Happy Friday! I have a quick and easy small chalkboard easel made out of cabinet doors. Make one for you, for the kids or both!
A long time ago I picked up a LOT of small cabinet doors from my local ReStore for $1 each. Be sure to check the bottom of this post for the other items I’ve made with these doors.
Do you remember Mindi’s project using old picture frames to make a portable chalkboard? After I saw that project, I knew my cabinet doors would be perfect to make a small chalkboard easel.
I gathered my supplies. I chose two of the $1 cabinet doors, and some Heirloom Traditions Chalk Type paint in Basque.
After painting the cabinet doors with the Basque Green paint I used Heirloom Traditions Clear wax to seal and protect my paint.
I used brush on chalkboard paint on both of the $1 cabinet doors.
I added a hinge on the left and on the right to make my 2 new chalkboards into an easel. This is a really simple process if you remember to drill pilot holes first. They are short/fat screws, pilot holes are a must to keep from splitting your wood. (ask me how I know) Sometimes I should read my own tips. 
Don’t you think this green is the perfect shade for My Repurposed Life?
I have used Scrabble tile trays as chalk trays a lot over the years. Because these chalkboards are small, I cut one tray in half. Using Ā½ of the Scrabble tray on each side of the small chalkboard easel seemed like the best way to go.
I secured the Scrabble tile trays with Gorilla Wood Glue. I used two small pieces of rope—secured with my Airstrike stapler to keep the easel from opening.
Small Chalkboard Easel (Easy DIY from cabinet doors)
I keep this on my kitchen counter next to my stainless steel utensil holder and knife block, but to make it portable for the kids, you could add a rope handle like Mindi did on her picture frame easel. (note: I spray painted that glass container 8 years ago, and it still looks perfect)
These two projects were also made with those same doors. ABC Toy Box, and DIY Planter.
Do you think you might make your own small chalkboard easel out of cabinet doors? Or picture frames like Mindi did?
gail
see more cabinet and cabinet door projects here
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.
Mindi
This is so cute! I love how you can put it on the counter and it is small enough it could be used for SOOO many things! And yes, the green is perfect for your color! I may have to make some I have so many from that stash my friend gave me....love it! š
debbiedoos
That is a super cute idea Gail! I have contemplated actually doing this on one of our cabinets. I think the hubs would kill me though lol. I love this project.
Bliss
I have two frames sitting at my feet right now. I need a small sign I can put out by my mudroom door to alert family and friends at certain times to use the front door. I can't believe I didn't think of using one of the frames till now.
Patricia
I was just thinking the other day... about my recent DIY chalk board ...And I have another birthday girl in August... I'm thinking something like this might be great for her! (maybe bigger doors) I like the idea of an easel, rather than wall mount. They live in an apartment.
So to answer your question-- DOORS.
Patricia
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Great way to use those doors, I wish I could find some for $1! Those must be quite small to fit on your counter? I still LOVE your ABC toy box, it's awesome!
Meari
What a cute idea! I also like your painted knife block and matching utensil jar.