Saved by Suzy: knock off

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:

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

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.