Ballard Knock-Off Chalkboard

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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.

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