Hello, beautiful friends! Today, I’ve got another item from my summer yard sale haul and an exciting announcement!! The piece I’m redoing today is this chalkboard tray I found for $5 at our neighborhood yard sale:
I loved the super chunky frame on it, but as you can see, the chalkboard has seen better days!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Don’t skip the prep!
This piece definitely gave me some trouble, and it all started with poor prep!
I usually start every makeover, the wooden pieces especially, with a good cleaning with White Lightning. It is both a degreaser and a deglosser and provides the perfect prep for paint.
It is also now available in a ready-to-use spray formula. (Personally, I prefer the granules that I can mix fresh each time and one jar lasts forever, but at least you now have options!)
Here’s what happened
I removed the chalkboard:
And then I got straight to painting giving it two coats of Fluff. At this point, I had already sanded and distressed it a bit as well:
So far, so good!
Transfer time
I had just enough scraps left of the Pretty in Blue transfer to use on this piece.
I only had the pieces you see in the background there, and it would be just enough to bring my new chalkboard to life!
So, I got to work applying my transfer once I had decided on placement:
OH NO
When I went to peel back the top of the transfer, guess what came with it? Paint!
I am such a fierce prepper when it comes to my pieces, that I had never encountered this in all the pieces I’ve used transfers on!
There must have been something on the surface of the frame like furniture polish that was resisting the paint.
Had I cleaned first with White Lightning, I would not have had this issue.
Luckily, the paint scraped off pretty easily…
And this was the point I was at last week when I should have been ready to photograph it to share, so it had to be put on hold.
I after getting off most of the paint, I sanded lightly AND cleaned well with with White Lightning:
Let’s try this again!
I repeated the steps…paint, sand and then transfer.
To make the transfer easier to apply around the curve, I cut it in several places like you would do with fabric around a curve if you were sewing:
And I did have to open a brand new Pretty in Blue transfer to have enough. Bummer!
Seal
Once I had the transfer applied where I wanted. I sealed with Clear Coat in the satin finish using a blue sponge applicator to apply it.
Reviving the Chalkboard
There really was no reviving the chalkboard. I ended up flipping it over and giving the other side a couple coats of Rustoleum Chalkboard Spray paint (my favorite).
Then, I seasoned it by covering the entire surface with chalk:
And then wiping it back with a soft cloth:
I reinstalled the chalkboard using my Logan Point Driver:
Make the back pretty too!
Of course, I had to cover the ugly back and I did that with this pretty Kraft paper using matte Mod Podge, applying it like a glue to the frame.
$5 Yard Sale Chalkboard Tray Revived
Here it is now!
As you can see, I also removed one of the handles, so it wasn’t just dangling there from the bottom…
However, when I tried to hang it from the handle on top, it did not sit nicely, so I added a sawtooth hanger to the back for actually hanging purposes.
The transfer wraps around the sides…
And I just love the birds on this one!
I wasn’t sure that I would keep it a chalkboard, but I’m glad I did!
Only one more piece left!
I’ll be back with that dresser on Thursday for Furniture Fixer Upper day!
See the others here if you missed them:
$5 Yard Sale Desk Makeover
Vintage Bookcase Makeover
Two-Toned Painted Side Table
$5 Yard Sale Suitcase Makeover
Decoupaged Table Makeover
Child’s Chair Makeover
$15 Yard Sale Bench
I need to shop!!
Exciting News
Now for my exciting news! It has to do with my booth. I’ve had a booth in the Virginia Beach Antique Mall here in Virginia Beach for over a decade. I’ve always occupied the same two spaces, but if you’ve followed me for long, you know that I have been patiently waiting for more booth space to open up near me so I can have MORE space.
That almost happened last year when the owner’s daughter reached out to ask if I was interested in two more spaces in the small room I’m in. Of course!! Well, she had to come back and take back her offer because she had a mother/daughter team that needed to be moved and they had to have two spaces. The only two spaces available next to each other were the ones offered to me. I was so bummed!
Here is their booth:
Faux grass carpet? I know, but believe me, this is better than what was there previously!
I have the area at the back of this room:
My ever expanding Dixie Belle and Redesign inventory has prevented me from being able to have any larger pieces in my booth.
UNTIL NOW!!
The mother daughter duo either moved spaces or moved out completely and this is all mine now!!
I am SO excited to fill this space! My paint will move to that long wall on the right and the back will be all furniture and decor!
So I will be very busy filling it all up, and I can finally enjoy doing some larger pieces again.
So that is my exciting news!!
I’ll be back with the final furniture piece of this haul on Thursday, this oak dresser:
UPDATE: See how this $5 yard sale find looks now HERE!!
And if you didn’t get a chance to see last week’s $5 yard sale desk makeover, go back and check that one out HERE! It’s a good one. 🙂
See ya Thursday!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
EMAIL * INSTAGRAM * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST
Mary Kaiser says
Oh my gosh, first of all I love the chalk board!! I knew you would beat that into submission because you are the DIY Queen! Secondly, how exciting that you finally have the space you deserve at your booth!! Woo Hoo!! I can’t wait to see how you fill it up and make the changes! You have been waiting a long time!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! Ha ha yes I made it cooperate! And you know how excited I am about more booth space. Jack and I worked moving paint all day today woohoo! XOXO
Julie A. Henry says
GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!!! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED SPACE….CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU DO WITH IT. THANKS FOR SHARING ANOTHER GREAT MAKEOVER…..HAVE A GREAT DAY! (I’AM NOT SHOUTING JUST EXCITED FOR YOU……LOL)
Christy says
Thank you so much, Julie!! We got started moving paint today…SO exciting and I appreciate your excitement for me ha ha!!
Christine says
So exciting, can’t wait to see all the inventory in the new space!
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! Me too!! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Christy, the chalkboard turned out beautifully! You are the queen of rescuing unloved, broken pieces and the salvager of occasional “uh oh” moments we all have! At least it was a small piece.
I can’t believe you are finishing the summer haul – the weeks and projects have flown by; can’t wait to see what your next haul looks like – no pressure th ere, right!
Congratulations on your expanded space; that’s exciting and I know it will look luscious. Hope you will share pics when it’s set up.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! Yes, I was saying the same thing…thank goodness it was a small piece. Although, if it were furniture, I would have prepped it properly lol. Oh well good lesson and reminder not to skip the prep. I am so excited about my new space! Jack and I were moving paint all day! XOXO
Dee Ann says
What burnishing tool(s) do you use to apply transfers?
Christy says
Hi Dee Ann! I use the stick that comes included with your transfer. That is about the best thing I’ve found. XOXO
Nana Diana says
Congratulations on your expansion. That was worth the wait! Love the new chalkboard. I bet your heart dropped when the paint peeled off initially. Great recovery! xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you, Diana! It was definitely worth the wait. And yes, I was so bummed…luckily it was a small piece! XOXO
Sue McCombs says
Congratulations on your expansion. I’m so happy for you. Now you can really spread your lovely wings.
Christy says
Thanks so much, Sue! Yes!! XOXO
ES PROVINS says
I love all your posts! Excited to see future posts with larger furniture, but I enjoy your smalls as well! I live in the NE, and not much white furniture here, but always look forward to your latest adventure!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sandy! I am excited to be able to do the larger pieces again, but I definitely won’t forget about the smalls. I’m so happy to hear you enjoy what I share! XOXO
Cyndi says
The chalkboard is soooo cute! Well worth all the effort! Congrats on the extra space for your beautiful things. I can’t wait to see how you fill it! 🙂
Christy says
Aww thank you, Cyndi! I’m glad I was able to pull it together. And yes, now I have SO MUCH SPACE woohoo!! XOXO
Jo-Ann says
So happy for you that you’ve finally gotten your dream location. I know it will be beautiful when you’re done.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jo-Ann! It only took a decade lol. I will definitely share when I get it good and filled! XOXO
Denise says
Congratulations on your expansion! Please take lots of pictures when you are done setting up! I can’t wait to see what you do with all that space. Also, your tray came out beautiful. I know it was a lot of work, but you definitely made it gorgeous. Good luck with all you have to do.
Christy says
Thank you, Denise! Jack and I were moving paint all day. I have SO MUCH more space…it’s awesome! And thanks…I’m glad that tray was just a small piece, so it wasn’t too bad! XOXO
Ruth Anne says
What great news for you! I’m sure you will have the newly expanded space filled in no time at all! Hard to believe you’ve been in the VB Antique Mall for 10 years!
Christy says
Thank you, Ruth Anne! I know…it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long! XOXO
Roberta says
All good things come to those who wait! I’m glad you got your spot! The frame turned out beautiful. I hope i make it to Virginia Beach some day!
Christy says
Yes! I am so excited! Thank you, Roberta! That would be awesome if you could visit! XOXO
Denise Zdziennicki says
How exciting Christy! I know you’re going to rock that space and make everything beautiful! I’m sure this tray will sell quickly too. Hugs XOXO
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! I am so excited to have so much more space. Jack and I were in there moving paint all day today lol. XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
You ALWAYS clean pieces first, Christy! I think the ridiculous heat must have melted your brain for a short time, causing the oversight ???? The chalkboard turned out so well, after all that, and the transfer really is beautiful. Congratulations on the booth! I know it’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for you to take us all on a visit to see what you do with it.
Christy says
I know…what was I thinking?? Yes, it was the heat…definitely the heat melted my brain lol. Thank you, my friend! And I am so excited to finally have all that space…now to fill it! XOXO
Celia says
Congrats! So nice to have more space, the other booth really clashed with yours but you are a good photographer you would never know that was there when you took us on tours before! I love your makeover, so pretty in blue + white and birds, but I think I’d like it better with a mirror.
Christy says
Thank you, Celia! Yes, I had to strategically photograph my booth ha ha. And agree…this would be so pretty as a mirror! XOXO
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Hi Christy! Congratulations on the extra space. The mother and daughter team didn’t last long. This. Chalkboard came out pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! They may have just moved to another spot…I didn’t have time to look today, but I’m glad they are no longer in MY space lol! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
This came out so so pretty! Hooray on your new space! So just wondering instead of having to move everything around, why not just use the new space for the big pieces saving the extra work of moving things? Maybe people passing by would see them easier too? Just a thought. Thanks for my latest order, shipped so quickly and carefully as always!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! Too late ha ha! I really wanted to make my paint more visible from the door, so Jack and I spent today moving it to the long wall on the right. Then, I can flank it with all my pretty pieces! Glad you got your order already…happy creating! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
Well that was quick lol. I’m sure it looks great.
Deborah Mealus says
Congrats on your new space! I know you have been waiting a very long time. Have fun with all of the new possibilities!
Christy says
Thank you, Deborah! It was a long waiting game for sure. We got started in there today already! XOXO
Holly Schneider says
Cute chalkboard. Good to see that you deal with disasters better than I do. Congrats on your new space! How exciting for you! Looking forward to seeing it filled up with your creations. You are sooo energetic????
Holly in Reno
Christy says
Thank you, Holly! I was so bummed when that happened..thankfully, it was just a small piece. And thanks…I am so excited to finally have more space!! I’m fueled by chocolate chip cookies these days lol! XOXO
Cyndel says
P.S. Congratulations on your upcoming booth expansion. You’ve waited a long time for additional space and I think — for many reasons — that the VB Antique Mall should be very thankful for having you as a tenant. Can’t wait for a virtual tour of your new space once you’ve set it up.
Christy says
Thank you!! You are the sweetest! I will definitely share it once I get it filled up! XOXO
LeAnn Lunak says
The transfer with the birds is SOO pretty, thank you for sharing :::adding it to my list of must haves::: ☺
Christy says
Thank you, LeeAnn! This transfer is definitely a favorite of mine! XOXO
Caye says
Christy, I am just thrilled for you! I’ve been looking for a nice space for like forever. Congratulations! Ohhh, the FUN you’ll have filling and organizing it. Wish I were there to lend a cheering hand!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Caye! Yes, in just about every booth post I’ve shared, I’ve talked about my need and want for more space lol. It has finally happened! Jack and I worked in there all day today moving my paint! I appreciate the virtual cheers ha ha! XOXO
Donna Wilcoxson says
Congrats on the added space. I’ve only had a booth for 6mos. and I understand about wanting more space. I need to wait a little longer though, to make sure I can make the rent. But things have finally started to move. I had the same thing happen to me with paint peeling right off. In fact I was about to contact you to see if you could give me a clue on way it was happening.. LOL. I did clean the piece before painting. I remember having trouble with the painting. Felt like I was having to do lots and lots of layers to get good coverage. Ended up sanding it to the bare wood. Cleaning again prior to painting. Hope I have better luck 2nd time around. But again, congrats on the space and just love the new chalk board.
Christy says
Thank you, Donna! I am so glad to hear things are moving for you in your booth! It does take a bit for your people to find you for sure. As for the peeling paint, I rarely have any issues there, but every once in a while, you just get a piece that wants to do that, likely from oils or cleaners that have left a film on them. I’m glad you got yours fixed! And I am so excited to have more space, finally, but now I need to really get to work to fill it lol! XOXO
Fran Blunt says
Congrats on the expanded space. I just know you will fill it with great pieces. I did have a similar experience with Redesign Cosmic Roses. I painted a cedar chest with All-in-One Paint and a couple of places with the metallic gold would not stick. I finessed it out with the gold paint pen. It was scary but I carried on!
Christy says
Thank you, Fran! I’m excited to get it filled up now. Glad you were able to make your Cosmic Roses piece work. It’s always frustrating when we hit those snags, but it feels great to get those pieces done lol! XOXO
Michele M. says
Oh my gosh!! You finally got that area. Oh Christy, that is FAB news. I am so so happy for you! Whoo hoo! And your chalkboard tray turned to amazing wall chalk board is fabulous. Sorry about the prep problem – glad it had a happy ending of such beauty though.
Christy says
Yes!! I am beyond excited, thank you! Now to fill it up lol. And yes, glad that was just a small piece, so it was a pretty quick fix! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh no! I bet you were beating yourself up for not cleaning that frame! Turned out so pretty though after its drama! Lol.
Sweet on the extra booth space! Please do a tour of it when you have it all done. That is very exciting!
Christy says
I sure was! Never will I skip that prep again lol. Thank you, Cecilia! Yes, I sure will share once I get my space filled! XOXO
Sandra says
I’m watching Fixer to Fabulous and one of their friends called for their friend, Christy to help them with their landscaping. It was a split second but their friend favors you!! Was it you? ???? I was scouring your page to see if you’re in Arkansas. But it was easier for me to ask you here ????
Christy says
Nope, that wasn’t me, but that is so funny! I am on the coast of Virginia. 😀 XOXO
Sandra says
Oooh ok ????
Kim Banko says
Love the pretty chalkboard! I’m so excited for you to get a larger booth! The antique mall I am in, rarely has spots become available. A few years ago, I switched spots and now have a smaller spot and I am kicking myself! At the time, life was busy and I felt overwhelmed. Now life has settled down and I am retired and wish I had that larger space back. 🙂 Excited to see your new booth filled up and staged! Congrats!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kim! We have a waitlist in our antique mall also. Several years ago before I was a Dixie Belle retailer, I was offered more space when it became available, but I didn’t need it at the time. I sure did kick myself for turning it down though! With my paint taking up so much space now, I have to squeeze the furniture in there. It will be nice to have the freedom to go for those larger pieces again. I hope more space opens for you. If your mall owner is aware you want more space, you should take precedence over a newcomer. Good luck! XOXO
Kay Pilgrim says
Always enjoy your projects. It was nice to see that even a professional like you has a project that just doesn’t work like you think.
Gives me hope and helps me continue experimenting.
Thanks so much for your videos. Love the transfers.
Christy says
Thank you, Kay! I run into issues all the time. Often, they lead to better ideas, but sometimes they are a pain lol. You never know what you’re gping to get! XOXO
Sandy says
I look forward to each post! You are soooo creative! And, I’m guessing you have many REPEAT customers who just come back over and over. Lucky folks!
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Sandy, and I am so glad to hear that you enjoy what I share! Thank you! It’s funny because I don’t get to see who buys my items since I don’t have to man my booth, but I come across customers when I’m in there restocking that will tell me all the things they’ve purchased! I am so blessed! XOXO