Tuesday 28 January 2014

Chalkboard Wall in the Kitchen

I have seen many awesome pictures of chalkboard walls in kitchens. I had wanted one but never did it.
But then my son started Grade 1 and was struggling. He didn't want to be there.
So I though I'd finally get my chalkboard wall and my son could have fun while learning. And, it is working!!

Here is how I did it. I taped off all the surrounding areas. Then I edged and the rolled the chalk paint on. I waited a few hours and then did a second coat.



Then you need to wait a few days for it to fully dry. After that it needs to be "seasoned". Basically you take a piece of chalk on it's side and rub it all over the wall. Then take a dry cloth and rub it off.
Be prepared for a mess!! 
Then it is ready to use.

Here is what it looks like finished:



The kids love it!! 



Here's a look at the other wall while we are in here. We moved the cabinet that used to be below the TV in the living room. It is now a buffet area. I plan on putting shelves above it for more storage.



Oh and I will be painting this room again...
I LOVE the Kensington Green. BUT now with the chalkboard wall being a whole black wall, it really feels dark in here.






I just need to get the paint!! Oh and to find the time...
I need to decide on a colour. I want to go much lighter. I wanted BM Nelson Blue, but Lowes doesn't have the formula for that. So I am also thinking about BM Glass Slipper. I already have SW Comfort Gray for our bedroom and I could use that in here too... So many decisions!!

Friday 24 January 2014

Working on a few Updates

We have been working on a few things around the house lately.
Last week paint was on sale, so I grabbed 4 cans for a few projects.



Then I finally got started painting the stairwell. When we painted the living room during the summer, I had painted part of the wall in the stairwell.


They all connect together so it needed to be finished.


They had been Glidden Autumn Haze. I painted the walls Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (the same as downstairs). It feels so much cleaner and fresher.
It needs a new light fixture too. I want something pretty. But the fan really helps in the summer, so I am not sure what to pick.


Then I gave all the trim a coat of bright bright paint.



I still have to paint the handrails again and the spindles. But that can wait ;)


We also replaced our front door last month. It is gorgeous! It lets in so much light now.



A few months ago we replaced a few doors in our entryway. Then we replaced the trim too. And added black door knobs and hinges.



We still need to do do the pantry door and closet area. But that is another project.


I love the moldings my hubby does for me :)



Stay tuned  for more updates. Hopefully we can get some more done soon!!

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Building a Fireplace in the Livingroom

I have always wanted a fireplace in the living room. Finally in this house I got one!

One night my awesome hubby decided to start building it and the rest is history!


He made a wood frame and then clad it in MDF.


Then I primed and painted it white.



And then we waited....
Because Lowes always puts their electric fireplace inserts on sale after Christmas. They are usually $298 and we scored ours for $98!!





Are you ready to see what the space looks like now??


The fireplace totally changes the whole feel of our living and dining room!!








Please don't mind the massive satellite box on the mantel. I can't wait to get rid of that thing!



We really love this room now and we enjoy being here.






Linking up with: 

The Happy Housie



Thank you so much to the Work It Wednesday for featuring our fireplace!!!





Wednesday 15 January 2014

What I have Been Working On...

Life has been crazy and busy as usual!!
At the beginning of December I made a oversize growth chart/wall ruler for our kitchen.
The feedback was amazing!! People started buying them from me.
I am loving it!! It gives me something crafty to do and it makes me some money to put towards other house projects.




Then I also made some name signs for my kids and for my nephews for Christmas.






I make them in any colour:
Personalized wall ruler:

Red and Navy blue wall rulers:






I also made some PEACE signs for Christmas:


If you would like one made for you please email me or order from my etsy page:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BayviewCrafts?ref=search_shop_redirect




Linking up with The Happy Housie!!!

Tuesday 14 January 2014

DIY TV Console/Storage Unit

Our basement is coming along slowly. I never want to be down there because I HATE looking at the mess.
After building our fireplace surround, I finally convinced my wonderful hubby to built a TV unit for his TV and all the components. I told him what I wanted and drew a picture. He made it come to life.



Basically he used MDF and built a box for each component. Then I painted the whole thing white.




He also made a wood top for it. I stained it Minwax Dark Walnut (the same as the fireplace mantel).

I would like to get boxes or baskets to put all the DVD's in, but one step at a time ;)





We also re-painted the room. I decided on Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay.


I will have to do a whole room post soon. Then you can see how it's all looking now. No where near "completed" but it's much more enjoyable to be down there now.



By the way, if anyone needs something like (or the fireplace) this built, my handy hubby is for hire.

Linking up with The Happy Housie, The Blissful Bee, Place of My Taste & The Turquoise Home