A Thrifty Globe Makeover

I've been waiting a while to do a little something with this thrifty globe I spotted a few months ago. I absolutely love its original form, but I'm not really a world traveler or a collector of vintage things, so it doesn't fit into the aesthetics of our home very well. Since chalk-boarding is my obsession this year, I knew I'd have to chalken up this pretty find too. 

[PIN IT]

ONE: Find an awesome globe at a thrift store. I saw this baby at Goodwill for $3 and had to make it mine. A good rule of thumb: If you ever see a globe in a thrift store, buy it...especially when it's under $10!

TWO: Give the globe a bit of a sanding. For some silly reason, the globe companies make the mountains mountainous...didn't they know I'd need a smooth surface for crafting someday? If you have an electric sander, that would probably be best, but you can also be like me and use sandpaper!

THREE: Once all the countries are looking tore-up-from-the-floor-up, it's probably smoothed out enough. Great job, girl! Dust that baby off with some paper towels and you're ready for paint. 

FOUR: Using my favorite Chalkboard Paint, I began smearing it on. I left the globe on its stand, so I could easily turn and paint the whole thing in one sitting. I'm sure you can do this a more proper way by adding a glob of paint to a plate, then painting it on the globe. I say, "What a waste," and "These abstract scribbles were fun to make!" 

FIVE: When you're letting your first layer dry, it may look like the worst thing you've ever painted in your life. It's totally fine. So did mine! Let this dry for about thirty minutes (go watch an episode of Gossip Girl) and then paint it again. Then, repeat (paint + tv). Three layers of paint should do the trick.

SIX: Once you've completed all three layers, go and watch some more Gossip Girl. Maybe two more episodes in a row this time. You want it to really, really, really dry. Putting chalk onto wet paint is no good & you'll have to start over. 

SEVEN: Once the surface is all clear, feel free to chalk-it-up all you want. I plan on using ours in the guest room for our friends to sign when they stay with us. Kind of like a guest book for our home.

But, until we get some guests, I guess it will just have to be our jack-o-lantern!

Boo!