Sunday, April 22, 2007

Easy Weekend Project - Framed Chalkboard

This is the first installment of "Easy Weekend Project". I'll probably start listing these on Friday, though, because it just makes more sense.
I'm also still not sure of the title, that may change if I think of something more clever.
All of my projects are quick and easy because...(1) I live in a very small house and don't have the room to keep a project "set up" for any length of time, (2) time is always a factor, and (3) I'm an ADD crafter. I can be very focused in other areas of my life, but when it comes to crafting, I have the attention span of a 4 year old.

So, here it is... A Framed Chalkboard (told you it would be easy)

You may recognize the frame as the broken one I found in the closet during spring cleaning. See below for the Before Picture. My wonderful husband cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to fit the opening:
Then several light coats of Chalkboard spraypaint. Helpful hints: Wear a latex glove, I still have a black fingernail. And choose your outside location carefully (see photo below).
After the paint has dried, place in frame and secure with picture tacks. Mine was one of those old magazine holders?? that hinged open. But since it was broken, I simply removed the hinges and screwed it closed from the backside. If I need to repaint or if I want to replace the chalkboard with a piece of fabric in the future, its easy enough to undo.To hang, I inserted 2 eye-screws (screws with little circle tops) and I threaded a long, skinny piece of fabric through the holes and tied in a bow.I have mine hanging on the wall of my dining room. My hubby and I can leave each other messages, write our To Do or Grocery list, or display a favorite scripture for the week.

24 comments:

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

That is very cute! I love quick & easy projects & this one is useful too. Great idea!

Rhoda
Southern Hospitality

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

Oh my gosh! I came over to visit since you left a comment on my blog and went browsing on your site. While there looking at all of your gorgeous fabric...I am thinking...this looks so familiar...I have been here before. Then I clicked your ebay auctions and realized you are ubusmom! I am heather*prettylinens!! I don't know if you remember me from the NAVT board? I am so glad to see you blogging! You must show pictures of that mantle headboard you have!!

I am going to add you to my favorite blogs...will be back to visit you often!

Heather

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

by the way, love that chalkboard! So cute!

Alison said...

What a lovely idea. I will steal it the first chance I get!

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for visiting.
Of course, I remember you, Heather.
So nice to see you here, What a lovely blog you have.
:)

Randi said...

This project is great!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

That's so pretty, Kim! How clever! I have a couple of old frames around here that would be great for a little chalk board. Thanks for the inspiration!

PurpleFlowerFairy said...

cute! cute! cute! i love it =) lucky you to have such a handy hubby!!! debbie

PAT said...

Cute idea! I think I might give this a try!

Pat
Back Porch Musings

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Hi, I just found your blog through a comment you left at another. Love that project, it's pretty and useful. I love the idea of a weekly easy project. I have a small house too, so I try not to leave stuff out that I'm working on, so easy projects are great!

Jen Kershner said...

What a wonderful project! I will be back for more!

cindy said...

your blog is so cute! i like your projects so far, too! i'm almost afraid to look at your fabric site! (serious fabric junkie here!)

Jessica said...

Hey! Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that you did a great job on your quick and easy chalkboard project! And I know what you mean about attention span for projects, Im the same way! =)
Ta Ta for now!
~ Jessica

monique said...

What a wonderful idea!
It's a beautiful chalkboard.

Anita said...

Cute idea! Looks wonderful

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Love your chalkboard!!! I have been wanting a chalkboard for my kitchen and couldn't find one that I liked. I did find a large picture frame that I told my husband I wanted to turn into a chalkboard...he thought I was crazy. Now I can show him that I'm not...lol!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and posting a comment. Please come back any time...I'll be back again soon!

Niki Fretwell said...

Thanks for the tutorial. Your chalkboard turned out perfect. (Except for the bird poop!)
I have a few vintage frames waiting for a make-over...

I love fabric too!

Mrs. Jones said...

Cute project. I did the same with a broken frame and cork. I may have to do a chalkboard now too. Looking forward to seeing future easy projects. Thanks!

Ragged Roses said...

What a wonderful idea! thanks for visiting my site and your comments - hope your peony flowers soon! Love your blog will visit again, Have a good weekend.
Kimx

Darcy said...

Too cute....really! The color of that frame just pops against the black of the chalkboard. And the ribbon is such a sweet touch. I'm going to have to keep my eye out for old picture frames at garage sales! :)

Marilyn in NM said...

I love this framed chalkboard. The color is so great! I'll have to try a similar project with a frame I just broke. It's an old Home Interiors frame but it would look good like this. Thanks so much for the idea!!!!

Sugar Bear said...

This is an awesome idea! I have an old frame that I painted light blue and distressed. Its been sitting in my basement ever since because I wasn't sure what to do with it. Now I know!
Karla

Jennifer Paganelli said...

girl I am with you on this one....this rocks...I am addicted too!! I'll link up to you soon....great blog..looking good...what is it about fabric that makes us swoon so....

Unknown said...

It's gorgeous! Your projects are so great! I really, really like it very much - the ribbon, the frame, the color. It's so great.

allie
www.mycozyhome.typepad.com