Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Ballard Knock-Off Chalkboard

Remember:  I'm hosting my first linky party on Thursday.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you have been working on.  Please join the party on Thursday.

I don't like to pay full price for anything.  I always wait for things to go on sale or try to make them myself.  That's why I love a good knock off.

I like these Acanthus Message Boards from Ballard Designs, but there is no way I would pay $150-$250 for one of them:


These would be so easy to make.  I just needed the right frame.

The other day I stopped at a garage sale.  It was a little old farmhouse at the base of the mountain stuffed FULL of things.  I almost felt claustrophobic in the place.  As I was minding my own business, checking out the place, a lady starts talking to me.  Apparently, the house was in foreclosure and she had just broken up with its owner.  Can you say TMI?!?!?  I didn't really know how to respond, so I just grabbed this gold frame for $2 and scurried back to my car.

I had to go to Home Depot to get a board cut for another project I'm working on.  I had them cut a leftover piece of the board to fit into my new frame.


When I got home, I wiped down the frame.  I initially thought I would have to repaint it gold, but once it was clean, it looked great.  Next, I primed the board and then gave it a few layers of Rustoleum spray chalkboard paint.  I was planning on gluing the board into the frame, but the board fits in there so tightly, no adhesive was needed.

I hung her up in my back hallway near the pantry.  I think it'll be a great place to write lists, reminders, etc. as long as I can get it away from the kiddos!  Because I was able to use things I already had, this project only cost me $2.00.  I think it looks much more expensive than that.



Linking here:
Today's Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Not Just a Housewife, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Bella Before and After, Primitive and Proper, Home Stories of A to Z, Savvy Southern Style, DIY by Design, Tip Junkie, Type A Decorating, http://sistersstuff.blogspot.com/, The Thrifty Home, Domestically Speaking, Primp,
A Diamond in the Stuff, Restore Interiors, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Somewhat Simple, Beyond the Picket Fence, Fireflies and Jellybeans,My Simple Home Life,
Addicted 2 Decorating, Just a Girl, Remodelaholic, Miss Mustard Seed, Finding Fabulous, Tatertots and Jello, Under the Table and Dreaming, Thrifty Decor Chick, Coastal Charm, Junker Newbie

16 comments:

A room with a view said...

That's a great project and the end result is functional, looks good and cost (almost) nothing!

Karen G @ It's Still Life said...

I love knock offs like this. You did awesome.

Holly Gruszka said...

Cool - I love that you kept it gold too - looks so chic. And can we say AWKWARD w/ the owner giving TMI - I don't like when strangers tell me all their dirty secrets either...ha - take it and run!

Kim 'The Hillbilly' said...

Frames are my weakness!

Anonymous said...

Suzy, I LOVE it!! How funny that we both posted chalkboards today?! I really like the gold frame - so chic.

Becca {A Blonde's Logic} said...

Great find! That's a deal for $2! I love the gold!

Becca
http://blondeslogic.blogspot.com

Jane said...

The chalkboard looks great, it was a perfect use for that frame. Awesome price too! I can't believe the price that Ballard wants!! That's just crazy!
Jane

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

What a deal on this gorgeous frame! The chalkboard turned out fabulous.
xo,
Sherry

Decor To Adore said...

I am visiting via Today's Creative Blog.

This is a fantastic project! Thank you for sharing.

Happy Tuesday!

imsteelefullofscrap said...

Oh yes I am a frame aholic and a mirror aholic!

Okio B Designs said...

Beautiful! And good for you! I can't believe how expensive their chalkboard frames are! Coming over from Savvy Southern Style and your newest follower!

Jeanine

Honey at 2805 said...

This is a terrific project and it will certainly keep your little helper busy!

Hope you will please drop by and enter my $50 Overstock.com Gift Card Giveaway!! If there are 500 entries, they will increase the Gift Card to $100.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Gorgeous, Suzy! What a nice thick molding on the frame, too. I think that always give a piece a more expensive look. I love the size of it, too.

Pamela said...

Love it!! I love anything with an ornate frame!

Heaven's Walk said...

Great job, Suzy! Those next-to-free projects are always the best, aren't they? :) And just gotta love that chalkboard paint! I just did a big chalkboard like that with a vintage frame, too - and am making two more to sell to some friends!

xoxo laurie

Jessica Monte said...

I would love to try something like this. I have a chalkboard painted right onto a wall in my kitchen so I'd have to find the right space for something like this framed chalkboard. Ideas?