guest post::crafty ave!

Today we are starting a new series for the Christmas season that will feature some fun guest bloggers who will be stopping by with a few holiday inspired guest posts - and here is our first post from Crystal at crafty ave! I am so excited to have such lovely and talented ladies taking part!

I was so happy Mandi invited me over and I decided to share a little DIY that's been in my head for the past few weeks.

One of the best things about this little idea is that it's a great way to repurpose some of those free mugs you may have laying around.

Materials: one or more mugs,painters tape,exacto knife,chalkboard paint,newspaper

First decide where you want the chalkboard to be. This may depend on your mug and what you're trying to cover up. Then put your painters tape on the mug. For the quote bubble, I covered the area in tape then drew a quote bubble shape and cut it out around it with an exacto knife. Then removed the tape. Put some newspaper into the mug to protect it from paint.

Next is the painting. Go by the directions of your paint. In my case it was necessary to do two coats in order for it to work as a chalkboard.

When both coats of paint are dry remove the tape. Some paint may have bled through.

That's okay, take your exacto knife and gently scrape off any paint that shoudn't be there.

Almost done. For the next step refer again to your paint instructions. Most will say you have to "prime" the chalkboard by putting an even layer of chalk on it. I get my chalk wet by wrapping it in a papertowel then rub the stick of chalk over the chalkboard until I get even coverage.

Next. Have fun. Write a message. Wrap a bow around a piece of chalk and throw it in someone's Christmas stocking.

Crystal