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
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
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! š
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!