Create a Living Wall

If you look up “Living Wall” on Google, it will tell you a lot about how to hang your plants vertically. So right away, those who know me, already know this post has nothing to do about gardening. {If there was an opposite of a green thumb – I would have it!} So, what IS a living wall? My version involves writing.

A living wall is a space in our house that my kids and I can draw or write notes for each other. We call it LIVING because it is constantly CHANGING and evolving as we grow and write new things.
So where is this beautiful space? Maybe not where you’d think…


Normal kitchen cabinets on the outside…




Our Living Wall on the inside!




This really is a simple project, as well. Last summer I remodeled my kitchen. One touch I added was chalkboard paint to the inside of my pantry cupboard!


BEFORE:

Plain inner cupboard. {Okay, this is the opposite pantry door, I guess I was too quick with the chalkboard paint! But they are identical doors – guard rail and all.}




To make the chalkboard cupboard, WHILE THE CABINET DOOR WAS OFF IT’S HINGE, {trust me – ever try spray painting around your pantry? Not fun.}

1.  I taped off the entire raised border around the inside of the door and covered what I could with plastic. {Spray paint can be tricky and I didn’t want it getting anywhere on my white door!}

2. I spray painted the chalkboard paint in the center of the door. I recommend 2-3 coats. I used 2.
And the end result was a chalkboard cabinet!



AFTER:



Originally I envisioned this chalkboard cupboard as a cute shopping list area. I’d mark things I needed as I used them up, and keep chalk handy in my pantry. I actually did use it that way for a while… but…

I have two boys. Boys are like chalk MAGNETS {I think they can sniff it out!} so once they discovered the chalk it was no surprise they got crafty too {hey, it IS in their blood} and started ‘adding’ to my shopping list. Every day I was constantly finding new notes and drawings on the chalkboard and it wasn't long before I was writing little notes back to them.

And thus our living wall was born!


Sometimes we write thoughtful notes, or favorite bible verses {see left} and sometimes we draw silly pictures. {right}



Sometimes things get erased quickly and sometimes they stay up for a looong time – note the Happy St. Patrick’s day! I guess they liked my Shamrock! But always, our notes create memories.





This week my boys are visiting their dad. They’ll be gone 11 days, just in time for school to start. Sooo, I erased the whole chalkboard.
I know.
It kind of made me sad actually. {I’m so glad I took a picture of it!} But now, it’s ready for the new school year!



I’m looking forward to all the new notes and pictures we will add this year!

What I love about this project is that you can create a living wall anywhere in your home – on any wall, picture frame or space! I’m even thinking of starting one in my classroom for my students to add favorite quotes and ideas. How about you – where would you put a living wall?