Chalkboards at the Cottage

We're putting chalkboards on sale at the Cottage this weekend so I thought I would show the options we have.  I recently finished three in different colors, in addition to the ones already at the Cottage.

Here is one in my new favorite color, Coco...

One in red...

and in turquoise...

I don't have to tell you how much I love chalkboards, I have two around my house and have to stop myself from having more.  My favorite place to have one is my front porch, because I can change it with the seasons or special occasions.  I can wish happy birthdays the week of my kids' birthdays, or like here at Father's day, and the fourth of July.

I also have this one by our kitchen table, from the post about my grainsack table.  It's perfect for a menu or grocery list.  

 

We have one just like it at the Cottage.  I had three altogether, made them from old doors.

Here's some more options we have around the Cottage...

We also have chalk, and erasers, for your convenience...

So y'all need some chalkboards around your house now right?  

Thanks for stoppin' hope to see you this weekend.

                                                      

                                                  Katie

Craftsman Buffet with Mirror

I picked up this buffet from Craigslist.  I recently picked up another one with a mirror back splash, but until these I've never done one with this feature, I really like them. 

Here it is before...

Fairly basic straight lines, so I decided I would antique it after painting to add a little depth, and interest.

Here it is after I painted it with our Cottage white...

I then used Minwax stain in Provincial to antique it.  There's a million tutorial and how to's on how to do this, so I won't go into great detail.  I basically brush the stain on with a foam brush in sections and then wipe off with a rag, being sure to go back and keep wiping as it keeps seeping out of the cracks.  

By the way with mirrors I don't mask, I just prime, paint, and antique, and then go back spray with Windex or my all purpose cleaner, vinegar and water, and then scrape all the paint off with a razor blade.  I just think it's much easier.

Here it is all finished at the Cottage...

This piece is currently for sale at the Cottage.

Thanks for stoppin'

                                                                        Katie

Linking too:

Elizabeth & Co.:Be Inspired

Knick of Time Tuesday

The Dedicated House:Before and After Wednesday

Green Willow Pond:What we Accomplished Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style:Wow us Wednesday

DIY by Design:Winter Blues Wednesday

Domestically Speaking:Power of Paint Party
From my Front Porch to Yours
Miss Mustard Seed

Chalkboard Banners at The Shabby Cottage

I wanted to share a fun new product we got in at The Cottage.  I know don't need to say that chalkboard anything is huge right now, so I found these reusable chalkboard pennant banners on etsy the owner gave me a great bulk rate so I can resale them, but if you aren't local here is the link to the etsy site Windy City Photo Props.  They are awesome, and I love that they are hand made and painted in the US.

Here they are at the Cottage...

I also love that you can just erase and use them over and over.  I make a new banner for each of my kids' birthdays on the Cricut(honestly I'll probably still do that, I can get a little matchy) but in a pinch I could just personalize these banners with their name and age.

This is my daughter holding one, (probably should have staged that a little better, just keepin it real)

There are so many opportunities to use these banners, holidays, events like wedding showers, and new babies, well wishes like "welcome home", going away parties, "good luck", "congrats" or just "I love you" also the actual original use as a photo prop, Christmas cards, baby announcements, and monthly milestones, first days of school, I feel like I already went on too long.

Oh wait how bout "snow days"...

If you need more inspiration check out my Pinterest board.  The point being the uses for chalkboard banners are endless.

Stop by and pick one up if your in the area, we would love to see you!

                                                                 Katie