Jul 16, 2012

DIY Menu Blackboard


Last month I found a wooden pig at the thrift store that had been painted white and black and had dried moss and straw flowers hot glued to it. Someone had once loved it, but it was sad and worn out.



So of course I bought it. 

I had to use a screw driver and some elbow grease to scrape the hot glued mess off, then I sanded it a little and painted it with homemade chalk paint. 

I dissolved a couple tablespoons of un-sanded grout in water, then mixed some of that into a cup or so of flat black paint in another container until I liked the consistency. For chalkboards I find foam brushes leave a nice smooth finish. 
 
I don't actually know if conditioning the chalkboard is necessary, but I read it somewhere, so I did it.  That's just covering the entire surface with chalk 
and then wiping it all off again.  


My piggy blackboard travels around the house as needed. 

First he wished everyone a Happy 4th of July on the front porch.


And now he's announcing the menu in the kitchen. 






Somewhere along the line "it" became a "he."









He's sort-of part of the family now. 
I mean, he talks to us. 


Thanks for stopping by to see my piggy blackboard, and 
I hope you have a great day!




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My pig is traveling around to some fun link parties this week. C'mon along!

24 comments:

  1. Oh my GRACIOUS. I found you from Between Naps and that little Piggy stood right out to me!!! SO cute! I'm crazy about chalkboards! :)

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  2. It looks great, I found a pig recently and I'm going to do the same thing :)

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  3. So, so cute Laurel!! I bet he was a show stopper with his flowers and hot glue in his previous life in the 80's, but he is much better now. Love how portable he is too! Portable Pig... related to Porky, I am sure. :)

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  4. What a great idea!! I would have NEVER thought to do that with the little pig but I will certainly be on the look out for one now!! My son is 28 yrs old (almost) and he has a pig valve in his heart, he got it when he was 13 and it was his third valve replacement, and that little piggy valve has worked wonderful so I have a special love of the pig,(and the bacon,lol) but I love this idea!!!! Lisa

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  5. Love that pig! How cute. Thanks for your kind comment on my page. New follower here!

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  6. Very Clever.
    That will remind me to look twice at things.
    You made something old very current and trendy!
    Deb@LakeGirlPaints

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  7. "he" is darling. He looks happy in his new home!

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  8. He's cute. I would like to find a little pig to make into a chalk board.

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  9. Seems everyone is going to be looking for piggy cutting boards now. I absolutely adore him:)

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  10. Hi Laurel! I love seeing your sweet cottage there on your sidebar! Your piggy makes for a darling chalkboard project. I'm sure I'm going to do a chalkboard someday! It almost seems like a blogging rite of passage! Haha! It's so nice to know you came by. I hope you're having a great summer!

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  11. I love it! Fun that he moves around as needed too-enjoy:@)

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  12. How cute is that? Love your messaging pig.
    Debbie :)

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  13. He is adorable! I want one. I love that you "rescued" him. Thank you also for my favorite post ever, the slip-covered stool for your kitchen, which I am presently copying.

    Best,

    Judith

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  14. Laurel, beautiful idea and gorgeous pictures! Love it!

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  15. Laurel, What a cute idea! I would never have thought of doing that myself. I so love the creative things you come up with. It's also good to know that the foam brushes work really well for painting the chalkboard paint. Love how the pig looks in your kitchen!! ~ Jamie

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  16. Well, thank goodness you're not having pulled pork for dinner! Ouch!!!

    Very cute idea!

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  17. Your little piggy is adorable Laurel! So glad he found a happy new home!

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  18. I love your piggy chalkboard! Looks like you're having a lot of fun with it!
    Mary Alice

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  19. My dad cut me a "pig board" just like this one several years ago. I don't use it in the kitchen for chopping, but can't wait to use him as a sign!! I'm off to buy chalkboard paint :) Thanks.

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  20. Love your pig chalkboard!! I think that it is definitely a he!

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  21. Hi! I've got to get a chalk board like this. Yours is really so cute.

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  22. I laughed out loud when I read "I mean he talks to us..." So cute and such a sweet take on a sweet addition to your kitchen. i hope you never have to write "pork chops" on him though....He might squeal....

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  23. Too cute...love a chalkboard. Found you over at Gail's MRL

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  24. How fun! I love that he travels around the house. :)

    gail

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