Silver Tray Chalkboard

My daughter gave me a stack of silver plated serving trays.  Although I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, I knew I could find a purpose.  When I came across chalkboard paint, I knew this would be the first project I would do with these trays! 

I have been thinking of getting some chalkboard paint. I see all these great projects that use it, and I couldn't wait to get started.

My tray had been sitting for a while, and really wasn't very silver anymore, so the first thing I did was clean it. I had sterling jewelry cleaner on hand, and used that. I am not sure if that is why it came out a little mottled looking, or if it was just the condition of the tray. Whatever... I think it adds character... It's gonna be a chalk board anyway.  I left the handles black, for some more of that rustic look. 

I used  Rustoleum Black Chalk Board Paint,  I also used whatever brush I had on hand.  I had to do 3 coats to get decent coverage. I was trying to cover that great design on the bottom of the tray.

 Coat One...

 Coat Two...

Coat Three...

The directions on the paint said to wait 3 days, and "season". Wasn't sure what that meant, so I looked it up online.  Once again,  Google is my friend... It is not as difficult as it sounds. Just rub the entire surface with the side of a piece of chalk, and wipe it off. This keeps your writing from "grabbing".

All in all, I was very happy with the way the whole thing turned out. One thing I will do differently next time... I lost quite a few bristles from my brush in the paint, and didn't realize it until it was too late, and I had a lot of brushstrokes. I think I will use a small roller next time, it will work better. My tray was free, but I have seen these at the thrift stores for just a few dollars! I think it was a great project, and I am looking forward to making some as Christmas presents!

I absolutely loved the chalkboard paint! This project barely used very little paint.  Hubby and I are already coming up with more projects to do with it.

I can't wait to my new chalkboard in my kitchen, and start using it for my grocery list!

I would also like to apologize for the quality of some of the photos... I like to craft, but mostly suck with the camera... I will work on it... I promise!

Thanks so much for reading my blog!
Happy Crafting!
Crafty Claudia

Flannel Quilt

This was another project I did for the new grand baby, but it will work on any size quilt, just adjust the size and/or number of blocks. This one took me about two days, but I probably could have finished it in one, if I didn't have to go to work. 

I bought the fabric first, based on my daughter's theme and color preference.  It could definitely be done with scraps or leftovers.

I decided how big I wanted the quilt, then divided by the fabric I had chosen, and added a half inch for the seams. This was my block size. I like to use a rotary cutter (I use the Fiskars 81514 Contour Rotary Cutter-45mm )and a mat, (like the  Alvin OL-RM12S 12 in. x 12 in. Olfa Rotating Rotary Mat), but you could use scissors, just try to keep your blocks square and even.

After I cut them, I laid them out so they followed a pattern. If you use scraps or leftovers, just be sure not to get the same patterns  next to each other. 

Sew the squares together into strips, right sides together. I like to iron the seams flat, before the next step.

Then sew the strips together. Once again, I like to press.

Then, I cheated a little, and found an awesome tutorial on how to do the backing, with mitered corners. I followed her instructions, and it was so easy! It looked great, and I will use her technique again! Thank you so much to Virginia at Gingercake!

Here is the finished project...

My daughter was thrilled with it! I can't wait to make another!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Happy crafting!

Crafty Claudia