Pages

Monday, April 22, 2013

chalkboard art on my kitchen island: finally done

DSC_1808use

Well I finally finished my chalkboard art on my kitchen island.

Before I write another word I have to tell you that I got this idea from the blog Dear Lilly.

Jennifer Holmes is one amazing chalkboard artist and if you don’t have the time or interest to make your own project, you can go HERE and she’ll show you how to download and frame a beautiful chalkboard art print for your home. Tell her I said “Hi” if you stop by.

DSC_1803use

Me? I’m certainly no expert at this, in fact I’ve only done this two other times:

DSC_1860 (2)use

this framed project in my office

DSC_1859

and this large wedding menu for Anne and Ryan.

I’ve also discovered that I’m an impatient chalk artist so I’m probably not the best person to learn from; I simply print out my message in a font I like and I jump right in..

DSC_1790

Plus, I didn’t want to spend a whole lot of time on my kitchen island because I had visions of splattered milk eventually finding its way to my writing. So I downloaded this free font and went to work eyeballing the entire space for my five words.

DSC_1791

Once I had an idea where my words were going, I used a level to put down straight pieces of tape. And I began to sketch out my words free-hand, using plain white chalk. Some people recommend working with wet chalk but I prefer my chalk dry.

I’ve found dry chalk seems easier to erase with my finger or wet cu-tips.

DSC_1788use

This is a photo of the words printed out in regular chalk. After I was done I went over the message with a Chalk pen because it looks more dramatic.

DSC_1809use

Can you see the difference?

DSC_1794use

 

DSC_1862use

DSC_1863

DSC_1870use

Unlike Jennifer’s kitchen, my chalkboard art is not as easy to read because there are chairs and a table next to it.

DSC_1865use

But I actually like that I can’t see it from every angle. Right now whenever I happen to glance at the words I think, “Oh hey, I remember you,” and I smile

because I like the message.…

tumblr_kycz2i2SBC1qzpfcio1_500

How about you?

What are you working on right now?

xoxo

Leslie

I’m linking this post up with these friends:

 

 

 

23 comments:

  1. I love it! Your kitchen lay-out is almost identical to me and I'd like to do something like this to the end portion of my island. Great idea!

    Happy Monday!

    xxleslie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well that is just fabulous! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my goodness! Your kitchen is absolutely positively gorgeous! And thanks so much for the mention! =)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like it! the chalk pen really makes a difference

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOVE your kitchen and your chalk board..bit of creative fun and I bet everybody mentions it in your kitchen too ;-) Have a lovely week. xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love it ~ and like the options you have with it.
    I am going to your link as I am looking for the perfect quote for my old blackboard that I am still deciding where to hang and making it a little fancy would be perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Glad I stopped by today, I'm so tempted to do my backsplash in chalkboard paint...just need the push I guess:) Your kitchen looks just wonderful...love it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love, Love, Love that kitchen island project! Totally need to find a client to use this idea on! Visiting from Elizabeth & Co.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a fun addition to the island. I love this idea. Great tutorial on how to write a special saying. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  10. How lovely! I really like the saying. I like to use my chalk dry too - the wet just didn't work for me.
    Right now I am working on a ton of projects for other people. I would love to just make stuff look good for me but no time right now! Lots of projects to do though when I do have time so at least I won't get bored!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love this idea. It looks super doable. Hmmmmm.:) Doesn't hurt that it's in a super pretty kitchen either.
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Well, no matter what the subject you inspire me!! I love the chalkboard at the end of the counter and the saying is perfect! Thank you for the link to Dear Lillie.

    ReplyDelete
  13. That is one spectacular kitchen!! I love how bright and open it is. What a fun place for a chalkboard.

    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love your kitchen! All of those gorgeous white cabinets and the island is fabulous! I want an island so badly! Your chalk artwork is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing! Hugs, Leena

    ReplyDelete
  15. Right now I am driving my husband crazy with more mixin' & movin'.

    Love, Love, Love your chalkboard. I didn't know there was such a thing as a chalk pen and yes, I CAN tell the difference. I just wrote a simple word on my grandmother's school slate, but I might go out to get a chalk pen to do it right.

    thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow I would never even think of these things. I confess I'm in London and bought a small stash of Anthropologie ceramics which I love but will have trouble packing my bag! For me this weekend: gardening and thinking about a new short story I want to plunge into next week. And taking out my new and undeserved Vivienne Westwood handbag!! Xxcat

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just love it! You did a great job with the lettering and yes, the chalk pen really high lighted the effect. Your kitchen is so gorgeous!

    Me? I'm sorting, tossing and donating in preparation for a move in June. Don't you want to come help? :)

    xo
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh Leslie, your kitchen is simply stunning. I find myself staring away at your images, lost in what I see and taking it all in with such delight!! It just keeps getting better...if that is possible!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Leslie, your kitchen is so beautiful and I LOVE this chalkboard idea...it really looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Lesley - I LOVE your Kitchen - so much that I want to eat it! The painters tape and level for the chalk writing is brilliant. And I'm not surprised that your chalk writing is beautiful. I never knew that a chalk pen existed. I LOVE the idea of this and the uplifting messages that you will display in a prominent place!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I swoon every time I see your kitchen! And your chalkboard island is awesome - what a great saying!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I LOVE your kitchen and LOVE your chalkboard art! My scribbles would make you cringe! LOL!
    Kristi

    ReplyDelete