Chalkboard Wall Art

I made this a couple weeks ago and keep forgetting to post it on the blog.

One of my favorite quotes

Awake My Soul lyrics by Mumford and Sons

I went to the local craft store and bought a wooden frame ($2), chalkboard paint ($5), and acrylic paint for the frame ($1). If you want to make your own chalkboard paint, there are plenty of tutorials on pinterest or a quick google search.

 I started out by painting the frame. My walls are plum and light purple, so I chose a vibrant yellow for the frame. It took about an hour to dry.

 Using push pins, I hung the frame on the wall. Using a pencil, I traced the inside of the frame, then removed the frame. (I used push pins because it makes it seem less permanent...and I'm too lazy to hunt for a hammer and nails in the garage).

 I bought Martha Stewart Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint, though I'm sure the brand does not matter. The directions said to paint at least two layers, letting each layer dry for one hour. I painted three layers. Then, it has to cure for 24 hours.

 (I apologize for the picture quality--my phone decided it wanted to be blurry that day.)

 After it had set for 24 hours, I rubbed chalk all over it, then wiped it off (it said to in the instructions on the bottle, but yours might have different instructions). Then, I hung the frame back up.

Now I can write whatever I want on it (though it usually has something motivational or song lyrics... I'm 18, what would you expect?)

Paperweight by Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk

Thanks for reading! I'm going to make an attempt to update this more often. Hopefully I can get a sewing tutorial up, seeing as how the blog's name is Hayley Sews, and not Hayley Paints...

Quote Canvas

Want to make a quote canvas for less than $10? Here's what you'll need:

• Canvas in whichever size you prefer, the ones from any craft store will work.
• Vinyl lettering in the font of your choice (usually located in an aisle near the canvas)
• Acrylic paint
• Toothpicks

First step: (not pictured) Tirelessly search through lyrics and quotes to find something you like enough to put on a canvas. Make sure it's also short enough to fit on a canvas.

Second step: Using vinyl letter stickers, design layout of the quote you prefer.

 Third step: pick out an acrylic paint.

 Fourth step: Paint. I wanted mine to look less sharp, so I finger-painted. This allowed me to get under every letter and let paint go wherever there was a bubble in the edge.

 Fifth step: Allow paint to dry.

 Sixth step: Begin to peel letters off. I used a toothpick and was careful not to puncture the canvas.

In the end, I got a canvas that looked clean but had rough edges. For more clean edges, I would recommend spray painting or using a wide paint brush.