A Romantic Vignette

The stencil wall wasn’t the only change I made in the dining room.  I also created a romantic vignette on the buffet (which is actually a dresser that the hubs inherited from his grandmother).

I wanted to balance out the black from the stencil wall by bringing in a little black and white art.  I found the calla lily print at Hob Lob, otherwise known as Hobby Lobby, for $6.  It caught my eye immediately because my wedding bouquet was a bundle of calla lilies.  I liked the sweet sentiment.  I also found the clock at Hob Lob for $15.  It was love at first sight.  For those that are just now tuning in, I’m a little obsessed with clocks (especially wall clocks).  I then headed to one of my favorite fabric stores in Lexington, The Rag Peddler.  I found this beautiful black and cream fabric.

I loved the print!  Since I didn’t need much of it for my intended project, I didn’t mind paying $20/yd.  A yard was more than enough, and I have lots of fabric left over for other projects.  My last stop was at Michaels to pick up a roll of chalkboard vinyl.  It’s in the kids craft section, and it’s awesome!  I just recently discovered this stuff while shopping with my daughter for supplies for a school project.  I can’t remember the price, but I think it’s around $5 a roll.  I feel the need to mention that all of this shopping didn’t happen in one day; it happened over a couple days.  Who has time to hit that many different stores in one day?  Certainly not me!

Then I gathered my supplies to create the fabric covered chalkboard that I had envisioned in my head. I used my handy dandy staple gun to cover the canvas that I used for my stencil paint test.

Then I grabbed a black and gold frame that I already had (from Michaels) in the craft closet.  I took the easel off the back of the frame and removed the glass front.

I lined the frame back where a picture would go with a piece of the chalkboard vinyl.  Then I realized that I should have put down something over the back because these little bumps were showing through.

I grabbed a piece of thick cardstock, cut it to size, taped it down, and then added another piece of chalkboard vinyl on top.

Problem solved!  I wasted a little vinyl, but I learned a lesson (that I’m happy to pass on to you)!  You have to start with a smooth surface when applying chalkboard vinyl.  Most of you are probably thinking – duh!  I, obviously, could have used that bit of advice 🙂  Then I used my favorite glue in the world – Gorilla Glue – to adhere the frame to my fabric covered canvas.

If you’ve never used Gorilla Glue before it totally rocks because it is really super strong; but just so you know a little goes a long way, as it expands when it dries.  I let it dry overnight with a pile of heavy books on top and it was perfect in the morning!

It came out just as I imagined!  When does that happen?  For me – almost never!  I love the pattern and texture it adds to the room.  I’m so enamored with any and all projects involving chalkboards lately.  It just adds a little fun to the room!

To frame my black and white calla lily print, I grabbed an old black frame that I’ve had for years.  It was pretty beat up.  I gave it a really good sanding.  Then I painted it with – wait for it – chalkboard paint!  How’d you guess?!

Since I’m the self-professed queen of “changing things up” these kinds of projects are perfect for me!  I can easily erase and write something else.  A dinner menu, a special quote, a sweet message, a bible verse – and you get the idea!

I was going for a layered look.  I used another old black frame that was already glassless because of a “moving accident”.  I took the back off the frame and hung it on the wall with a couple of command strips (love them!).  Then I hung the clock right in the middle.  I also used a couple of command strips to display 3 tiny bowls.  I bought a package of black vinyl alphabet letters a long time ago, and I added our monogram to them.

I already had the lamps and the other accessories.  The plate stand is a Willow House item that I just adore!

Here’s how it looked before.

And after.

I love simple updates that don’t cost much and make use of things you already have!  I also love displays that are personal and meaningful with just the right amount of romance.  It’s just sweet enough, but not too syrupy (that’s a word -right?!).

So, do you have any romantic vignettes in your home?  Does art that reminds you of a sweet memory jump into your cart while you’re shopping?  Or maybe that just happens to me.  Was I the last person on Earth to find out about chalkboard vinyl?  I was, wasn’t I?!  

Happy Valentine’s Day!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Linking up at Between Naps on the Porch.

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  • Your vignette is absolutely stunning. I love it. Now, I didn't know about chalkboard vinyl until now, so I have to check it out. Looks fabulous. Where did you find the vinyl letters? I need some. Hugs, Marty

  • oh man…how have I never seen your blog? I have to list all the things I love…

    #1 Your name…carmel…how absolutely lovely…
    #2 Chalkboard vinyl? seriously? where have I been?? (Does it erase well?)
    #3 Your choice of fabric…delicious
    #4 You say Hob Lob…that's hilarious
    #5 That dresser is absolutely fabulous…it looks like someone in your home actually shines wood furniture 🙂 (unlike in my house where we paint it all so I don't have to shine it…)
    #6 said dresser is even MORE fabulous with your additions…kudos girl…your artful eye is fantabulous!

  • This is a lovely vignette. You have a real knack for this kind of thing! I love your use of levels and the way the eye goes straight to your beautiful framed Wedding picture.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

  • Thanks everyone! The chalkboard vinyl is like the paint. You have to rub it with the side of a piece of chalk to prep the surface in order to make it easy to erase. I made the mistake of skipping this step, but a wet paper towel seems to do the trick. Hope that helps!

    Carmel

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