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How To: Framed Chalkboard

If you caught the post earlier this week about being inspired by the Pottery Barn catalog but wanting to recreate items on a budget, look no further for this step-by-step on creating your own Framed Chalkboard.

Here is the original inspiration for this post:

Pottery Barn Framed Chalkboard, $99

Here's how I made it work for my house (and for only $14.35!)

Ingredients:
16" x 20" Black Frame with plexiglass (mine was from WalMart - $9.99)
Chalkboard Spray Paint (I used Rustoleum from WalMart - $2.97)
Chalk (WalMart School Supplies aisle - $1.39)
You can use a variety of bases for the chalkboard. I used the Plexiglas the frame came with. After 3 light coats of chalkboard spray paint, it works just as well as spraying foam board, glass, wood, or most other low-non-porous surfaces. 
Take apart the frame and Plexiglas. Wipe the Plexiglas with a lint free cloth to remove any dirt, dust, hair, etc. Place on a covered surface (I laid it on newspaper in the grass). Use short, quick strokes with the chalkboard spray paint to allow the Plexiglas to dry faster without drips or puddles. I allowed it to dry about 10 minutes between coats and applied three coats. 
Over time if you have to add fresh coats of spray paint to spruce it up, just one coat should do the trick. I let the whole board dry overnight in the garage before assembling. I placed the Plexiglas back in the frame just as it came, and applied the backing that came with the frame (so I would have hooks for hanging). 
What originally caught my eye even more than the framed chalkboard was the quote by Julie Child that it featured. I decided to start off with the same quote. Over time, I think I'll apply messages "Happy New Year!" and recipes (Salted Pretzel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies, anyone?). I think it would also look nice with a loose swag of garland and holly berries for Christmas.

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Comments

  1. KristanNovember 25, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Looks great! I think I'll make one as a gift for someone. Thanks for the idea!

    ReplyDelete

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