Jane Austen, Chalkboard Paint and Vases

I wasn't kidding when I said I have a collection of glass vases. I even have some jars. Where did they all come from, you say? I have no idea because I don't even like them. So I'm slowly transforming all of them into something more fun and interesting to look at.

I took a glass jar and a small vase and covered them with pages from a book about Jane Austen. I love Jane Austen. Love her! And my hubs bought me this book for a $1 off a clearance rack and you know what they say, you get what you pay for. I didn't like the book at all. So I cut out the parts of the book where the author quoted some of Austen's writings or said something interesting about her and used them here.

Also, I'm loving chalkboard paint right now and I'm tempted to paint everything with it. Although, if there's anything us modern ladies can learn from Miss Austen it is a little something called self-control. With that said, there is no need to restrain ourselves here! As you can see the chalkboard paint on this vase completes this little collection perfectly. So paint away my dears.



This is a fun and easy project that any creatively gifted person can enjoy and any creatively challenged person can do.

What you'll need:

1. Elmer's Glue


2. Water


3. Paintbrush (cheap one will do just fine)


4. Chalkboard paint in a spray can (Wal-Mart for about  $3.50)


5. Paper (pages from a book, newspaper, craft paper)

How to do-it-yourself:

1. Mix half water and half glue.


2. Paint glue/water mixture on the surface and on the paper.


3. Brush paper on to surface.


4. Let dry

For the chalkboard vase:

1. Spray at least 2 coats ( I sprayed 3)


2. Let dry 24 hours before writing on it.

Enjoy!

 

Tickle Me Turquoise

I recently accepted a job where I get to work from home. Yay! My parents gave me this armoire that is actually a computer desk armoire.

Since I need to fit a home office in my one bedroom apartment and still have room for my husband this was perfect. And I can simply close the doors at the end of the day and I don't have to stare at my work while eating dinner.

All it needed was a splash of turquoise.

Topped off with some chocolate brown glaze. Voila! Home office complete!

If you want to do-it-yourself only a few items are needed:

1. Paint - Norway Aqua by ColorPlace (Wal-Mart, $10)

2. Glaze - Chocolate Brown by Valspar (Lowes, $17)

3. Paintbrush

4. Dishcloth

5. Something to paint

This is a very simple project. You don't have to have a lot of experience. Glaze is ever so easy and it gives any item that aged vintage finish we're all looking for. You simple apply it with a brush and wipe it off. If you are painting it on a flat surface like I did, then you do have to pay close attention to your brush strokes. Be sure to keep them even and going in the same direction. Also, a little goes a long way.