Last month I received the most amazing surprise on my doorstep!  It was from Martha Stewart Crafts and it was filled with the most inspiring paints, stencils, tools and ideas.

Opening this box felt like Christmas morning!  Thanks, Martha!

I just couldn’t wait to dive in.  Limiting myself to one project was nearly impossible, especially when the theme for this project was Halloween.   This is what I came up with– I hope you love my Halloween Inspired Chalkboard using only Martha Stewart Crafts!

This was my first project using  Martha Stewart Crafts Chalkboard Paint in the fabulous shade of grey.  I wanted to create a spooky entryway and I loved the idea of writing a Halloween message for all my fall guests to see.    I also loved the idea of a grey chalkboard rather than the typical black.  I already had two thrift store art frames in my basement that I wanted to re-purpose, so I was off to a quick start.

These frames were pretty old, so I did have to cover them with black spray paint prior to adding the chalk paint.  I used spray paint designed for trucks (called Bed Liner).  I think that stuff is amazing. You don’t have to sand or worry about imperfections as the thick adhesive coating covers every little scratch, ding and chip.  I love that it has a hint of sparkle and adds a ton of texture to the frame.  It was the perfect fix to this imperfect frame.

Adding the Martha Stewart Crafts Chalk Paint was simple.  This particular frame had plastic, rather than glass, and it was a bit dusty from being the basement.  I simply cleaned the plastic with a glass cleaner.  Once dry, I evenly applied the chalk paint with one of the brushes Martha Stewart Crafts provided.  It took 3 coats, but I love the result and the color.

Once painted, I was ready to add a spooky verse or poem.  I have the WORST handwriting, so I knew I could not do this part of the project freehand.  I was grateful to find some transfer paper in the wonderful box of Martha goodies.    I already had a Halloween sign, and I personally love the font styling so I felt it would be perfect to copy onto my new chalkboard.  My kids also love this sign as it tells you to “smell my feet.”

What little boy would not giggle over that kind of talk?

Transfer Paper allows you to copy images and fonts perfectly from one sign onto another.

I have never used transfer paper before and I am sad to say I have wasted countless hours erasing, re-writing and erasing.  Martha Stewart Crafts Transfer Paper is amazing!!  It made this part of the project so quick, easy and stress free.  I didn’t have to worry about my atrocious hand writing as I could simply copy and paste.

You can see how the transfer paper left faint markings on the board, now all I have to do is go back and fill it in with chalk.

I love the wording on the frame, but it only took up a small portion and didn’t look like I wanted it to.  I  needed to come up with a plan “B” and fast.  Back to the box of goodies Martha sent me.  What would fill up the frame without taking away from the wording?  Check out this great rick-rack/chevron stencil I found:

Here is the final product.  I embellished the board with a handmade burlap flag banner and some creepy spiders, and I LOVE the end result.

I have to point out those bat stenciled goblets and gold pumpkins at the bottom of my photo.  I told you that I would not be able to stop at one project:).  I absolutely loved working with the Martha Stewart Crafts and the Sticker Stencils were no exception.

The sticker stencils are AMAZING~

These goblets and bottle took me less than 30 minutes to create and it cost me less than $6.00.   Each glass cost $1.00 at my local dollar store.  That cool bottle was store bought sparkling lemonade that I found at HomeGoods for approximately $2.00.  I served the lemonade at my fabulous 30-Something Fashionista Party (check it out here) and saved the bottle because of that super cool top.  I think the goblets and bottle combined would make a fantastic hostess gift set.  Maybe include a cool Halloween inspired cocktail recipe like my Spooky Orange Creamsicle Cocktail.

{Click HERE for printable recipe}

Lastly, I painted some small pumpkins using Martha Stewart Crafts Gilding Paint in silver and gold.  I have to say, that stuff is powerful and gives you a lot of bang for your buck.  I barely used anything and covered 6 small pumpkins.  I also love the metallic colors which will carry over to my fall dining room tablescape this Thanksgiving.

Look for these on my Thanksgiving tablescape!

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the wonderful things that Martha Stewart Crafts made possible for me this Halloween.  Please note that I received these products via The Blueprint Social (www.theblueprintsocial.com) for this post, however, the opinions are 100% my own, please find my post disclosure HERE.   I sure enjoyed this campaign and want to thank Plaid, Blueprint Social and Martha Stewart Crafts for this opportunity.

For more great projects please visit Martha Stewart Crafts on FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND PINTEREST.

Amy will be back tonight to announce the winner of the Organizing Giveaway!

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