Chalkboard Quote Tray

I realize that I'm very. very. verrrryy late hopping on board the chalkboard paint train. 


In fact, some of you are probably rolling your eyes and mumbling, "She's just now getting into chalkboard paint? That is sooo 2009."


It's not that I didn't want a ticket on the chalkboard train. I just wanted to find the perfect traveling companion, and I wasn't going to waste money on painting something that I wouldn't use.


I happened upon this scalloped metal tray at my local Salvation Army a few months ago, and chalkboard paint was the first thing that popped into my head. 

I spent more on the chalkboard paint (probably about $5 with a coupon) than I did on the tray ($1.50).


I tend to procrastinate when it comes to trying crafty projects...not so much out of laziness as opposed to fear of absolute and utter failure followed by a brownie binge.


I am trying to be more fearless when it comes to crafting and decorating, just like some of my favorite bloggers. So after staring at the hideous stains on the tray for a couple of weeks, I finally broke out some newspaper, painter's tape, and spray paint and got to work.


Taping was tedious, but only due to the overabundance of curved edges. 

I should take this moment to let you know that spray painting several coats of Krylon's Chalkboard paint outside in December is not the smartest move I've ever made. It was cold. Very cold. Even the squirrels were laughing at me.


After the paint dried, I focused on coming up with a way to display my creation.


I grabbed the hot glue and some wired ribbon I had leftover from an earlier project and got to work.


While the glue heated up, I made a big loop with my ribbon and tied a bow at the top:

Then I mushed the bottom part of the loop up and hot glued it to the back of the tray:

With a push pin hidden behind the bow, and the bottom part resting on a shelf over my craft desk, my quote tray has found a home!

I likes it!




For more Before and Afters or DIY inspiration, visit Sarah's Before and After Party or Kimba's weekly DIY Party. Also linking to Sixty-Fifth Avenue,  The Nester , and Beth's Chalkboard Paint Party. All the cool kids are joining in.