Chalkboard Paint Fun!

I have been seeing the cutest idea all over "blogland" and I decided to try it out myself! I found several silver trays at local thrift and antique stores. I bought different sizes and shapes so I could try several of them.

I also found a simple white platter I wanted to try. All you need is some painters tape and chalkboard paint!

First you tape off the edges of the tray or platter and spread some newspaper or something around it.

Then you spray a light coat of chalkboard paint on it. You should apply a few coats of paint to ensure full coverage, allowing for drying time between each one.

In the end, this is what you get! Isn't it adorable?

I'm thinking that the edges of the white one looks a little bare. I'm still trying to figure out what to do on it. These are just a few of the silver trays.





I absolutely love how they turned out! I think it's a neat gift idea too! It's so easy. Go ahead, try it!

Yard Makeover!

Here is one of the projects sweet hubby and I have been working on for several months now. I have never been one for planting or gardening. In fact, some may say I have a black thumb, (if that's the opposite of a green thumb).

Anyway, I don't have any true before pictures, but there was grass where the mulch is, so you get the idea!

Ok, so this part did NOT get redone. What in the world should I do to this? I know the outside carpet(?) needs to go. The door and shutters need painting, but what color? And what do we do with those metal rails?

Check out those massive old azalea bushes. They don't bloom anymore though.

Here's the new Encore Azaleas that my hubby picked out. They bloom for a longer time than regular ones. He also built the border.







And here it is (almost) finished!





Anyone got any ideas on what to do with the porch? What color should we paint the door and shutters? Any ideas would be great!
Let's just hope I don't kill all these plants now!