Chalk Paint Re-Do...

As I was reading blogs one day I came across a wonderful post by Kathy of Creative Home Expressions and I was smitten right away. Her blog post title that day was "Knife Block Makeover" and it really spoke to me.  I have a knife block and love how functional it is but I have never really liked the look of it.  When you visit Kathy and see hers you will understand why I loved it.  So out came the jar of Annie Sloan's chalk paint in Paris Grey that I already owned from a previous project. 

I gave my knife block a coat of paint.  Then I gave it another coat just for good measure.  I don't know about you but my hand is not very steady when I put those sharp knives into their respective home slots.  I expect to get dings and marks over time.  Ahhh..."character".  I am old enough to appreciate "character" when it happens...like dropping a can on my wood floor...that tiny dent is now "character" and I am very accepting of it instead of freaking out like I used to do.  Life Happens!
After my two coats of chalk paint I put on a coat of Annie Sloan wax.  Then I got out my stencil and with simple acrylic craft paint I stenciled a flourish on the side.  Oops the first side got messy.  Instead of chalk painting it over I decided to lightly sand my stenciling and I liked that look.  So I did the very same stencil technique on the opposite side.  Now my block is not the same as Kathy's.  I have rounded edges so I decided no paper for mine.  I kept it simple with the stencil. 

Another coat or two of wax and Viola.  To the front I affixed a T!m Holtz frame with the word "Knives"...just in case I forget what I have in my newly painted block.  Mr. C was very skeptical but I do believe he likes the end result after all.

Here it is sitting on my kitchen counter and looking beautiful if I say so myself.  Thank you Kathy for the inspiration.  Hmmm...now what else can I chalk paint or alter?
Take a look around and see what you might be inspired to change with this simple and quick idea.
Our weather is continuing to be glorious.  The skies are clear and blue and the daytime temps are in the 70's.  Pollen season is over so the windows are open and wonderful fresh air is plentiful.  I am still cleaning and finding dust in places I guess I don't clean that often.  Reno photos soon I promise. 
Joy and Creative Bliss...