Sunday, April 17, 2011

Chalkboard Cabinet Organizer

I know, everyone's doing chalkboard projects right now.  But in my defense I've loved chalkboard paint for years.  I also realize that my application of this project probably won't be relevant for anyone but me.  Unless you also have just about every old school video game system and need a way to convey to your husband where to find the corresponding controllers and cords.  Anyone?  Yeah, I thought not.  So you can go ahead and use this for some cabinet you have filled with normal stuff.  You'll need:

You can use a piece of wood instead of foam board if you have it laying around.
  You can also use white foam board if your Dollar Tree doesn't have black.  Chalkboard paint
 on a black surface lets me be lazy finish quicker by not have to do as many layers of paint.
Figure out what size you'll want your chalkboards to be and use your pen (and something straight) to mark your foam board.  You might want to use a measuring tape to be precise.  We have 3 measuring tapes somewhere in the house, but I can never find them when I need them, so I just eyed it.  When your lines are drawn you'll have this:


What's that?  You can't see the lines because I used a dark colored Sharpie to write on a black piece of foam board?  Yeah, I could barely see the lines either.  But I didn't feel like rummaging around for something that might show up better, and for some reason I keep that Sharpie on the kitchen counter.  How's this:


Cut along the lines.  I used scissors because I couldn't find the utility knife that I used for my gallery wall project (I'm sensing a pattern), but if you have a utility knife or razor of some kind it works WAY better. 

See how rough the edges are?  They'd have been cleaner
with the utility knife.  But don't worry, they'll be covered.

Apply your chalkboard paint according to the directions on your container:

What?  You don't put a piece of masking tape on your trigger
finger to avoid getting paint on it?  Where have you been?
All the cool kids are doing it. 

And you'll get this:

My chalkboard paint said to let it sit for 24 hours after spraying.  I got distracted and forgot about this project, so mine sat like 60 hours.  It was good and dry when I got back to it. 

Next I "primed" the surface by rubbing a piece of chalk across it:


Then I erased everything: 


Now for the edges.  I used decorative Duck Tape because I'd had it sitting for a while waiting for the perfect project.  If you can't find any at your store (or they don't have any colors or patterns you like) you could use ribbon instead.  Just use double sided tape to attach it. 

I cut the tape for the short sides a little shorter than the chalkboard and attached them.  Then I cut the pieces for the long sides a little bit longer than the board:


For the corners, I cut out a square:


Folded in the ends:


And then the long side.  When all sides were done I had this:


Then I did it all a second time:


I flipped them over and added poster mounting tape:


Stuck them to the inside of the cabinet doors:


And got to writing:


Voila!  A beautifully organized cabinet:


Sorry about the photo quality.  I promise to find my camera soon!


I'm linking up to:
BWS tips buttonThe Girl Creative
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Beyond The Picket FenceToday's Creative BlogMaking
Tip Junkie handmade projectsDesigner GardenThirty Hand Made Days504 Main

13 comments:

Debbiedoos said...

Can't get much cuter than that! Thanks for sharing with my newbie party.

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Great idea to finish the edges with patterned tape. I love them.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

OH MY! This is fantastic! Love that you used the printed Duct Tape -- so many great patterns available now! Perfect solution for organizing!

AmyH said...

Great idea! Thanks for auditioning for American Crafter- good luck:)

Whatever Dee-Dee wants said...

Great idea plus it's way cute!

Nicole@Thrifty Decorating said...

That is a GREAT idea!!! Thanks so much for linking! :)

Tammy said...

Very good! I never saw decorative ducktape? I guess that is ducktape for women:) Your newest follower. Hope you can visit me sometime.

Regina from The Queenly Abode said...

What a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing!

Unknown said...

wonderful idea!

Kim said...

Such a delightful blog! Soooo happy to have found you. I'm here from Debbie's Newbie party to welcome you and I'm your newest follower. Pop over for a visit sometime and have a blessed Easter.
xoxo,
Kim

Christina said...

Sooo cute! I love the border detail!!

Thanks for linking up to "20 Below Thursday"! :)

Nicole@Thrifty Decorating said...

I featured this on Thrifty Thursday this week! :)

Cindy @ Cinsarah said...

So creative!! I found your blog through Thrifty Like Me!
I am now your follower!!

cinsarah.blogspot.com

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...