I think we all agree that a chalkboard is one of the best ways to remind yourself of something important. I've become quite dependent on the repurposed cabinet door chalkboard I keep in my kitchen.
Gather some sample paint colors you love
Mix your own chalkboard paint in your favorite color
Condition your new chalkboard
After allowing a couple of coats to dry, I sanded the chalkboard and then conditioned it by rubbing the chalk across the board.
Add your new chalkboard to your best thrift store picture frame
I think this is one of my favorite colors of chalkboard paint. As you can see the chalk shows up just fine.
I love the detail on this frame. To bring out the detail, I actually glazed it with some burnt umber. It seems to pick up the color from the chalkboard.
Don't forget to add a hanger on the back of the frame
As I was trying to put the hangers on this little guy I hammered and hammered and the little brad nail would NOT go in. What’s a girl to do? Reach for a big ole strong gorilla! This Gorilla Super Glue adheres so quickly and strong, it was perfect for this job! I have no idea what this frame is made of, but I don’t think it’s wood!
This chalkboard paint is a very dark brown. The frame was black and I brushed a little brown over it and then distressed it slightly.
I have had this frame forever. I painted it last year and it just sat in the “frame” department in the garage. Finally, I cut a piece of luan to size and painted it with some “mix your own” chalkboard paint. It’s an oops color (almost black).
The silver is rub-n-buff.
I will be selling these at Glendale Kentucky Crossing Days on October 16, 2010.
EDITED TO ADD: I used eggshell and semi-gloss finishes on my chalkboards. They both worked fine. I’m not sure I’ve ever done it with “flat” paint. I really like the semi-gloss. I tend to water mine down with just a tad of water. If you’re a regular painter, you’ll know when it’s too thick.
gail
See other great chalkboard ideas here
Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More
Amanda
Hi Gail! I've included this how-to in a round up on Craft Gossip today
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/9-great-how-tos-for-your-home/ Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
If you would like a "featured by" button, you can grab one here!
http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/grab-a-craft-gossip-button/
Barbara Jean
This should go over great! Never heard of chalkboard powder for making your own boards before!!
blessings
barbara jean
Colleen @ MuralMaker&More
Fabulous idea (selling the chalkboard paint). I'm a big 'kit' person. I'm trying to get my PIY (paint it yourself) kits going, but Life interrupted me for a few months. I'm back at it now though & you've totally inspired me!
Before blogging, I was on HGTV boards too - general decorating. Can't believe most of the gals don't blog, but only a few do. Too bad because I learned so much from them!
Hope you'll stop by tomorrow and link this up to Passion for Paint! Maybe you'll even get some buyers, if you're willing to ship!
Colleen @ MuralMaker&More
Fabulous idea (selling the chalkboard paint). I'm a big 'kit' person. I'm trying to get my PIY (paint it yourself) kits going, but Life interrupted me for a few months. I'm back at it now though & you've totally inspired me!
Before blogging, I was on HGTV boards too - general decorating. Can't believe most of the gals don't blog, but only a few do. Too bad because I learned so much from them!
Hope you'll stop by tomorrow and link this up to Passion for Paint! Maybe you'll even get some buyers, if you're willing to ship!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it's like a science kit for crafty moms! love it! you should sell them!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it's like a science kit for crafty moms! love it! you should sell them!
junkermidge
So glad I live in Timbuktu! I SO want to copy this! Love it! And beat you will have great sales with this one and all your things.
Midge
T. Grasley
Wow, that is such a cute idea! I am actually working on turning an old window into a chalkboard so this was really helpful!
TruWhim
OH MY GOSH! This is so wonderful. My home is colorful so I would like chalkboard paint with some pizazz. I live on the west coast, how do I go about getting one of your kits?
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
This is such a great idea. It looks so professional too! Have you even tried it with anything other then flat paint?
ShellyRaeWood
Gail! Were you reading my mind this morning?? I have been wanting to repurpose some goodies into chalkboards. It annoys me that Chalkboard paint is so expensive and limited in color choices. This is perfect. I have a collection of sample jars too (custom tinted ones, no less) that I bought when HD clearanced their Ralph Lauren paints awhile back. I think your kits a wonderful!! Hope you sell out! Thanks again!! Shelly
MR. GNOMES GREEN BLOG
Wow... that's a great idea to use the gorilla glue, I have had the problem before as well when the nail would not go into the frame I had re-painted... Very nice having a colored board instead of black, very cool
Suzanne
Fabulous idea, as always!
Shannon
This is great! Sometimes black paint just doesn't match the room/look when you want a chalkboard!
I meant to tell you last night that your blog is SO easy to search. I used the project list on the side. Some blogs make it impossible to find past projects, but yours is so easy! I found exactly what I wanted with ONE click.
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
Your kits look great! Very professional looking. i bet they will be a hit at the show.
Proper Prim
Thanks so much for sharing this Gail... I want to do a chalkboard in Mya's room but didn't like the idea of a big black hole on the wall... it is a very large frame...this is the perfect solution. I will be sure to post when I get to it. Good luck with your show I am sure those will all be a big hit. Great job.
Hugs, Deb
Tatum
I keep seeing chalkboard ideas and each time I really like what I see! It must be a sign. I just need to jump in and try it out. Love the frames, they make the chalkboards look classy.
manymomentsofme.blogspot.com
Crafty Housewife
This is such a great idea! I love chalkboard paint (recently learned the joy of it) and I have lots I would love to chalk up!