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.

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