Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Quick Do-It-Yourself Project: Key Rack


I am happy to feature my first DIY project!  I bought a ton of stuff at the local thrift store and am slowly getting around to re-purposing everything.  I bought this picture frame for $8 and new I could find something to do with it!  I decided to make it into a key rack for our foyer area.



I first removed the dragonflies & glass frames and sanded the wood.  After I cleaned everything, I sprayed  primer and let that dry.  Then I sprayed two coats of white paint over the primer.  Once I let that dry, I used sandpaper and a hammer to give it a distressed look.  I didn't realize I wanted to give it a distressed look until after I had done two coats of paint.  Otherwise I would have done one light coat.  Live and learn!  

I then used the sandpaper on the glass, which I am not sure if it even helped, but I wanted to be sure there was at least something for the paint to hold to.  I used Rust-Oleum 1913-830 11 oz Black Chalkboard Spray Paint ($4 at Home Depot or $3 online) and covered in two coats.  I used the entire can, just to be sure there would be flaws. One thing I did learn is not to keep anything you paint with chalkboard paint outside after you paint it.  I came back to find that the wind had blown some dirt onto one of the frames giving it a bumpy, uneven look.  I had to pick off with a toothpick and then paint again.   


Once everything was dry, I put it all back together.  For $12  -- $8 for the frame and $4 for the chalkboard paint (I had white paint and primer already) -- I would say it is pretty cute.  My hubby and I have nicknames for each other that were written in chalk before, but I thought it wouldn't make sense to showcase :)  The great thing is that you can wipe away with a damp cloth and start again!  Here are some more pics - enjoy!





P.S. I hope to get a proper camera soon, so please don't judge me on these poor-quality pics!

21 comments:

  1. What a good idea. Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  2. Such a great idea and so cute! I'd love for you to link up to my feature friday link party.

    www.blissfulanddomestic.blogspot.com

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  3. Great project! I am so bad at DIY projects, but this is one I could definitely do!

    Following on gfc

    http://www.randomthoughtsandotherthingsbybrenda.blogspot.com

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  4. A great idea. Thanks for sharing it. It turned out wonderfully.

    I am visiting from WFMW. It is nice to "meet" you. Stop by and say hi anytime - LaVonne @ Long Wait For Isabella

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  5. Hi, I found you over on Christina's 20 Below Thursdays post. I love your chalkboard frame! Great job - and if this is just your first try I better become a follower cause you are going to make some amazing things!

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  6. It looks great!! Thank you so much for linking up!

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  7. It looks great! I had this exact same frame years ago - the frame actaully broke but I kept the dragonfly hooks around to use for a future project. Of course, I can't figure out where I put them! Love the chalk board addition to yours!
    Jenn :)

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  8. Super cute! I love the chalkboards. I hope you will come show this off at my VIP Party today. http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/08/vip-party-22.html

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  9. Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments.

    @LibbiesHome this isn't my first DIY project, but the first I've posted on this blog. There will be tons more to come :)

    @Sommer I posted two of my DIY projects at your VIP party. Thanks for letting me know!

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  10. I am CONSTANTLY losing my keys, I love the chalkboard paint! Thanks so much for showing it off!

    Carlee
    www.ladybirdln.com

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  11. This is adorable. We have a couple pegs by the door but this is soooo much cuter. Your tutorial is also very clear and helpful. I would love it if you would top by and share at the link party going on right now at Lines Across My Face.
    :)Rachel
    http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/08/cure-for-common-monday-3-craft-link.html

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  12. Love your key rack makeover! I am now following your blog.

    www.BlissmadeDesigns.blogspot.com

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  13. This is adorable-I love dragonflies and you've inspired me-I'm your newest follower-stop over to visit!

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  14. Too, too cute!! Great job! Thanks for sharing about the spray chalkboard paint! Visiting from PDonP!

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  15. This project turned out awesome!! I love how it turned out. Definitely inspirational!! :)

    Have a wonderful day!

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  16. I Looooooove chalkboard paint and love this rack! Well done! I am a new follower and would love for you to link up at my Savvy HomeMade blog party at http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/2011/08/14/blog-party-3/

    I look forward to blogging with you!

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  17. What a wonderful transformation! You did a beautiful job antiquing the piece and I love the dragonfly hooks!

    Thank you for linking up to "A Little Birdie Told Me..." at Rook No. 17!

    Jenn

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