“French country”, “shabby chic”, “vintage” – my kitchen has a theme with two favorite things: chickens and cherries. I adore the bright, happy red of cherry-themed items. Much of the decor is antique and vintage, but it was a chalkboard with hand-painted cherries that I ordered from a charming catalog over a decade ago that made me smitten with a cherry-themed decor. As a kid in the seventies, we had a bright red rotary phone on the wall in the kitchen; next to it was a chalkboard. Mom would write phone messages on it, and the family grocery list. (Remember the Brady Bunch? Catch re-runs and take a peek at Carol Brady’s kitchen…there’s a blackboard in her kitchen, too). Through the years, my little cherries chalkboard has been the place we scrawl quick notes, to-do lists, doodles, and of course, the family grocery list. However, after over a decade of use, it no longer was writable. The surface wore out, and chalk no longer would make a mark. Before letting my cute little board go, I wondered if there was a way to bring its writing surface back to life. Could it be revived? Hence, my new love affair with Chalkboard Paint.
I have been looking at the chalkboard paints in our local craft stores for quite some time but have refrained from purchasing them because I have no specific projects in mind. What fun to read this post, look at the pictures, and see how you have so effectively used it! Your cherry chalkboard painted up nicely – and wouldn’t it be a hoot to have a red phone like the one from your childhood? Loved this post!
Hi Barbara, Aha! A new vintage item to search for! That would be awesome. Such memories! I used to get my older brother in trouble with that phone, as there was another “Princess” phone in my mom’s room. I’d listen in and report to my mother! Not sure what I reported since he and I were both good kids, but I was still such a naughty little sister. Anyway, if you do buy the paint a good thing to know is a little goes a long way, so it isn’t a huge investment for great creative projects! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
How fun! Your chalkboard looks brand new! I really like your chalkboard paint projects, especially the food and feed containers. Now my mind is running like crazy with all the things I can create or update with chalkboard paint. Thanks for sharing such a fun and creative idea!
Hi Krista, Thanks! My chalkboard is like brand new. I am so happy with how it turned out. I hear ya…I love this paint, and it’s so easy to use! Oh! The possibilities… Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I wonder if our generation hasn’t made chalkboard paint popular because we enjoyed using the chalk so much when we were younger. After all, the children and used chalk outside on sidewalks and drives for quite a while.
I myself am not sure of when chalkboard paint first came on the market. My daughter sure did enjoy chalkboard paint, though! It was a favorite and often given as both birthday gifts and in birthday treat bags. Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh my goodness — I am in the throws of doing chalkboard paint over magnetic paint. I have the idea to do this on some scrap wood, then putting magnets on the back of scrabble letters – write something with them & chalk and leave some letters to let the g-kids play with. You have helped me very much to know what to do. Love your cherries. God bless.
MAGNETIC PAINT?!? Joan, Oh My Goodness…I must go check that out! Sounds wonderful! Love your project idea. Thanks for sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Lovely projects.
Marilyn
Thanks, Marilyn! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole, I love the chalkboard with the cherries on it. Looks so pretty and it was nice to see the red kitchen wall phone! Did not know you called it the “bat phone”. Could also see the red and white checked curtains in the window which I sewed myself. You are so creative with just small inexpensive ideas. Proud of you as usual. Love, Mother
Hi Mom! Yes, always called it the “bat phone”. Wish it was still around. The curtains in my kitchen now are smaller checks, but a nod to you! I remember you sewing those up. Love you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I enjoyed your blog. Seeing the old phone in our childhood home brought back old memories.
Thanks! Yes, I think we both spent hours in the corner there on that phone talking to friends. Now kids just “text” each other. ~Nicole
Beautiful photos and memories Nicole. Love the lesson on how to refinish a chalkboard.
Yes blackboards seem to be out and smart boards are in my sins classroom too. Sad to see the blackboard go. I have my own too and cherish it. My husband and kids bought it for me one birthday. I love the cherries in yours and your chalk holder, great idea. Love the red and white check curtains, very pretty
Blessings
Hi Denise! Thanks so much! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Awesome..I love chalk paint. Nice pieces.
Hi Rowena, Thank you! I’d love to hear what you have used chalkboard paint on, as well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole