Blogger Initiation: Memo Board

There are so many inspirational, creative projects out there in blogland. I used to rely on HGTV and decor magazines for my inspiration, but since discovering blogs, I am overwhelmed by all the incredible talent out there. I have put many of these projects on my to-do list (which is ever-growing!). There are a few projects, in particular, that almost seem like an initiation right into blog-dom: one must attempt a memo board, use blackboard paint (on just about anything), and try glazing/distressing. In my most recent project, I've become initiated in 2 of 3 of these and what fun I had!!

The Project:

Today I tackled a memo board and distressed, glazed frame. I saw Centsational Girl's memo board tutorial and knew it was perfect for what I had in mind. She gives a great step by step tutorial here.

Here is my abbreviated version:

My husband (my hands most certainly aren't quite as hairy!) cut some thin board to size.

I gathered all the tools I would need to tackle the project. I opted for a canvas fabric and simple black ribbon. The frame is quite ornate already, and there is some pattern in the room that the board is going in, so I didn't want the fabric to be too busy.



I placed 2 layers of quilters batting underneath and cut to size.

Using a stapler, I placed numerous staples to hold the batting in place (see? nice, smooth hands =)

I lay out my ribbon to get a general idea of the size of the diamonds, and cut the ribbon to size (with enough length to wrap the ribbon under the board).

As per Centsational Girl's tutorial, I held my tacks with a needle nose plier, and hammered it down with a rubber mallet. Worked like a charm.

I did measure the diamonds to ensure they were all the same size. I didn't trust 'eyeballing' it.

Voila, the board complete....now onto the frame (although the board sans frame, is cute also!)

I finally was able to find some Glaze. I asked several paint stores and got funny looks when I asked for it. I wanted to say 'You know, Glaze, like what they're always talking about in blogland?' but I figured they'd really look at me strangely! I got this at Home Depot. One problem I did have, was tinting it. The salesperson really wasn't sure, so I decided to do it on my own at home and customize it for each project. I am ok with the colour of the glaze on the frame, but I think I'll go much darker for my next project. I'm still considering putting a darker layer on this too. It reads a bit orange-ish to me.

The process was easy: Paint it on, rub it off. So there you have it. Now I'm looking around for something to throw blackboard paint on.....love this idea from Kari & Kijsa (ohhhhh, how I wish they'd come back-LOVE their blog!!)

Sneak peek into the room which my new memo board is going.....I was hoping to share the final reveal with you sooner, but we had an incident with a 2 year old and spray on sunscreen being completely emptied onto the wall. Who knew it would stain so badly? Get out the paint roller! She's such a monkey!

Linking to my favorite parties!

Thank you to Leanne for inviting me to her party!

Thank you so much to Remodelaholic & Under the Table & Dreaming for featuring another one of my projects!!