Chalkboard Picnic Basket

Here goes my first project post! I've been holding onto this "Before" for at least 10 years! I've moved it across four states and kept it in a paid storage unit. Most recently it housed odd spools of Christmas ribbon. Sadly, I didn't stop to take a before picture before transforming this basket into my kindergartner's art basket.

I had actually started a project with this basket right after I first acquired it years ago. I went through a very heavy hand painted wood phase (á la this lovely cheery cherry napkin holder and salt shaker). Fortunately, I have come through the other side of this painting phase and am better for it. Anyway, I had painted the top of this basket white and then taped it with painter's tape so I could paint red for a checkered tablecloth effect. Get it? Picnic basket. Checkered tablecloth. I am sure there would have been some ants on there, too.

I needed something to store my son's art supplies to keep my one year old out of the crayons, markers and play dough. I thought of this picnic basket gone wrong and dusted off a can of chalkboard spray paint. My son loves it and can easily access his supplies. I love the texture it adds to my living room.

Here's what his art supplies were stored in before- one of these green cardboard Ikea boxes. Great for storage, but not so sturdy for carry around by a little one. This is also a Before of my next project- straighten up my beloved Ikea Expedit shelf.

A Lifetime of Befores

I have been mulling over starting this blog for a while. In line with the rest of my life, I loved the idea but did nothing. Today I start taking actions, be they baby steps, at least they're movement.

I feel like I am surrounded by an entire album of before shots. I even see a before when I look in the mirror. I have been inspired by all that I'm seeing in blogland and I am ready to start creating my own afters.

I am going to make a commitment to be as real as possible in my befores. Right now my house looks like something from a tv show like Mission Organization or Clean House. Seriously. But that's a whole other post.

I am going to start with taking part in a couple blog parties. I think the regular posting and party dates will help keep me motivated and gaining momentum. Come back and visit again or follow me to see how it goes! I've got plenty of befores- I'm ready for the afters!