So many of you have inspired me by adding chalkboards to your kitchens, that I had to do something in my own kitchen. Well, I thought about it and thought about it. Where could I put a chalkboard in my kitchen… Then I came up with it–INSIDE the upper cabinet doors!!
Don’t look at my messy cabinets!!! Look at the doors!!!!
I thought about getting the chalkboard paint, but I wasn’t sure how well it would work or how messy it would be. So I decided to go with the chalkboard contact paper instead, and let me tell you–that stuff is great! When you get it, it looks like it’s just regular black contact paper. I was certain it wasn’t going to work, and I’ll admit I was a little disappointed. But I read on a couple of reviews that the paper needed to be “seasoned” by rubbing chalk all over it, and once I did that, it worked just like a chalkboard. (It even makes that horrible screeching noise sometime when you write on it with the chalk.)
We’re using the chalkboards to keep track of our grocery list. Every time we think of something we need, we just add it to the list on the inside of the cupboard door. Then, when it’s time to go shopping, the list gets copied to a grocery list. Before, we always said we would keep a list, but it never happened, because we never really bothered to start one. Now the list is very convenient, and there’s no chance of losing the list and having to try to remember what was on it before we go shopping.
Now there was one issue that needed to be solved. And that was where to put the chalk. Of course, I had to find a pretty solution for storing it. It couldn’t just stay in the box, because then we’d never use it, and that would have defeated the purpose. The chalk had to be where it was easy to get to at all times without having to look for it. I guess I could have just laid a stick of chalk in each cupboard, but that didn’t seem very practical. It seemed like it would probably get lost and dirty. I really wanted it to be convenient, but at the same time out of the way, and it had to look pretty.
After scrounging around for something to put the chalk in, I finally decided on using a crystal Partylite candle holder. It’s the perfect size to hold a box of chalk, plus it’s pretty and keeps the chalk dry. I still haven’t bought an eraser, but the terrycloth covered sponge I’m using seems to work great, and as an added benefit, I can just throw it in the washer or wring it out in the sink if it gets too chalky.
I’m really pleased with how they turned out. I had just enough contact paper to line the inside of all the upper cabinet doors. Not only are they practical, but they also look good too!
Oh! and there’s also the added benefit of sometimes finding unexpected love notes!