Chalkboards are popular items these days and can be found just about everywhere! They are very easy to make ...so why buy them when you can create your own?
This is a very easy project! All you need is some chalkboard paint, an old or new picture frame, big or small, or use an old piece of framed art ... not a piece of museum worthy or priceless art mind you!
I used my chalkboard for my wine theme display! I just wrote the words "Wine Time" and drew a glass of wine on the chalkboard. I think it turned out pretty cute! And, of course I can erase it and use it again for another message. That is what I like about chalkboards!
~ Easy DIY Chalkboard ~
I used a frame I bought recently, it was only a few dollars and I liked the oval shape of it so I grabbed it up having the idea in mind of making a chalkboard out of it. I had learned earlier while buying some Annie Sloan chalk paint that it could be used for painting over glass. I first considered that, although I wanted to reserve the glass for this frame for future use, and I had already purchased some black chalkboard paint from the craft store for this project.
I opened the frame, removed the glass and paper layers, and decided I would simply paint the inside of the back cover of the frame. I had thought about cutting out a piece of thin board using the glass as a template, but I decided I didn't need to take extra steps when the inside of the back cover seemed all too perfect to use instead. I love shortcuts!!
If using an old print or piece of framed art, and it's smooth, you could paint right over that, too!
If using an old print or piece of framed art, and it's smooth, you could paint right over that, too!
I painted three coats per the instructions, which recommended each coat be painted in a different direction, allowing time to dry between each coat. I used a foam brush, and 'craft smart' chalkboard paint that I found at the craft store. There's a vast amout of chalkboard paints available, whether a spray type or bush-on type, just follow the directions on the type you choose.
Pretty simple, quick, and easy! And, that's about all you have to do to make your own chalkboard!
But, before use you'll need to prep or condition the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk over the entire surface, simply lay a piece of chalk on its side and it will cover the board fairly quickly, then wipe it all off with a chalkboard eraser or paper towels. If you don't do this step the board will look as if it can't be erased, causing a ghosting effect of what written on it the first time! If that does happen you may need to re-paint your board, which is an easy enough fix!
Happy Crafting!...
