Chalkboard Kitchen Menu

Well I'm on the bandwagon of the 'chalkboard' making. I really wanted something creative and matching our kitchen. I've been looking into kitchen menu boards for decor and nothing was quite what I was looking for. So, of course, I made one myself! Super cute, cheap and easy! Kind of time consuming; definitely a project when the kids are at a play date or napping. I found all of my supplies at the local craft store (Micheals). I'm sure you can go to Walmart or Target for these supplies as well. Remember that this is what I choose, color wise, but please be creative and make it your own! Doesn't have to be exactly like mine.

Supplies

A medium size white painting canvas

Small bottle of chalkboard paint

Paint brush

Acrylic tiles

Chalkboard markers

Stencils

Hot glue gun

Regular chalk

Wash cloth

Instructions

Take your white painting canvas and start painting (simple right?)... Do one layer of the paint vertical, let it dry fully. Then paint another layer horizontal, and let it dry fully. I only did two layers, if you feel like it needs another layer do the opposite way you left off. Example if you did horizontal last then do vertical, vica versa.

Take your chalk (not the markers) and you are going to condition your board. Which means cover it ALL in chalk. Don't leave any space open. Get a damp wash cloth and whip it off fully. When you are conditioning it, all it means is now when you use the markers it won't stain. Again, make sure it is dry before continuing.

Get your hot glue gun and acrylic tiles. Figure out your pattern before hand and make sure it all fits before you start gluing. One by one glue the tiles around the boarder. Careful not to burn yourself (which I did.) If all your tiles don't fit and you have a small gap, find a cute flower to cover it with an emblem. See the finish project to know what I am talking about. I had to do this.

Yay! You are almost done! Time to decorate. Get your stencils and chalkboard markers and get creative! This is the fun part. If you don't like it wipe it off with a damp wash cloth and start over. There is no right or wrong here. It took me a couple times to be completely satified with it. I'm in love with this! And now my husband stops asking what is for dinner tonight (haha). 

Children's Heart Shaped Terracotta Pots

I really didn't want to buy a gift or a gift card to somewhere for Mother's day. It isn't personable and I think for this holiday that it is what it is all about. Both my mom and mother-in-law love to garden! So why not make something for each of their own gardens?! And who doesn't love receiving flowers? This project is so simple and easy! The only messy part is painting your child's' feet but it is so much FUN! Anyone can do this project. I even made myself one (it had nothing to do with any holiday) I just changed the quotes.

Supplies

A terracotta pot

Paint brush

Black Sharpie

Hand towel

Acrylic Paint

Emblems (optional)

Instructions

Before you begin, damp your wash cloth with water and thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your pot. Wait until it is fully dry before beginning!

Here is the fun but tricky part. I put my daughter on the kitchen counter to do this. I took one foot and painted it, holding it still. Don't do a thick coat because it won't come out right! Then taking the pot and placing the foot at an angle. (Goal is to make a heart shape.) Wash that foot off and then repeat with the other foot. This helps keep the mess part of it down. Let dry fully before going onto the next step! Very important!

This is the creative part! I added flowers around the rim. I love this quote I found online! I think it fit perfectly for Mother's Day and fit for what I was going for. You can use your own quotes, either make one up or find one online. Carefully right over the foot prints with the sharpie marker. It's permanent so be careful! No pressure...

Final touches! I added a couple emblems to give it a sparkle and some cute daisy's I got from Lowes. My moms loved this so much! My mother-in-law actually got teary eyed! Even if you feel like you aren't crafty this project is so easy, I can only say it enough!