fun to create...fun to give...

here's a cool customizable project...

that makes a perfect holiday hostess gift...

it's a chalkboard,

 created from my art parts dimensional sign board...

and embellished with my Blossom Bucket silverware...

and an altered art parts star...

I like this because it can be created 

to coordinate with anyone's decor in mind..

it's a super simple project...

just what we need during this busy time of the year...

with 2 complete sign boards in the package...

it's very reasonably priced & convenient...

 so you can make 2 gifts at once...

I started with the art parts star...

and added a medium thick uneven layer of

 my white embossing paste &

 set that aside to dry...

when the paste was dry, I added a thick-ish uneven coat

 of rock candy crackle paint &

 let that dry...

when the crackle paint was dry, I added some of 

tim's new distress metallic stain, over the top...

for this one I used the brushed pewter...

and then added a bit of shading to the edges with walnut stain, using the blending tool...

the star turned out like this...

I used Claudine's studio black gesso to create the chalkboard...

just write your menu...

the chalk cleans off easily with a moist paper towel...

I painted 2 layers of gesso on the dimensional sign board base...

and let that dry...

the art parts top & bottom trim pieces 

can be inked and stamped with any background stamp...

OR...

they can be covered with patterned paper...

OR...

they can be painted to fit in with any decor...

OR...

they can be quickly stained with any distress stain color...

LOVE the silverware...

I think they're stinkin cute...

I added the word MENU with tim's alpha parts...

but there are LOTS more options...

you could easily make it a MEMO board,

 instead of a MENU board...

a fun place to write little family messages...

OR...

 to doodle on...

you could also add the recipients name instead...

after I glued the star in place, the lightbulb went on...

just a bit too late...

DUH...

that drives me nuts...

think about this...

add a magnet under the star & another on the signboard top...

then create an embellishment for each season...

the magnet would make it super simple to change 

& customize it for each holiday...

or any gathering...

add a heart...

add a gift (for a birthday celebration)...

add a flag...

add a flower...

add some fall leaves...

add a Christmas tree...

add a monogram...

there are lots of fun options...

my next one WILL have interchangeable accents...

it would be fun to give this for Christmas...

then send a card each season and 

enclose a new accent for the top...

I have all sorts of goofy stuff planned to write on mine...

menu?

reservations...

or...

whatever YOU make...

or...

I LOVE carryouts...

or...

if I ever do cook...

I'll write

take it or leave it!

since it's Monday night football...

here's our menu...

I hope this quickie project has inspired you to...

make art!

wendy

ps...I DO make a mean salad! lol...