Hello lovelies!! I’m excited to be back with my first brand new makeover of the year! It’s a mirror turned chalkboard project that turned out prettier than your average chalkboard!
I finally got around to redoing my hubby’s grandma’s mirror that went to this dresser that I shared back in 2016:
I don’t have a photo of the mirror in its original before state because I never planned to blog about it.
You can barely see it in this photo of our old garage not long after we picked up these pieces from Grandma’s house:
This mirror didn’t do the dresser justice at all, so I knew I wasn’t going to use them together. I had planned to just paint the mirror white and put it in my booth, but never got past painting it, and then it just sat. And sat. And sat some more.
Six years later, this frame is finally getting its big day!
The mirror that was in it was super heavy, and honesty, I have no idea what happened to it. I have a feeling it got purged in the move to our current house.
What I didn’t love about this piece was the funky shape at the top. It reminded me of cat ears for some reason.
I finally decided to add it to my FREE Haul just to get it done!
Painting the Frame
I started this redo by giving it a good wipe down, followed by Dixie Belle’s Fluff:
I usually work in the garage but this was our situation outside on Monday while I was working on this:
We had really high winds as well that blew all our furniture over! We don’t often get snow around here, so I’m spoiled being able to work in the garage most of the Winter!
It was just too cold out there for me lol.
After my paint was dry, I pulled out one of Dixie Belle’s beautiful new Belles & Whistles transfers called Buds and Branches, inspired by Melissa of The Top Drawer RVA:
It comes with four sheets of gorgeous blooms:
There are enough here to be able to do at least a couple of projects!
Adding a Transfer
I started by adding a large magnolia bloom to the top, left corner of my frame:
Each transfer comes with the burnishing tool I’m using here.
How to apply a transfer:
- Remove the white backing
- Position the transfer where you want it
- Use the burnishing tool included to burnish (rub with pressure) the transfer to your surface
- It is best to start in one corner and pull the clear plastic layer on top away from the transfer as you go.
- If you get any pieces that stick to the clear plastic layer on top, lay it back down and burnish some more
You may need to cut your transfer into smaller pieces and match it up to make it easier to apply in some areas.
Next, I moved onto the bottom, right corner:
This transfer has a couple of larger designs and then a few smaller pieces you can layer and build with.
I added another bloom up the right side from that corner:
And then I added another bloom just above that…
It isn’t uncommon to get areas like this over the curves where the transfer has separated:
It’s a pretty easy fix. The transfers are so thin, that you can layer right over the top and it won’t be noticeable at all. I just found a piece in the scraps that would blend right into the design to layer over that part:
And you can’t even tell, right?
You could also touch it up with paint if you have that color on hand.
It’s easy to get carried away and keep adding pieces!
I added a few more small pieces and then sealed it with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator.
Making the Chalkboard
On Tuesday once the weathered had calmed down, I was able to cut a piece of hardboard to fit (like pegboard but without the holes). I find that at Home Depot near the plywood.
Then, I used Rustoleum’s Chalkboard Spray (my favorite) to turn it into a chalkboard:
Don’t forget to season it by covering the surface with chalk:
Recently, someone asked me about making chalkboards and what kind of chalk I use, because they were finding that the chalk was scratching the surface of their chalkboard. My favorite is the chalk you find near the registers with all of the dollar items at Michaels. It comes in a plain brown box. It’s quite soft so no scratching, and it works great for seasoning your chalkboard.
Grandma’s Mirror turned Chalkboard, The After
Once I attached it to the frame, I had a brand new chalkboard!
And I thought this project was complete after adding the chalkboard, but…
Was it??
I had two of these hooks left that I had found at TJ Maxx and used on this shelf and this mirror…
So I decided to add them for a little more function like I like to do with mirrors!
It’s amazing what these transfers can do to elevate a simple frame!
And I don’t see the cat ears at all anymore!
This transfer is just beautiful..and it comes with a couple of critters too like this dragon fly:
Here are all the pieces I still have left to use on something else:
I’ve been asked before about my thoughts on using the actual mirror as a chalkboard. It can be done, but for safety’s sake, I prefer to swap out the mirror for hardboard, especially if I plan to sell it.
In this case, had I still had the mirror, I definitely would have left it as a mirror.
I wish I had a photo of the actual before, but I promise, it’s a huge improvement!
And you ARE amazing!!
See all the brand new transfers that just released last month HERE in my Etsy shop! Click on “Transfers” in the menu to see all the transfers I have in stock!
If you missed what I did with Grandma’s dresser back in 2016:
You can see that HERE!
And that’s another project crossed off the FREE-to-me Haul!
If you’ve missed any so far, you can catch up below!
How to Upcycle a Secretary Desk Hutch
Stenciled Stool Makeover
Antiqued Christmas Mirror
STENCILED BENCH MAKEOVER
STENCILED DESK MAKEOVER
CURBSIDE LAMP MAKEOVER WITH WAX
LONGABERGER BASKET MAKEOVER
HOW TO “FIX ” A BROKEN CANE CHAIR
I’ll be back on Tuesday with my Trash-to-Treasure girls sharing what I did with this lucky curbside find:
Hope to see y’all then! Have a wonderful weekend!!
UPDATE: This piece done and prettier than it knew it could be! See it here now!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Mary Kaiser says
Oh wow! How AMAZING you are!! I love how this turned out, transfers for the WIN!!! I can’t believe how beautiful the transfers can make a piece turn out so special! Wow, I love it!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I know, right?? I wasn’t sure there was any hope for this thing and then boom…transfer to the rescue!! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
Love this transfer and how you used it on this plain-jane mirror! Beautiful! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! Transfers sure can do wonders! XOXO
Christine says
Love the chalkboard! And you can keep your pool open year round?
Christy says
Thank you, Christine! The view out of all of our main living areas is the pool, so we keep it uncovered so we can enjoy the view in the winter months. It gets below freezing so rarely here that it’s not really worth closing it down. We just run the pump on those rare days. 🙂 XOXO
Janice Holt says
What a difference in the before and after. This turned out beautiful. Of course I knew it would.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Janice! It’s amazing what transfers can do! XOXO
Christina says
Absolutely beautiful Christy! Sorry to hear you had snow, but you adapted, go you! I love the transfers on this piece, beautiful! We both know this will sell fast in your booth.
Christy says
Thank you, Christina! We loved getting snow, and we were all sad it didn’t hang around longer lol. But yep, I just moved everything inside. Hoping for a quick sale for sure! Have a great weekend! XOXO
Cecilia says
Hahaha, after you said cat ears, I couldn’t unsee them. Too funny. Anyway, the transfer really gave it just the oomph it needed. Love it!
Hugs, Cecilia
Christy says
Ha ha right?? I could not get past the cat ears! Thank you, Cecilia! XOXO
Becky says
Beautiful! I was seeing ears too, and this booted them out the door! Amazing!
Christy says
Ha ha right? I could not get past those “ears”! Thanks, my friend! XOXO
Jackie C says
Oh my GOSH you never cease to drop my jaw! This is beautiful.
(Cat ears 😂)
I swear you have the most gorgeous writing! Mine looks like chicken scratches compared to yours! You inspire me so much. As always, thank you so much for the detailed instructions!
Christy says
Aww you are the sweetest always, Jackie! Thank you!! We had a student teacher when I was in 6th or 7th grade named Miss Rice who had the most beautiful handwriting. I tried for hours at a time trying to match hers lol! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
That turned out really pretty. I’m gonna have to try transfers! I have a cutlery box that would be great for it. And I’m glad I’m not the only one with furniture in the garage for years…..gonna have to make my husband read this so he understands it’s common practice. LOL
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! Transfers are fantastic, and you can get several smaller projects from one set of them! Funny you say that about the garage photo because when I originally shared it, I believe I said something to the effect of “Show this to your husbands, ladies…you’re welcome!” Ha ha ha!! XOXO
Deborah Mealus says
I love, love, love this transformation! Rags to riches for sure and the way you change things up is amazing! I love that you keep your pool open too!(I’m from the Florida Keys) Maybe your boys can do a “polar plunge” challange?! Lol Anyway thanks for always having something super to share. I always look forward to seeing what you do next!
Debbie
Christy says
Thank you so much, Deborah! Yes, we love to look at our pool all winter! It rarely gets below freezing here, so we never shut it down for the season. And my biggest boy (my hubby) would take on that Polar Plunge challenge ha ha! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
YOU are amazing, Christy! It’s absolutely beautiful now, perfect for a mudroom or foyer. I predicted transfer, but not hooks – you always add a little something extra to take it over the top. (Actually, I thought you might cut the top to mimic the arch of the opening, but that is just a step too far 😂) Looking forward to another year of great makeovers.
Christy says
Awww thank you, Marcie!! And funny you say that because I did stare at it many times wondering how I could cut it down ha ha! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
I love how it looks. Romantic. Not big on chalkboards so would prefer a mirror.
Christy says
Thank you, Rose! I really wish I still had the original mirror! XOXO
Marietta Walker says
Well, you did it again. I absolutely adore this mirror turned chalkboard nd I want one! What a beautiful way to start the new year. This mirror would have me stopping and taking a deep breath everyday. You are amazing young lady.
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Marietta! You are the sweetest!! XOXO
Marian says
Christy, you are so good with transfers. I love how this turned out! Do you think you will ever get into shipping the beautiful things that you create?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marian! I wish I could, but it is so much easier at the moment to take everything to my booth. Perhaps one day? XOXO
Sandra says
You’re supposed to love cat ears..what would your kitty think???
Christy says
Ha ha! I know!! I felt bad for even saying that! I’ll make sure Lyla doesn’t read this lol! XOXO
Cat says
I love the treatment you used on the frame! However…sorry, but it’s time for chalkboards to go buh bye. I mean, who actually uses them anymore? I say, let’s refresh for 22!
This would actually be great for a mirror or a glammed-up piece of metal that would work for a magnet board…..?
Christy says
Thanks, Cat! We have a chalkboard in our kitchen and use it all the time. I also sell out of my chalkboards in my booth every time I make them, so as long they sell, I will still make them. I don’t think you read the post…but I do wish I had the original mirror as I stated as that would have done this pretty frame more justice. XOXO
Patty says
Just so lovely, Christy! The color of the flowers makes me smile – I can’t imagine that it will stay in your booth for very long . The transfer took care of the cat ears (which I didn’t see until you pointed them out), but are only cute on our “live” kitties!! I know I’ve said this before – but I am envious of the folks who live close enough to shop in your booth! 🙂
We had a beautiful day of snow last Monday but it is supposed to get extremely cold this next week (NC). Not looking forward to it!
Christy says
Thank you, Patty! Yes, I agree about the cat ears lol! And I wish you were close enough to come shop! Stay warm down there! XOXO
Emma says
Christy…. U R amazing,
Always making things look soooo easy and sooo inspirational!
And dang pretty.!!!!
Thanks for all ur hard work behind the scenes !!
Emma 💕
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Emma! I really appreciate that! XOXO