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?