DIY Magnetic Chalk Trays

**Disclosure: I received a gift card from Goodwill SA for the thrifted supplies in this project. I received no direct monetary compensation for writing this post. I've also included some affiliate links if you'd like to purchase supplies online.**

I'm not the first person in the world to put chalkboard on trays, but after finding a stash of vintage metal trays at Goodwill last week, I new it was meant to be. Check out how easy it is to make them!

The two main things you'll need are some chalk board paint and a paint brush. I've had my can of Rust-oleum chalk paint for ages--a little goes a long way and it's perfect for so many projects (like this sign or vase).

I used about a one-inch thick brush and free handed around the edge. You could tape off if you want, but that just adds another step. Having a wet rag at hand makes it easy to wipe away any mistakes. And you'll probably need a couple layers--make sure you let them dry in between.

After your paint is dry, you'll want to condition it with some chalk. Simply rub on and wipe off. Follow the directions on the label for how much time to leave between each step (I tend to fudge things a bit).

And now you have some magnetic chalk trays! These are perfect for kids' play or using as a fancified serving tray. I've made a bunch of these that we'll be using at our Etsy Craft Party this week!

Poor Mama's Pesto Recipe

Hi there, and welcome to my first recipe post! In all the years I've been blogging and sharing project ideas I've never posted a food how-to. And I actually rather enjoy cooking (despite what my husband might think--it's the dishes afterwards that I hate). We do most of our cooking from scratch, mainly because it's usually cheaper, but it's also healthier, too. We also love to grow some of our own food (you may have seen our herb and vegetable garden around Instagram).

So, to celebrate summer and keep things simple, I'm going to share one of my favorites, homemade pesto. I'm naming it Poor Mama's Pesto because you don't need any expensive pine nuts to make it!

If you have basil growing in your garden you probably have aplenty right about now. And if not, it costs about the same to buy a new plant as it does to buy the herbs at the grocery store--and you can grow them in a pot on your patio if you don't have a larger garden.

The basic ingredients you'll need for my homegrown pesto are:

• Basil--lots of it
• Olive Oil
• Garlic
• Parmesan
• A little bit of salt and pepper

I'm not big on measurements, but you'll need about a ratio of about 4 parts basil to 1 part parmesan, and add the olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste/texture. The more olive oil you add the smoother your pesto will be. And I like mine to have a bit of a kick so I tend to go a little heavier on the garlic.

There's no need to chop your basil or garlic into little bits. Just make sure it's washed or peeled, add all your ingredients to a food processor or blender and give it a whirl. Give it a taste and add more ingredients as needed. You really can't go wrong with pesto (at least as far as measuring goes), I'm sure there may be people who cringe reading this, but hey, that's how I like it and it works for me. I'm just here to encourage you to give it a try!

Pour yours into some pretty jars and freeze or refrigerate until you're ready to use it. Pesto pizza is a favorite around here! Do you have any other favorite ways to eat pesto?

Thrifty Excavations

Did you know that once upon a time I wanted to be an archaeologist? I did a year of independent study way back when in high school, and even went on a real dig and got my hands dirty and everything (I have the pictures to prove it!). But spending hours bagging and cataloguing tiny remnants of artifacts wasn't really my cup of tea. You know what is, though? Thrift store shopping. And it's not that far from archaeology if you think about it. And I get a much bigger thrill out of excavating through the aisles and uncovering incredible artifacts (and sometimes really weird ones). Here are the findings from my latest expedition:

I can never resist a handmade apron. Pretty soon I'm going to need a closet just for my collection. Does anyone else here still wear them?

Some bright and pretty placemats--perfect for Fiesta-filled San Antonio.


A couple of fun book finds, (these are affiliate links in case you'd like a copy for yourself, too) Oops by Arthur Geisertand French Women for All Seasons.



Some gorgeous linen napkins. I can't tell if these are handmade or not, but they're super cute. Too bad there were only four.



And the best find of the day? An original by Leona, of course!




My heart swooned when I spotted the embroidery stitches peeking through the linen racks. I've never seen stitching like this and knew I couldn't leave them behind. I think they may have been intended as placemats, but I'll probably use them as napkins--for special occasions, of course!

It's always heartwarming to find handmade items on my excursions, although it is a little sad that someone gave them up. But it's wonderful being able to give them a second home.

Looking for some thrifty inspiration yourself? Check out these resources for going on your own thrift store dig:

10 Common Thrift Store Finds and What to do with Them

7 Things to Shop for to Decorate on the Cheap

5 Things You Should Always Buy from the Thrift Store

Happy thrifting friends!

San Antonio Craft Party

It's that time of year again! Etsy's annual Craft Party is just a couple weeks away and I'm teaming up with Spare Parts to host this year's party here in San Antonio. I had so much fun hosting last year, and can't wait to do it again!

This year we'll be having it at Geekdom, San Antonio's collaborative work space for techies and entrepeneurs. We'll have tech-themed make and takes, refreshments, and even a DJ! So what do you say, are you in? (Psst, it's free!) Sign up on Eventbrite!

Recent Makings

Whether it's testing the latest Pinterest project, coming up with our own wacky ideas, or even cooking dinner from scratch, we're makers at heart here at the Maker Mama house. Here's what we've been making lately:

An embroidered dollhouse bed. I attempted to work on some embroidery with Eleanor for this one. She was all for it at first, but was soon frustrated to tears (poor thing). So I stitched most of it up.

We also made one of these drawstring coin purses together. It's super-cute when you cinch it together, and much easier for little hands to help make.

 

I've also been on a bit of a pizza kick lately, and it's all because of this wonderful no-rise crust recipe. I double it so it comes out extra puffy. It's SO good.

We also tried our hand at making Lego prints over the weekend--and homemade stamp pads to use with them!

What have you been making? And are you on Pinterest? I'd love to see what you're pinning!