Friday, July 16, 2010

From Noah to the Chalkboard.....


I finally have the Noah's ark frame completed. My crafting time has been limited this week. Enjoy the transformation :
My kids wanted to know why there was a dead oak looking tree, a palm tree, and coconut trees all in the same geographic area. Hmmm...I told them I didn't know. I guess Kirkland's artist couldn't what kind of trees would have been there so he/she put them all. They also noted that the trees were VERY tall b/c the elephants and giraffes looked tiny next to the trees. After all the discussion about this "painting", I was ready to get on with my plans!
I liked to have lost a few fingers taking that thing apart. I think they used enough staples on it to actually hold the ark together. But hey, a few cuts and gaping wounds can't keep me from my task. The inner piece came out completely. This made painting a lot easier.
I chose this "light sage" paint. I think they must have mislabeled. There was NOTHING sage about it. It was ivory. Very ivory. No sage. I got it on clearance at Hobby Lobby for a buck, so I'm not complaining!
The inner piece got painted first! I was blistering hot out and I was sweating like crazy! The good news was that the paint dried quickly and I was able to get several coats on quickly.
Next up the frame! In real life, this was almost purple. In the pictures it has a cherry appearance, but in actuality was nearly plum. Not pretty.
Aahh! Much better! Notice how bright out it is! I think I have mentioned before what happens when I am outside working.......

Here is a little close-up on the frame. I am already liking the change!
Now to the black board part. I tested chalkboard paint on the upper edge of the ark print. You see, the print was lacquered onto the backing of the frame. Then had a textured coating on it. I know I got several emails and comments telling me not to ruin the ark painting. Folks...no painting here. Just a paper essentially modge-podged onto tag board. Still I tried to respect the wished of the masses (ok...really about 5 people...but I can pretend, right?). I decided to used chalkboard vinyl for several reasons. 1. I was not happy with my test spray on spot for the chalkboard paint. 2. If I used the chalkboard vinyl I can always peel it off if I ever need to have a Noah's ark picture in my home. 4. I really didn't want to have to drive into town to buy a new backing piece, then come home and paint it. 3. I own a vinyl company and since I have a huge roll of chalkboard vinyl it made the most sense.

Bad news is the vinyl didn't fit perfectly, so there was a seam. Ugh......that really bugs me.
I set aside the chalkboard for a while and got to work glazing the frame. I love this part. It is FUN. I get to make something look dirty on purpose and not have to clean it up! I went heavy on the glaze with this.
As I was outside working on the glaze, the following came out of nowhere:
Seriously!
I have a perfect record going here folks! If I go out to paint IT RAINS! (Isn't my neighbor's house adorable!) I moved into the garage and finished up the glazing
Here is the finished product. The seam on the vinyl was really bothering me, so I painted a piece of dollhouse molding and glued it on. Here is my moment of honesty. I don't think I like the molding. I love the frame. I love the chalkboard. I do not love the effect the molding across it has. SO.....tomorrow I will be heading to home depot to have a new back cut to it. I will show you guys the for real finished project in a few days! This piece is not for my house, it is going into the shop here locally. I am very tempted to keep it though!
Oh, you guys weigh in......is the after better or should I have left the ark alone????? And should I redo the backing and loose the doll house molding?

17 comments:

  1. Hey.. I love the frame... You could have put the seem on the bottom and it would've looked like a ledge to hold the chalk... ??? just a thought.. let me know what you decide..

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  2. oops.. should be seam.. not seem..

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  3. I thought the same thing...use it as a ledge to hold the clalk! Super cute!

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  4. Hi. I am a new follower from FF. Happy to "meet" you. Please come by and follow@www.mommiesandbeyond.com
    Nice project

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  5. I LOVE it! Of course, I'm a fan of Noah's Ark (who isn't?) but I definitely like it better "After"! :)

    I am a new follower~ I found you by way of Tatertots and Jello! I will be back to visit again soon!

    Blessings,
    Jenni at A Beautiful Nest
    abeautifulnest.com

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  6. I'm a fan of the Noah's Ark story, but that picture wasn't thrilling me either. I love what you did with it! The finish on the frame is gorgeous and that arch is so perfect! Definitely agree with you on the seam though. I'd make it all one piece.

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  7. The shape of that frame is fantastic, love your technique on it too! Great job!

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  8. I like both of them a lot, but I love the chalkboard idea! I am also a new follower! Thanks for checking out my blog!

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  9. I love the shape of this. Good eye!

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  10. What a great project! Thanks so much for sharing on Blog Party!
    ~Liz

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  11. Wow, looks wonderful!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Have a good night!
    Leticia
    www.msbinglesvintagechristmas.com

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  12. Love how it turned out and the chalk idea is great. Now following your blog; hope you stop by mine and return the follow. :)
    www.thislilpiglet.blogspot.com

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  13. Funny post. Love the chalk board better than Noah print (hopefully I don't get hit by lightning for saying that). I would get a new back & spray the chalkboard paint.

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  14. Looks good, but I agree about the molding going across. Can't wait to see the "new" finished look. "Awesome Frame"

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  15. Love this transformation!! Soo creative! Come by FFD and enter to win my giveaway!! Happy hugs to you!!
    ~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

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