a few of them right here.
This one is a classic example of fresh artichokes used in place of flowers for a table centerpiece.
{I'm not sure how long they last in water, though. Anyone have any experience with this?}
Not to mention the fact that I think the word artichoke is one pretty weird word.
That being said, I DO like how artichokes look when used for home décor and entertaining.
So much so that I recently created a Pinterest board dedicated to artichoke decorating! But rather than make you go over there to see my pins (although you're always welcome!) I thought I'd share a few of them right here.
This one is a classic example of fresh artichokes used in place of flowers for a table centerpiece.
{I'm not sure how long they last in water, though. Anyone have any experience with this?}
Midwest Living
Z Gallerie
Shelterness
I've wanted to get one of these drink dispensers for a long time.
Z Gallerie
I think the artichoke is a fabulous table decoration, especially in the fall. I've always wanted to use them on Thanksgiving. Here they're used in a simple, but pretty, table setting.
Shelterness
Below is one more example of a way to use artichokes at each place setting. You could even stick a place card into each one for a more personal touch. I also think they'd look fabulous running all the way down the center of the table, each one filled with flowers! Or maybe tea lights. Hhmm, I think I'm onto something.....it appears that the possibilities are endless!
Lana Austin's European Vintage
The idea for this post came about after I scored a white porcelain pitcher from
Goodwill for $2.99. Here she is.
Goodwill for $2.99. Here she is.
Isn't she lovely?
Here she is up close. Just a few small worn spots. But that's how I like them, chippy and loved!
It says "Made in Italy" on the bottom, which I think just adds to its value.
It says "Made in Italy" on the bottom, which I think just adds to its value.
In addition to the pitcher I already had some silk artichokes displayed in my repurposed and French-i-fied tool box. You can see how I added the French graphics to the toolbox here.
I really think the artichokes are perfect for it.
Here they are together.
You knew I couldn't help myself from talking about my hydrangeas, didn't you?
I can't believe how early they're blooming this year.
Not to mention how plentiful the blooms are.
Not to mention how plentiful the blooms are.
Cue angelic chorus here.
Yes, I'm excited at the prospect of a summer full of hydrangeas.
What gets you excited about summer?
Do you use artichokes
in your décor
or
for entertaining?
in your décor
or
for entertaining?
Let me know, I'd love to hear!
I hope you enjoyed reading about Decorating With Artichokes.
And thanks so much for spending time with me today!
Be sure to stay in touch:
Just click on my Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram icons in my top right sidebar. You can also sign up there to receive my blog posts via email as well.
If you sign up via email, you should receive a confirmation email in your inbox. If not, please check your spam folder
(and/or your "Promotions" folder if you have gmail)!
Thank you!
Don't forget to Pin it!
Don’t miss another thrifty,
DIY home décor post! 
