What She Made: DIY Magnet Chalkboard

      Chalkboard paint is pretty easy to come by. It's in every craft and home improvement store around. However, it is a little expensive. My solution to everything that's expensive; just make it! I wanted a chalkboard for my art/craft studio, but I also wanted it to be magnetized so I could stick memos and notes up.

When I found a piece of thick sheet metal in our garage, I knew exactly what I was going to do with it.

I like making my own because you can make any color you like! 

     What you need is paint of any type and color (I just used craft paint) and un-sanded tile grout. Yup, that's it! Next, I mixed about a cup of paint with two tablespoons of the grout. Mix well! It will still be a little gritty but you can get rid of that later.

     If you are one of those patient people that don't mind waiting then you can prime your piece. Me? I'm not one of those patient people so I bypassed the priming stage (Also, I didn't have any on hand and didn't want to go to the store). I painted one coat with a regular bristle brush and let it dry. After covering the whole piece, I then took a foam roller and gave it another good coat. 

It only needed two coats but as I was rolling I kept scratching the surface; so I  went ahead and gave it one last coat. It's optional though. 

     After you let it completely dry, Take a very fine-grit piece of sandpaper and lightly sand the entire board. 

After sanding.

Next, I took a piece of chalk and used the side to "condition" the board.

Just use the side; if you use the point it will take forever!

     Once you are done "conditioning" the board, get a damp paper towel and wipe down the entire board. This helps remove excess pigments left by the paint.

And voila`! 

Learn more about Small Change here!

You know have your very own, custom made, magnet chalkboard! 

I'm not an expert; I just do this for a living.

-- Amanda

Decorating Tips and Tricks - Fireplace Mantel

Fireplace mantels are often a focal point in your home, whether operating or not. (Unfortunately, mine is non-functioning.) However, the functionality of your fireplace has nothing to do with how great it looks! 

In Texas you really don't get much use out of it, but sometimes it's just nice to have a fire in the wintertime (Yes, it does get cold here in the winter. Just not for very long.) 

I like to mix patterns and shapes to give it an interesting look

Some people think less is more. Some people think more is well, more. I think: Whatever you like is how you should do it. Not everyone will like your style but if you enjoy it then go for it. After all, aren't you the one that is going to look at it day after day? That's what I thought. 

So, here a few tips and tricks for decorating your mantel:

* It doesn't matter your style - more or less - levels are the most important!

* Be eclectic - your mantel should represent you

* Show off some of your own work - everyone has a little artist in them

* Mirrors - mirrors are a great way to add character as well as opening up a room

* Work with it - If you don't like it start over 

(I worked with mine for days, changing my mind and moving things around)

Note some family pieces and original artwork

Owls!

* Statement pieces - you really want something to draw the observers eye 

* Texture - you don't want it all to have the same surface, BORING! 

*Pattern - mix it up! Give your eyes a ride; it's much more fun!

Also some things to consider are your colors. You don't have to necessarily match them, but more importantly, coordinate them.

Well, there you have it! I hope this helps you out; so go and re-do your mantel. I know you want too. 

P.S. Not an expert, I just do this for a living. 

--Amanda

Small Change

    As some of you know, my Husband, Mother-in-law, and I have started a small time vintage store:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Small-Change/368051516599774?fref=ts

   No, unfortunately we don't have a brick-and-mortar location or a real website, but it is still exciting none the less. One of the best parts is using it in your home until you find something even more interesting to replace it with.

   I've actually learned a lot about "junk", what's worthless, what's not-so-worthless, and what it's worth to other people. Some say things are worth what you are willing to pay for it. (But it's so much more fun to find it cheap!)

Take this little guy for example:

   We sold him for $75! The lady that bought him runs a store in uptown Dallas. So now she is selling him for $240!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. It just goes to show that if it's worth it to you, get it. 

   At the last sale we were at I fell completely in love with this rug. Thomas, not so much. Well, I waited too long to make a move and someone bought it out from underneath me. But then my eye hit that little jewel behind it. The blue rug was a $300 rug from Anthropologie (drool). I wanted it! She had $60 (and to be honest, I probably woud have bought it for that) but she sold it for $40! But to me, it was worth it! It all just depends on how you thing

I finally have a house and kept thinking to myself, how to have a grown up house, but not be boring?!

(I love my house!)

This is NOT a rhetorical question! It's simple. You have to learn to offset things. Place something grownup around something (you) might find fun and interesting!

   I find the best part of starting up this small business is finding pieces that are grownup AND fun! You get the best of both worlds.