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Lost-n-Found Interesting found objects find new life as objets d'art. From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-501

(Continued from page 2)

Amazing chalkboard paint is the key to turning a plain cupboard door into a message board that’s sure to become the center of activity in any home.

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Message Center

Message Center

Materials:

large cupboard door
sandpaper
blue painter's tape
water-based primer
roll-on chalkboard paint
two colors of high-gloss latex paint
paint tray
small paint roller
wall-mount soap holder
miscellaneous hardware such as drawer pulls, hooks, cabinet doorknobs, etc.
screws
drill with various-sized bits
heavy-duty picture hangers
picture-hanging wire

1. Turn the cupboard door over and nail a triangular wire hanger to both sides of the frame, close to the top (figure A).

2. Attach hanging wire to the hangers by threading the wire through the triangle of the hangers, leaving a large tail on either side. Wrap the tail back around the wire to create a taut hanger (figure B).

3. For a more rustic finish, sand the finish off the edges of the door. For a polished look, sand the front surface of the door. Apply primer and let dry (figure C). Apply the first color of high-gloss paint to the edge of the door.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

4. For a beveled door, such as demonstrated here, when the edge of the door is dry, tape it off with blue painter's tape. Apply a coat of the second color of paint to the recessed portion of the door (figure D). Let the paint dry before removing the painter's tape.

5. Pour chalkboard paint into a paint tray; use a small paint roller to apply the paint to the center section of the door (figure E). When the first coat of paint has dried for 24 hours, apply a second coat.

Figure D

Figure E

6. Mark where drawer knobs, handles, hooks (for cleaning cloths) and a wall-mountable soap dish (to be used as a chalk tray) will be placed. Predrill holes and screw in hardware (figure F) (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

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