DIY Chalkboard

They are popping up everywhere. Every modern, organized home seems to have one. What am I referring to? Why a chalkboard of course! They are the next big thing in home decor. If your home doesn't have one yet, then it's time you get one. Or better yet, make one!

Today for "Saw it. Pinned it. Did it", I am going to show you how to make your very own chalkboard frame. This was probably one of the easiest projects I've done lately, However time is key. You don't want to rush the drying process so be aware this is not a project you start and finish within a few hours. You will need a full 24-hours before you have an end result. But trust me, it will be well worth the wait.

Step 1: Gather your supplies. You will need a picture frame (old or new), chalkboard paint and another color spray paint if you choose to paint your frame. 

I searched the Salvation Army but they wanted $30 for their frames, so I went to Kirklands (home goods store) and found the cheapest picture in the size I wanted and only spent $17 on it. I also chose to go with the spray chalkboard paint instead of the roll on form as it was only $5 vs the $15 for the quart. I also felt this would be less mess and quicker, but it's entirely up to you.

Step 2: Take it apart. I removed the glass and picture from the frame so they could be painted separately. You can paint on a framed mirror if you would like, but that requires taping (something I'm definitely not good at)

Step 3: Paint it! Now the fun part, spray paint the glass from the picture with the chalkboard paint. I also chose to paint the frame white so in between chalkboard coats, I painted the frame.

Step 4: Let it dry. This is where patience comes in. You need to leave everything outside to dry and just forget about this project until tomorrow. 

Step 5: Sand it. I was so excited to see my finished project and begin to immediately use my chalkboard, but was quickly discouraged when it felt super rough. Why didn't it feel like a smooth chalkboard? I followed the directions perfectly! After a quick google search, I found out that sanding it down will give you the smooth finish you expect. Phew! Crisis averted. That is until.....

I forgot I was working with glass and as I was sanding I put my hand right in the middle and leaned in to sand the top. Then, CRACK! I broke the glass. I was sooo close! How could I have been so dumb?! After a mini breakdown, my husband saved the day. He took the picture that came with the frame (which was mounted on cardboard) and decided to spray paint this! (Brilliant!)

Step 6: Put it back together and decorate it! After the broken glass disaster, I let what my husband did dry overnight and the next morning I had my chalkboard! All I had to do was sand it down (wasn't going to break this time) and put it all back together in the frame! Once it was all together, I was so happy. It turned out exactly how I envisioned. Now it was time to put it to use. I am using this chalkboard in my craft room to keep tabs on all the projects I have going on.

Still needs to be hung and displayed properly, but here it is in action!

And there you have it. It really is an easy project to do and cost me less than $30 even with buying the frame. Now I'm going to start hunting my house for things I can turn into chalkboards! Look out!

Linking up with Stephanie and Katie for Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.