Chalkboard! Blackboard? One word? Two?

I have often stared at this wall wondering what in the world would look right on it. It's an awkward space. Kind of in the kitchen, but kind of not. And because I haven't found the right thing, it's been a blank wall, for a year. That I stare at on the way in, on the way out, on the way to the pantry, on the way to the bathroom, you get gist, it's a high traffic area.

As I was staring one night I was also perusing Instagram. And there, the loveliest of all inspirations: a big, oversized chalkboard right in the middle of someone's kitchen. And I had to copy it!

I ran to Home Depot the following day and gathered my chalkboard making goods.

At first I thought I would paint the wall with chalkboard paint. Then I remembered how textured my walls are. Then I thought I could patch in the texture and paint over that. And then I remembered I might not want a chalkboard in my kitchen for the rest of my life and I figured I better just hang something there.

Also, in an attempt to keep things simple and keep my sanity, I am trying to use what is actually available to me for craft projects etc. My tendency is to kind of like one thing, but really really like the thing that is a) non existent or b) way too complicated. So when I saw the premade two by four foot blackboard sections at Home Depot, I decided this was my chance to test the theory. Because, of course, I really wanted something about three feet wide, but for ease, I bought what was there. I just might be growing up! Or getting lazy, whichever. I also bought a few boards to frame the chalkboard and I was ready to go.

I found some leftover paint in the basement to paint the trim pieces. I sanded and measured and Andy cut.

And then, he went to work.

And there I was, for one whole day...no kids, no husband, not even a dog! Just me, a large coffee and a nail gun. I can't believe he left me there! Unsupervised!

Now I just needed to get that all from the counter to the wall.

 

Yeah, that's a nail gun and an air compressor. Are you impressed?

It's working!

Finished!
(One would think I would have the decency to close my pantry door in the big reveal photo?
Nope.)

I filled the nail holes, sanded and painted some more. And there it is. The chalkboard. It was the perfect thing to fill up that space. I don't know if this makes sense, but it almost feels like that wall is now a part of the kitchen when it was not before?

Oh, and the Miss loves it!

Emmie approved.

 

 

Before and after:

 

Do you really think it was that easy? Like I just whipped that up in 30 minutes? Yeah right. I'll have a post full of fails for you too.