“The project that would never end …”
or
“How I almost lost my self-anointed status as favorite aunt …”
or
“Why I should keep my big fat trap shut at holiday gatherings … “
When you look at the finished product, a family command center …
… you’ll think it looks pretty straightforward, right? You might be underwhelmed …
… a whiteboard, cork board and chalkboard trimmed out with some door molding.
Stuck on the wall with some command strips and liquid nails …
But this project had more “oops” moments than Brittany Spears.
Now be forewarned …
You might want to settle in. Pour yourself another cup of coffee. Or glass of wine. This is not a short story. More like a novella.
It started out simple enough. Thanksgiving 2011. I’m enjoying a lovely meal with lovely company at my niece and nephew’s lovely new home.
And then I open my big mouth …
“This wall would be a great place to create a giant chalkboard. You know, we could paint some magnetic paint first. Then chalkboard paint over it …… and then trim it out with molding. You know, custom made so it looks built-in …
… and then I could blog about it.”
I want you all (with a special shout out to my nephew) to remember that I said chalkboard… using chalkboard paint … with some molding to trim it out …
A week or two passes and my niece sends me an email. Can we work on that project I suggested on Thanksgiving. Only can we include a whiteboard too. And a cork board too. And can we get it done before Christmas?
Of course, I tell her. No problem, I confidently respond. Before Christmas? Absolutely I assure.
Oops.
I pull some images. Research some materials. Successfully travel to the burbs all by my lonesome without getting lost so we can measure and level and tape out design options …
… and shop.
Brainstorm #1 involves self-adhesive cork board we can cut to size, whiteboard paint, chalkboard paint, magnetic paint and three 18 x 24 canvasses …
… you see, our very first ‘oops’ is the self-adhesive cork board. It’s like 1/16ths of an inch thick so any thumbtacks pushed through would leave holes in the wall …
Our solution was to attach it first to a canvas. The other two canvasses would be painted with a coat or two of metallic paint, followed by either whiteboard or chalkboard paint. That way all three command center mediums … cork, whiteboard and chalkboard … would be equal depth.
We picked up pre-primed MDF door trim from Home Depot and decided to attach it backwards since the thicker ‘outer’ edge lined up perfectly with the canvas edge …
… you know, for that custom, built-in look …
It was a perfectly good plan. I felt confident. That is …
… until my nephew nixed it. He was worried the canvasses weren’t sturdy enough.
Oops.
Brainstorm #2 involved Masonite. Sturdy yet lightweight. Cut to size at Home Depot …
… but the Masonite didn’t play well with that skimpy 1/16” self-adhesive cork. The thumbtacks would not penetrate the Masonite …
Oops.
Brainstorm #3 involved attaching the Masonite to the canvasses already purchased (and painted by my niece) …
So I started measuring and cutting the trim …
… and now we had a new ‘oops’ to deal with …
… with the Masonite attached to the canvasses they now extended above the trim. It looked sloppy and …
Oops.
Brainstorm #4 (and my brain is really, really hurting at this point) involved shims …
… and lots and lots of caulk.
Phew.
Now we were ready to rock and roll …
… or so we thought …
Before attaching to the wall (using command strips for the Masonite topped canvasses and liquid nails for the trim) my niece had the very smart idea to test out the magnetic paint and whiteboard …
Oops.
The whiteboard paint didn’t wipe perfectly clean. You know, the way whiteboards are supposed to … you could still see the faint outline of the whiteboard marker. Over time, that whiteboard would be more like a mash-up of purple- and blue- and pinkboard …
Brainstorm #549 involved purchasing an actual cork board and actual whiteboard from an office supply store and disassembling from the frame. The first combo cork and whiteboard I scored from Office Depot – that, amazingly was our exact 18 x 24 dimension for $30 -- wouldn’t let go of it’s frame.
Oops.
Damn those quality made products …
Luckily the second combo cork and whiteboard I scored from Office Depot gave it up like a five-dollar whore …
… and certainly not in a single day … but over multiple days and multiple weeks, we finally commanded success …
My niece had the brilliant idea to paint the wall behind the family command and message center an amazing shade of navy used in their ‘circular’ living-room-turned-play-room …
Cork and whiteboard up top for mom and dad …
Chalkboard down below for the kids …
In the end we showed that family command center who was really in command …
… and now my self-anointed favorite aunt status is no longer in jeopardy. In fact, I think my niece and nephew may be getting ready to make a formal and very public announcement about it any day now …
P.S. Here’s our very adorable assistant ‘b’ …
Who, upon spying my camera, insisted I take many, many pictures of this …
Love you to pieces ‘b’ …
Have you heard about Linky Followers? If you follow me leave a comment and I'll follow you back ...
Linking up:
Between Naps on the Porch
Thursday
Momnivore's Dilemma
The Shabby Creek Cottage
House of Hepworths
Passionately Perfect
No Minimalists Here
Thrifty Decorating
Delightful Order
The 36th Avenue
Somewhat Simple
The Frugal Girls
The Charm of Home
My Simple Home Life
Beyond the Picket Fence
Between U and Me
Friday
The Shabby Nest
French Country Cottage
Chic on a Shoestring
Common Ground
At The Picket Fence
Stuff and Nonsense
Remodelaholic
Addicted 2 Decorating
Whipperberry
2805
504 Main
Five Days ... Five Ways
Tatertots & Jello
I Can't Stop Crafting
At The Picket Fence
Weekend
Funky Junk Interiors
Lolly Jane Boutique
Sisters of the Wild West
I Heart Naptime
Flamingo Toes
Homemaker on a Dime
Homemaker in Heels
Keeping It Simple
Lolly Jane Boutique
The DIY Showoff
My 1929 Charmer
It's So Very Cheri
Nifty Thrifty Things
Ask Anna
Under the Table & Dreaming
And linking up here ...
Savvy Southern Style
Sometimes the easiest things turn out to be the most pain in the you know what!! But it looks great and functional. Especially like the white on top of the navy!
ReplyDeleteHey Auntie, Great story- glad it all worked out and looks good too!
ReplyDeleteLove it, you've done a fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteLove the title of this post...sometimes those easy projects are the darnest!
ReplyDeleteIt's always so frustrating when an easy project turns into a nightmare. But look at it! That is a pretty awesome command center, if I do say so myself. Congrats on getting it done! I'd love to have one of those in my house!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out so great though, what a fantastic way to use that space! Thanks for the follow!
ReplyDeleteIn spite of the sore brain you must have had by the time brainstorm #549, the command center wall came out great! I really like the navy blue wall (kudos to your niece for that idea :-), and the layout of the boards is just right for adults & kids.
ReplyDelete{Thanks for your comment on our railing makeover - I kinda love the railing too :-) There were LOTS of brainstorms taking place over the course of the 5 years that it took to build it!}
Well, despite all the hassle, the end result is fantastic! Great Job! I'm following you on Linky and would love for you to follow me, too! Thanks!
ReplyDeletesara @ applestonedrive.blogspot.com
well it was all worth it to have a command center like that! :)
ReplyDeleteThis project may have been a hassle but the finished product is just fantastic. I love the white molding on the black chalkboard paint.
ReplyDeleteTraci
Looking good! Loving how organized you are!
ReplyDeleteYou are too funny. Even with all the troubles the finished result is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, even if it did take much longer and was more work. Most of my DIY projects are like that, and I don't always stick it out till the end.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic...found you through Janet at House Four. You are very good!
ReplyDelete"and my brain is really, really hurting at this point"
ReplyDeleteROFL!
The finished product is so very nice.
Kudos. And, thanks for letting us learn through you!
I have a project that never really worked. It's so close, and cute, but I'm not really happy with it. It was a simple coat rack - mudroom style, using clearance Pier 1 thingies.
(Which involved me spray painting in the Chicago winter, at night, in my PJ's. I digress. It's Jan 31, 2011's post if you want a laugh.)
Anyway, I really want to re-do it. Hubby says NO! You see, it's done. (You don't re-do projects, apparently.) Being only married a year and a half, I didn't know that rule. Course, he doesn't know that It's. Not. Right.
I'll be re-doing it. And, learning from my mistakes. And, I think he'll love the finished product. :)
Just found you and am now following through the Linky Follower! Hope you will stop by and follow back:)
ReplyDeletehttp://too-much-time.com/
Following you via the LF blog hop. Hope you can follow me back. :)
ReplyDeleteFound you through Linky Followers blog hop. Hope you'll come for a visit and consider following.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project! Don't the best ones take the longest time? I think you're super aunt now...
ReplyDeleteHey, did I ever tell you I'm a linky follower too? I think I did but I've lost total track and was looking at your comment on my blog going "hmmmmmm" so I thought I would come by and make sure. I am. I was. And that command center is pretty spiffy...even if it was a big pain!
ReplyDeleteLMAO..... sorry I find all your opps so funny, but not near as funny as five dollar whore!
ReplyDelete~Bliss~
Oh I so feel your pain. Our little replace the fridge and get new counter tops for the kitchen turned into a full gut job. Ahh to have had just the five dollar version but now we got the pretty woman expensive make over.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog- new follwer on both ways to follow.
tammy
Bahahaha...warn a gal when there is a zinger coming like "Giving it up like a $5 whore"!!! I laughed, choked, and spit pop on my laptop. I thought I may have had a laugh piddle (almost like a sneeze piddle) but realized I spilled some of my pop in my lap.
ReplyDeleteOh btw the final project looks great!
I am now following you on Linky.I would love it if you followed me back. I really enjoy meeting new Bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI love a good story (especially with a GOOD ending) as much as a great project. This was both. The finished product is super!
ReplyDeleteOh my, sounds like an experience I would have lol. I'm glad it finally turned out, looks really nice =) I'm following your through the new Linky! love to have you visit me.
ReplyDeleteDo you feel like you have climbed Mt. Everest? The Mt. Everest of projects....that should have been your lead :) Seriously....this is all over pintrest and little did I know it was yours (well....your niece's)....but really....your project!
ReplyDeleteblessings,
karianne
Don't you love the "easy" projects that turn into mind-numbing bouts of torture??!
ReplyDeleteIt still turned out great, though!
Hope you get a chance to link it up this week (if you haven't already...haven't started going through the links yet).
You rock, Linda! : )
Great job on the command center! Just stopping by from the Linky Party Hop. I hope you will visit www.laughterandgrace.com and follow back.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Found you via the Linky hop and have become your newest follower. Looking forward to reading your future posts. Hope you have a chance to visit and perhpas follow me back.
ReplyDeleteThis may have taken a lot more time than you thought, but seriously think of all the time it will save you from now on. Everybody's info aka crap corralled into one space. Plus it looks great.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that what seem like the simplest projects end up being so challenging?!?
ReplyDeleteLOL! I just love knowing that we DIY'ers are in it together...good, bad and "oops"! :-) Thanks so much for sharing this story, with a very happy and beautiful ending, with us at Inspiration Friday!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
Your family command center came out awesome! I wish I had space for something like this. Thank you for sharing this at my simply creations link party!
ReplyDeleteOh my, so glad I had my glass of wine for this. What a great result, in spite all of the oops moments!!
ReplyDeleteKarah
Awesome! I love this, pinning!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I need this so bad!!! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteHope you'll link this up to our first ever linky party! We're partying now!
http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/2012/02/spotlight-saturday-1-our-first-linky.html
-Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Well, at least it looks pretty now! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great project thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to come link this up at my Tuesday Time Out Party!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/2012/02/valentines-day-tuesday-time-out.html#.Tzp_eJjlyGc
Smiles,
Melanie
Reasons To Skip The Housework {The Blog}
Tinker B Boutique {The Shop}
It's been awhile since a blog post made me laugh like that. Love your sense of humor and the command center's not bad either. Kidding...I love it! Great job.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this!!! My party just started...I would LOVE to have you stop by and share your projects!!! XO Aimee
ReplyDeleteBut...it turned out sooooo cute!! LOVE the story behind it..kind of giggled with you through it! ;) Stop by and link up!
ReplyDeletewww.uncommondesignsonline.com
That is quite a story - and it has a very happy ending! Love the navy!
ReplyDeleteWow. Funny how simple projects can become so much more. I am thinking about tackling my wall and doing something similar! Thanks for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
www.11magnolialane.com
Oh goodness, that sounds like a lot of work, but totally worth it in the end. It turned out great!
ReplyDeleteIt never fails, the project that you think will be easy isn't, and the one your dread turns out easy! Go figure. Your command center is so cute and so is your sense of humor. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best Par.tay! Now following you on Linky and hope you'll follow back!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! I am having the same issue with my bathroom! I thought it would be so easy, and it has turned into a two week project! Yours turned out perfectly, though! I am hosting my first link party, and would love for you to come link this and anything else you would like to share!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mom4realky.blogspot.com/2012/02/4-real-friday-link-party-1.html
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real
This looks so good. I would feature it, but I did just feature you recently and try to not repeat the same blog to close together. Thanks so much for sharing this at Wow.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up at Gomhp last week .
ReplyDeleteYou were chosen to be featured at Gomhp
http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/2012/02/show-it-off-features-party-11.html
Make sure to stop at this weeks party and link up ...
<3 Brooke
For what it's worth... it turned out to be an amazing project! I always find that the little booger projects that seem to have so many problems turn out the best! No exception here!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful finish product of your place. Really like the design. Great work in there. :)
ReplyDeletePhilippines properties for sale
I'm your newest follower. The project that would never end. I love it. I loved all of your whoops moments. But I have to say the command center looks fabulous in the end. I'm sure your niece is thrilled.
ReplyDeleteWow! It sounds like y'all went through the wringer on this project but I love the way it turned out. It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThe command center looks amazing! Worth the many do-overs. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love your command center. Is your wall painted in that chalk paint?
ReplyDeleteLooks pretty perfect to me. Sending the link on to someone who will love it, too.
ReplyDeleteThis turned out AWESOME!!!! Thanks so much for sharing at my party!!! Can't wait to see what you link up this week!!! Just in case you haven't entered, my giveaway for 1000 full color business cards ends tonight at midnight!!! Glad to be following you!! XO, Aimee
ReplyDeleteThat's how my projects work too.lol
ReplyDeleteLove the results of the command center.