Trash To Treasure Crafting 1 - Murder at Honeysuckle Hotel (24 page)

http://www.facebook.com/rosepressey

http://www.twitter.com/rosepressey

Rose loves to hear from readers. You can
email her at: [email protected]

Decorating on a budget

Do It Yourself Chalkboard

Making a decorative chalkboard is an easy
do-it-yourself project. Take an old picture frame or mirror of
your choice, and paint the glass with chalkboard paint. You
can also take the glass out and paint on the back of the old
picture in the frame, if it came with one. Chalkboard paint is
available at any hardware store and it comes in many colors.
*Remember all thrift stores are not created equal. Some are more
expensive than others. Watch out for the real bargains.

Materials:

Chalkboard paint

Brush

Frame

Masking tape

Directions:

Step One. Using masking tape, carefully tape
off the area you will be painting. Make sure area is clean and
dry.

Step Two. Apply a coat of primer and let dry.
*Chalkboard paint comes in spray version as well. It’s completely
up to you which one to use, they both work well. Just remember to
use the spray can outside. I like foam brushes best because they
don't leave brush stroke marks.

Step Three. Apply a coat of chalkboard paint
and let dry.

Step Four. Apply second coat of chalkboard
paint. Let dry thoroughly. If needed, apply a third coat.

Allow the final coat to dry completely. Wait
at least twenty-four hours before writing on the chalkboard
surface. To treat the chalkboard, roll a piece of chalk across the
board, then wipe clean before writing.

Repainted Chandelier

I don’t recommend painting the fixture while
still hanging like Raelynn did. Make sure power source for the
light is off before removing light fixture.

Materials:

Masking tape

Primer

Spray paint

Directions:

Step One: Cover light sockets with tape so
the paint won’t seep in and damage light fixture.

Step Two: Apply primer. Allow to dry
completely.

Step Three: Apply paint and repeat until
fully covered.

Revamped Dresser

There are several ways to refinish furniture.
You can strip, sand, then re-stain the furniture, or simply paint
over existing color. I don’t recommend Dumpster diving, but many
people simply leave the items by the curb.

Materials:

Sandpaper

Masking tape

Primer

Paint

Brush

Directions:

Step One: Lightly sand the furniture so the
paint adheres better.

Step Two: Apply primer.

Step Three: Paint. Reply paint as needed.
*Helpful hint: You can place the paintbrush in a plastic bag while
you wait for coats to dry. This way you don’t have to wash the
brush repeatedly and it won’t dry before you finish the job.