DIY Project: Chalkboard Knife Block

Hey, guys! I’m excited to introduce a new Fresh Face, Tanya Watson from Dans le Townhouse. Tanya’s been in the pages of our magazine, and I’m thrilled she’s going to be regularly contributing her clever ideas here on the blog, too. Enjoy! – Rachel

Sometimes I arrive a little late to the party when it comes to trends. Although chalkboard paint has been a decorating favorite for years, I only recently bit the bullet and purchased a can myself. I intended to create a magnetic chalkboard, but when a can of magnetic paint yielded just enough of a magnetic surface, I opted not to muddy the waters by adding a layer of chalkboard paint. I feared the magnetic hold would weaken.

When my compulsive cleaning finally scrubbed the last of the varnish from my inexpensive knife, I decided to paint it. Because I had the lonely can of chalkboard paint kicking around the garage, from my half abandoned magnetic chalkboard idea, I decided a chalkboard knife block would be fun. Now I wish I had jumped on the chalkboard bandwagon sooner.

Here’s the knife block before:

And here it is after:

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Wood knife block
• Chalkboard paint
• Sandpaper
• Chalk
• Damp cloth

WHAT YOU DO:

Step 1: Lightly sand the knife block. Clean off the surface.

Step 2: Spray thin layers of chalkboard paint in a well-ventilated area. Let dry.

Step 3:  Rub the chalkboard paint with chalk to condition the chalkboard surface. Use the side of chalk to cover the entire surface.

Step 4: Wipe the chalk off with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Doodle away!

Check out this post for more details and how-to pictures.

I’d love more ideas: Have you used chalkboard paint on any unusual surfaces?