My problem was that I couldn’t find anything tall and skinny with character to fit that narrow patch of wall.   Also, there’s a meddlesome electrical panel inside the pantry, which restricts any decor in this space.  But then I spied an old wood framed mirror with chipped paint at the local salvage yard.  I decided to give it a makeover, and repurpose it as a little chalkboard in my kitchen!

Here’s my sweet little salvaged mirror turned memo board !

The layers and layers of chipping paint were pretty awful, so I decided to get down to the bare wood by stripping it all off with some Citrustrip. 

You can read my previous detailed adventures in stripping paint with Citrustrip right here.  

Based on the grooves in its side, I determined this mirror was actually a double hung window converted to a mirror at some point.  I gave the window a quick coat of gray paint because I thought I wanted to do a distressed look with gray undertones, but then changed my mind halfway through and decided on a pure white paint finish. 

I wanted to cover the grooves on the sides of this old window, so I formed a frame by cutting some wood with my miter saw, attached it with finish nails, then filled in the seams with with wood filler from True Value.  I added some appliqués for decoration, then sanded around the edges of the appliqués with my Dremel.

Let’s pause. 

Can I get an ‘Amen’ from all of you out there who own a Dremel ?

LOVE this tool !  Santa gave me one last year. 

If you don’t have one, put it on your list, pronto!

They have Dremels at True Value. 

And chalkboard spray paint ! 

Two layers right on top of the mirror, plus two coats of True Value’s ‘Calming Sensation’ for the frame left over from the boy’s dresser. 

My little pieces of chalk sit right on the window ledge.

I love how its sits so perfectly in my little happy corner of our kitchen. 

And it’s just skinny enough to not obstruct the microwave door. 

Perfect perfect perfect for reminding myself of necessities. 

Or writing sentimental notes.

I was forced to hang it high because of the electrical panel inside the pantry wall.  I had planned on using this for just my own scribbles, but this little guy wanted a turn, even if he had to struggle on his tippy toes !

My munchkins sure are smart. 

They always figure out ways to get their paws on new things. 

Then I noticed what my first grade daughter had written just before my little guy had his turn.   

*sniffle*

Don’t you just love chalkboards?

Me too.

“I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience.  I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project.   However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

Before I forget, the very sweet and oh-so-stylish Sarah of A Beach Cottage is featuring me today, so pop on over to learn something new you never knew. 

Interior shots: 

Check out these chandeliers, all so different: 

Here are a few images from the salvage yard outside:

In my conversation with the manager a few weeks ago, I was told that Restoration Hardware photographed their store and in his opinion “copied” many of their ideas.  This is complete hearsay, of course, but I couldn’t help noticing these pieces from RH’s spring collection:

Entablature Mirror, $3,290

Trestle Wood Salvaged Dining Table, $3,290

Salvaged Wood Sideboard, $2,990

Gun Barrel Salvaged Dining Table, $3,290:

I say, if his opinion is correct, then imitation is the best form of flattery.