seriouslystoffel: June 2014

Chalkboard Framed Art Mat

This is a simple project I completed in one morning. When we moved to our current house, the satellite dish installer broke the glass on our framed letter art name picture (not sure what the official name of that is). It sat in the basement for three years; partly because it didn't fit in with anything we have decorated in this house. We have an unfinished basement that was my intended destination for it; but alas, finishing a basement is not on the short list. SO, I attempted a mini-makeover to bring it back upstairs.
I failed at getting a full before picture, but this is the shot I took when I remembered...

AFTER:

Supplies:
screwdriver
painters' tape
Krylon chalkboard spraypaint
scissors
chalk or chalkmarker

I disassembled the mat and used painters' tape around the white cut part to keep that white. Tip: cut the painters tape in half lengthwise to save tape (you don't need the full width of the tape for that little piece of white rim).

Then it was time to use the Krylon chalkboard spraypaint (I had a recent awful experience with Rustoleum chalkboard paint...for another post; just use Krylon). Wait for a non-windy day. I used 2 coats.

After that was dry, I rubbed sidewalk chalk all over it sideways to get that chalkboard look.
I also used a fine tip chalkboard marker to correct any places where a little black paint snuck under an edge of painters' tape.

And then the fun part~ We drew whatever we wanted. I credit Kaylie for some very nice dog paws to represent our four legged family members.

I bought a new glass from Hobby Lobby with a 40 % off coupon. They cut it right then for me (I took the frame with me to the store).

SOOOOOO, this turned out super cute, but it STILL doesn't fit in where I thought it might above a wreath (see pic below). I think I have to redo the frame to a more rustic look/color.

Stay tuned for where this ends up, and what becomes of that amazing wreath.

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, by Brandy Stoffel

fun

Chalkboard Wall Decal

Since I won the #weheartyourart contest hosted by 2berrycreative.com, I thought I would share a quick post about how I did it.

I ordered the wall decal from 2berrycreative while it was on a Groopdealz (if you haven't checked this site out, it is a fantastic way to get great deals from boutique and up-and-coming vendors).

I then used a 40 % off coupon for a chalk marker from Michaels to outline the words I wanted with a basic stencil.

I smeared the chalk from the outside in to fill in the letters and control the look to be darker or lighter in some letters (I left the stencil on each letter while smearing).

This wall decal is great quality in that I could erase multiple times with no problems. It also stuck to the wall AND came off the wall multiple times while I did a contortionist act on a mile high ladder to get it up there and ~~somewhat~~ level.

The best part is, I can change the quote

anytime I am brave enough to make it back up the ladder.

Go get your decal from 2berrycreative!

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, by Brandy Stoffel

frugal fix

DIY Wall Shelves for Playroom

I took my mother-in-law's great idea to make our former dining room into a playroom for the girls. I knew I wanted a lot of storage potential without taking up floor space.

before

after

I came across this post for DIY shelves by Almost Makes Perfect.

I especially loved her sketch which gave measurements. Although she made two units, I only needed one, and I flipped the design because of where the outlet is in my room in relation to where the studs are.

DIY SHELF SUPPLIES:

three 70" twin wall tracks
15 brackets
six pieces of common 1 x 12 board
(measurements: three 69", one 41", two 32")
minwax wood stain
furniture wax
screws (these come in kits next to the wall tracks in Home Depot)
anchors (for any track that does not fall on a stud)

My oldest daughter helped me by using the stud finder to mark the studs and then determine where the tracks would go. The two outer tracks are on studs; the center track I used sheetrock anchors.

Tip for when you are trying to actually put the tracks on the wall:

Put one of the boards on the brackets, put the level on top of it, and then make sure the shelf is level while you screw the track into the wall. I did it by myself, but another person is helpful for that part.

The measurements between tracks are 65" and 28".

One of the greatest services at Home Depot is cutting your boards for you (bring your measurements). I bought a few 1x12 pine boards and they cut them to my measurements.

I then sanded them, vigorously, because I like things to have a smooth feel. I made sure to round off the corners and edges. Then, I stained them with Minwax's Special Walnut; about 5 times. Why so many? Because I like to apply just a little and then add another coat as opposed to overdoing it and ruining the board.

When the stain color looked good, I used Miss Mustard Seed's Furniture Wax. It is the BOMB diggity! Again, I like a smooth surface... AND this wax doesn't change the color of the stain (or paint for other projects).