DIY Chalkboard

Picture frames are coming out of my ears, so I decided to get creative for my friend’s bridal shower. For her shower, I’m in charge of prizes! I’m so excited! 🙂 Using Pinterest as my inspiration, this is what I created:

I started out with a plain wooden frame, like the one below. (This isn’t the actual frame I used. I realized I forgot to take a ‘before’ picture when I was finished spray painting, sorry! :/)

Using Valspar spray paint from Lowe’s in Satin Churchill Hotel Vanilla, I painted the front and back of the frame. I think this was $3-$4.

Using a rather thick bristle brush, I painted the glass insert of the frame – about three coats – using chalkboard paint, also from Lowe’s. This type of brush left brush marks in the paint. Personally, I liked this look. If you want a smooth finish, I suggest using a sponge brush or a high quality, thinner bristle brush.

The chalkboard paint was more expensive than I expected, about $15 for one quart, but I barely used any of it. This paint will last many, many, many more projects!

After the frame and glass dried, I put them together and was so disappointed! It looked so blah and boring. Don’t you agree?

I didn’t have any scrapbook supplies that would work to embellish this frame, so I headed to Michaels and found some flowers for $5. After adding those to the frame with a hot glue gun, I was pleased. I also considered distressing the frame a little, but decided against it. I’ll save that for another project, I suppose. Here’s another look at the finished product!

The cool thing is not only can this be given as a prize at a bridal shower (or baby shower), but it can also be given as a gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, etc. This would make a great teacher gift, too. These chalkboards can go anywhere! Use it in the kitchen to list ‘today’s menu,’ put it in a child’s room for him/her to have fun with, place it on a table in the entry way to greet guests with a nice message, the list goes on! I think I need to make myself one now :).

Supplies:

  • Picture frame with glass
  • Spray paint
  • Chalkboard paint
  • Paint brush
  • Decorative flowers (or whatever you choose to embellish your frame with)
  • Hot glue gun

Let me know where you put your chalkboard!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *