Easy Thrift Store Chalkboard

At Christmas (I know, this is a little late!) we exchange names among my siblings for gifts. I drew my sisters name, and we both have a passion for all things Jane Austen!  So I was searching up ideas, and came across this book which I never got to read but I heard from her that it's a fun book:

The Jane Austen Guide to Life: Thoughtful Lessons for the Modern Woman

See, she just moved out on her own, so who couldn't use a little Jane Austen advice on life?!  

I also thought I wanted to make her a chalkboard (there, I finally got around to my point!) for her new place.  Who doesn't need a chalkboard.  They have cute ones out there on sale, but I was on a budget for this Christmas gift so I had to work magic to stay within that budget.  

I searched the thrift store and came across this old calendar box for $3.99!

Have you ever had one of these calendar boxes in your house?  Or do you still??

I picked out a pretty blue acrylic paint that I already had on hand, and coated the entire board except in the middle where I was going to put the chalkboard paint.

Next I found this recipe to make chalkboard paint on pinterest:

I cup of acrylic paint + 2 Tbsp grout.

I cut this recipe in half for my project and had lots!

Did you know that you can buy chalkboard paint in the store. $8 for a tiny can, or you can make it with a few supplies on hand!

After painting the chalkboard paint on I waited for it to dry, and rubbed chalk all over it to break it in.

Here it is:

I did my best at making fancy chalk letters.  Not as easy as others make it look!

Does this quote make anyone else smile?!  

I think it is such a funny line especially the way Tom Hollander says it!

What a cheap project to make:

Calendar Board: $3.99 (thrift store)

Acrylic Paint: Free (on hand small craft paint tube)

Grout: Free (on hand)

TOTAL = $3.99

So, will chalkboards go out of style soon?  It seems like they are everywhere!

And yet, I still don't have one in my house...