Crafty Girl {Chalkboard Frame}
It’s time for another quick and easy craft tutorial from the cottage! This is a project that I actually completed just after we moved last summer. I was in need of a chalkboard to write to-do lists on in my office. Realizing that I had leftover chalkboard paint from the fridge project (that’s a story for a future post!) and extra spray paint from the repainting a metal headboard, I decided to make my own chalkboard using a garage sale picture frame that was lying around. Sounds crazy right? [I blame my insanity on the stress of moving and starting a new job simultaneously] I had my doubts too, but I figured I didn’t have much to lose! Turns out that the results were outstanding!! Here are four simple steps to make your own chalkboard.
(1) Find a Frame | Any frame will work for this project. Choose a size that will fit the space you have to hang your chalkboard, and make sure that if the frame is missing the glass, you have a piece cut at your local hardware store. I picked up this relic at a garage sale for only a buck, because I was in love with the ornate details.
(2) Add Some Color | If you aren’t in love with the color of your frame (I just wasn’t digging that rusty yellowish gold hue), coat it with an even layer of spray paint. I chose to use flat paint because a) it was what I had sitting around the house, and b) it went well with the flat texture of the chalkboard paint.
(3) Chalk it Up | Use a small foam roller to paint the piece of glass with several thick coats of chalkboard paint. I did 4 or 5 coats, and allowed plenty of drying time. It is recommended that you wait 3 – 4 days before writing on your new chalkboard surface. Patience isn’t a strong point for me, but I survived the wait! Once your chalked up glass is fully dry, place it in the frame, and use a piece of chalk to “charge it”. You will use the long flat side of the chalk to cover the entire surface, and then use a wet sponge to clean it off. Once it’s dry, your chalkboard is ready for use!
(4) Hang and Admire | Find a spot for your new chalkboard, and hang it as you would any picture frame. Scribble notes, to-do lists, or doodles, then stand back to admire your handiwork!
Total Cost = $15 | Frame ($1), Chalkboard Paint ($10), Spray Paint ($4).
As I mentioned, this project could not be any easier! Perfect for a kid’s bedroom, office, or entryway. Also, consider making a chalkboard as a gift for a friend. Include a few sticks of chalk tied with a pretty ribbon for a lovely, handmade present. Happy crafting!
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Friday 6, 2009
Such a nice project and great explanation. I would not have known to just paint the glass. So smart. Thanks for the great tips.
Friday 6, 2009
Very cute idea! I’m keeping my eye out for an old frame! I’d love for you to visit my blog CHC at http://coolhomecreations.blogspot.com.
Friday 6, 2009
Love this idea! I have an old frame that is needed a little paint and I think I will have to turn into a chalkboard for my craft room
Friday 6, 2009
I love it! That is a very cute idea. I can’t believe it when I can find a great $1 garage sale item. Thats usually the most I want to pay at a garage sale. I love the design on that frame too!
Friday 6, 2009
Just came over here from Young House Love and am in love with your chalkboard and your blog in general – both are so pretty! Great project and easy instructions, thanks.
Friday 6, 2009
I came here from Young House Love, and I think your frame is great! But here’s a strange question…what color are the walls in your photos? I LOVE it and am looking for a color for my living room. Any details would be appreciated! Thanks!
Friday 6, 2009
Great project! The design of your blog and photography is beautiful!
Friday 6, 2009
Great work! I just made-over a bulletin-board and now I’m already thinking of a place where I could stick in something like this! I love your blog and you’re style! I have to ask where you found the dried cotton stalks?! They are beautiful!
Friday 6, 2009
Hi again. Just wanted to let you know that I’m planning to include a link to your project in my Sunday blog roundup at http://www.TheDesignFile.net. Thanks again.
Friday 6, 2009
What a gorgeous frame! I’m going to keep my eyes open for one in my travels now. Glad to have stumbled across your lovely blog!
Friday 6, 2009
Super cute!!
Friday 6, 2009
Thank you all for your kind words!
To answer a couple questions…
Mandy, the paint color on this wall is “Summer Lake” by Dutch Boy. I brought the chip to Home Depot and had it mixed using Behr paint. I love this color because it’s cool and subtle, while still feeling rich and saturated.
Caitlin, the cotton stalks are from an art gallery in Duluth, MN called Waters of Superior. They have the most fantastic faux botanicals! I am not sure who their supplier is, but next time I head up there, I will make sure to ask and see if they are offered anywhere else online or otherwise.
Lesley, thanks so much for the inclusion in your blog round-up!
Friday 6, 2009
Wonderful DIY idea! If you don’t mind, I’d love to share it with my readers next week
. So crafty!
Friday 6, 2009
Morgan, you are more than welcome to share it with your readers!
Friday 6, 2009
I love this! its so soothing and beautiful to look at, and . On a side note I really love the cotton blooms in the jar. Its so darn charming! Where did you find them?
Friday 6, 2009
I love this!! I came from YHL a couple days ago and I’m taking my time going through your archives. BTW, I’ve already purchased a frame to create my own chalkboard!! Thanks for the step-by-step tutorial
Friday 6, 2009
Hello Bethany!
Love this idea… in fact I’m right in the middle of the project with one coat of paint on my glass! I could only find the spray on chalkboard paint… hope it’ll work OK? It also said in the instructions to sand any surface that was ‘glossy’? I didn’t sand it… as you didn’t mention that. Do you have any thoughts/opinions on needing to sand, or not?? I picked up a cute frame at Goodwill for $1… is a fairly small one that I’ll use on my counter top in the kitchen:) Thanks for your great blog!!
Friday 6, 2009
Navya, the cotton blossoms are from an art gallery in Duluth, MN. Unfortunately, they don’t have a website!
Mollie, I did not sand the glass, but just slapped on a few really thick coats of chalkboard paint. It might have made a difference that I was using the paint out of a bucket instead of a spray can. But I think as long as you put enough coats on, so it’s good and think, you should be fine!!
Friday 6, 2009
YAY!!! so excited to have stumbled upon your blog, ♥ this post and all the others
Friday 6, 2009
I’m definitely going to try this.
1. Do you think the spray can version of chalkboard paint works as well?
2. I guess you didn’t prime the frame before painting. If you want a transparent white I guess you should sand the frame and use a white stain???
Thanks
Friday 6, 2009
Steve, I have never used chalkboard paint in the spray version, but I think it would work just fine as long as you do enough coats! I did not prime the frame at all… just painted right over it. And yes, I would sand the frame first and then do a white stain, and maybe do a bit of sanding with a fine grain paper AFTER you paint it to let the wood show through. Hope this helps!
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[...] inspirations is like playing a game of hopscotch. Get ready for the jump! Noting the items in this great DIY post on b*spoke blog, he riffs not unlike a Beat Poet: “Spray-painted garage-sale frame holds [...]
Friday 6, 2009
Hi bethany – was searching for some chalkboard inspiration – here found
Thanks! I hope you don’t mind if I share via my blog?! 
Friday 6, 2009
Thank you for this!! I am going to make this one of my first projects…now I need to find a frame!
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