Today is a good day to kick off March Madness! Well since it’s March first and all. I promised to share 31 thrifty makeovers in 31 days, and I am up for the challenge! I hope you’ll stick around and follow along with me!
To start things off, I am sharing this dough board I picked up at an estate sale for $2:
Now something like this I would not keep to use for food prep. I have to draw the line somewhere. But what else could you do with this?
Make a sign of course!
I love the positive sentiment.
I created the graphic in Photoshop elements: If you’re interested, you can download it free here: Today-is-a-Good-Day-to-be-Happy
And in the reverse also: Today-is-a-Good-Day-to-be-Happy-Reverse
(Both for personal use only please!)
Then I printed it in the size I wanted through blockposters.com.
Because I was transferring to a darker surface, I rubbed chalk across the back and traced the letters from the front with a pen:
The chalk helps to transfer the image:
You can see other methods to transfer graphics here. Then I painted in the letters using acrylic paint and a script brush. The chalk just wipes away when you’re done. A good sanding smoothes out all the bumps in the paint. I sealed it with a coat of Annie Sloan’s clear wax.
To give the sign a different look, I painted the board in one direction first, up and down. Then for the second coat, I painted going across. Kind of interesting!
Love that this little board has a new purpose now, to give the spirit a lift. 🙂
I thought this was a good one to start off with!
See all 31 March Madness Makeovers here:
March Madness {31 Days of Thrifty Makeovers}
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I love to share at some of these great parties:
Home Stories A to Z Not Just a Housewife Kammy’s Korner The Happy Housie Design Dining and Diapers Liz Marie Blog Funky Junk Interiors Savvy Southern Style Tatertots and Jello DIY Show Off Redoux Interiors Between Naps on the Porch The DIY Dreamer Oh My Creative Little Miss Celebration Just a Girl and Her Blog Sand and Sisal Interior Frugalista House on the Way Addicted 2 DIY I should be Mopping the Floor Miss Mustard Seed
Julie (Being Home) says
Nice way to start off your March projects. 🙂 I take you have been busy restocking your shop with all your new DIY stuff? 😉
Christy K. James says
I thought it would be a positive way to get this series started. 🙂 I have been busy working on things for my booth, and January was my best month yet. Its a good thing because all the snow we’ve gotten this month has been terrible for business! This is helping to fuel the fire under my behind to get to work! XOXO
Heather J says
I Love this so mu h
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! XO
Christina says
Fantastic project! I love the fabric look of the way you painted the board. 🙂 AND what a wonderful message to see all the time! 🙂 I choose happy! 🙂
thanks so much!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Christina! I like how that turned out also and yes, choose Happy!! 🙂
Sue says
I love the positive message. Great inspiration!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sue! We need those positive reminders sometimes. 🙂
Heather @ Viral Upcycle says
That’s cool Christy. I seem to always get confused when it comes to transferring.. You make it look so easy. I’ll have to try out that website. Thanks
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! You should give it a try…it’s not too difficult at all and blockposters will make it any size you like! 🙂
Carolyn Price says
Love it!! Love everything you do. You are one talented lady.
One down. Thirty to go!? Can’t wait!
Christy K. James says
Aww you are always so sweet to me! Thanks! Yes ONLY 30 more to go ha ha. 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
Love this! What a great way to repurpose the old dough board.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Paula! I almost hated to paint it, but I bought two and kept the other as is. 🙂
Sunflower says
That is really nice! I enjoy your work. Thank you.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Sunflower. 🙂
andi says
Great sentiment on your lovely sign. 🙂 Deep breath…only 30 days to go! 😛
-andi
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Andi! I thought it was a good way to kick this thing off! Yes, ONLY 30 more ha ha! XOXO
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Love the positive message Christy and great thrifty repurpose!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! Have a great Sunday! XOXO
JP says
What a great board and beautiful sign, Chrsty! I pinned it to my DIY board 🙂
Joanne Boulter says
I love it Christy, how amazing that you used chalk to do it. Who are always full of wonderful surprises. Hugs, Jo
Christy K. James says
You are so sweet, Jo! Thanks. 🙂
Tara@LehmanLane says
Christy, I love the sign and the sentiment of the quote:). It turned out beautifully! – Tara
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tara! I think its a great way to start the day! 🙂
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
Love that statement! Beautiful job, Christy!
Cindy says
I have my great-grandmother’s cutting board, which looks very similar to yours. I sanded lightly to clean it up and applied vinyl letters saying, “The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table.” It hangs on the wall behind my dining table. It can be seen on my LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/preview?locale=en_US&trk=prof-0-sb-preview-primary-button
Christy K. James says
I love what you put on yours! Perfect for the dining room! XO