Materials Needed:
1 Mirror
Utility Knife or Scissors
Screwdriver
1 pack Expo Bright Sticks
Directions:
When choosing a mirror make sure that the actual mirror surface (not including frame) is not bigger than the biggest peel and stick chalkboard available which is 25 by 38 inches. I got this mirror on clearance at Pier 1 imports for only $40, although it originally went for $150. The mirror was bronze in the store which wasn't the look I wanted so I spray painted it white. If you choose to do the same I highly recommend getting a spray paint gun for around $5. You can pick one up at the same place you buy your spray paint and it will make the job much easier. I've painted without one and my hands were so sore afterwards from holding down that nozzle!
1. Take apart mirror from the back using a screwdriver.
2. Remove mirror.
3. Lay chalkboard applique out on a flat surface. Lay Mirror on top of it and mark the chalkboard around the perimeter so that you can easily see where to trim off any extra applique.
4. Trim Chalkboard to desired size.
5. Apply peel and stick chalkboard to the reflective surface on the mirror. The hardest part here is just smoothing out all the bubbles that collect between the mirror and applique. This took my husband and I ages to do. Definitely a two person job.
6. Place mirror back in its frame with the chalkboard side facing out.
7. Reattach backing and screws.
8. Cure chalkboard by rubbing the chalk that it comes with all over the surface and then erasing it. If you don't do this, sometimes the first marks you make on your chalkboard can remain visible for a while.
9. Enjoy your new chalkboard!
Note: The Peel and Stick chalkboard is not to be used with kids street chalk. The company will send you two small pieces of chalk along with the applique but they break easily and are kind of messy. We prefer to use Expo Bright Sticks which are like giant pastel gel pens. They wipe off pretty easily with a damp washcloth and we just love the high contrast. These are the same pens you often see restaurants using to write out their specials on sidewalk chalkboards. We love them!
Also, If you grow tired of your chalkboard, the applique can very easily be removed with no damage to the mirror. How cool is that?
Pretty darn cool, is you ask me. Enjoy!
2 comments:
That's super cool..I was actually thinking of making a chalkboard too! It would be super cute if you have a dinner party an you used it to display your menu for the night. Great idea to use a mirror, like you said if you get tired of the chalkboard you can turn it back in to a mirror!
Cute chalkboard!!!!
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