Thursday, April 15, 2010

DIY Time

It is high time that I share this project with you! Here's my chalkboard - I'm going to do a little show and tell DIY for you... that's do-it-yourself for you non-abbreviators. :)

This chalkboard can be used in your kitchen for grocery lists or menus, by the door for reminders, in your craft space for brainstorming, or in your bedroom for love notes :) Sky's the limit - but my chalkboard is for our kitchen.

To begin, take a thrifted picture frame, the more ornate the better. Even if you tend to lean towards clean lines, I promise you'll like the finished project when you use an ornate frame. Remove the backing and glass - the glass won't be used in our project - save for the future, or discard.

frame - before

In a well ventilated area (I went outside) lay your frame on newspaper. Spray your frame, taking good care of the nooks and crannies, with spray paint, preferably a gloss or a semi-gloss. I like Krylon, which you can buy at any big box store, such as Walmart or Canadian Tire. Follow the drying time instructions on your paint, and do a good three to four coats - you want to have a nice glossy finish.

frame - after

Now, take either your frame backing or a piece of plywood cut to size. Spray or paint with chalkboard paint - don't worry if the wood isn't smooth, after a coat or two, it will be :) I didn't get to photograph this step because it was kind of yucky out, but make sure to do this outside. Chalkboard paint is super strong. This also needs three or four coats.

Reattach or nail the two pieces together. This can be hung with a picture hanging kit from the dollar store, or your frame may already have something on the back. Place on your wall and enjoy!

final product

I hope you liked this little project!

Happy Thursday!

3 comments:

  1. this is magical, katie! i totally want to do it :)

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  2. Wow...can you believe I bought two old frames today, one without glass or a backing! Now I know what I'm going to do with it because I already have the chalkboard paint! Thanks Katie! This is the first time I've seen your blog, I'm sure I'll be back!
    Love, Gwen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good luck, ladies - it`s so much fun!

    ReplyDelete

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