Hello, lovelies! Today, I’m having fun with cheap frames and sharing how to make a chalkboard! Spoiler alert I know, but yes, I turned them all into chalkboards, but I really had fun redoing the frames!
There are three frames from my current haul becoming chalkboards today:
While the title suggests they are cheap, I mean that I got them for next to nothing!
Would you believe I paid $4 for all three??
In the cart they went!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
To start, I removed all the artwork and any glass from the frames and then I just gave them a quick wipe down to clean them before getting started.
Frame Redo #1
Here is how the first one looked before:
I didn’t really mind this one as is. I probably could have just painted the frame to lighten it up a bit, but this is such a great size for a chalkboard.
Paint
This one got one of my favorite custom mixes. It’s about 40% The Gulf, 40% Duck Egg Blue, and a good splat of Cotton.
I gave it two coats with my Belle Brush which gets into those deep details super easily.
Sand
Then I sanded to distress this one a little using a sanding sponge:
This fine grit sponge doesn’t do heavy distressing, and I liked that for these frames as sanding them too much can take the surface down to a weird white color.
Seal
Then, I sealed with Easy Peasy Spray Wax:
Just spray and wipe..super easy!
How to make a Chalkboard
First, I needed to cut the new chalkboards, and I did that out of hardboard. It’s just like pegboard but without the holes, and I buy it at the Home Depot.
To cut it, I used my jigsaw:
This saw is not as intimidating as most and is great for this purpose. I have the cordless version that uses the Ryobi batteries, but it comes in a corded version also.
I don’t have a fancy cutting bench (takes up too much valuable space), so I just propped my hardboard up onto two storage bins and cut between them lol.
Paint the Chalkboards
Next, I used my go-to chalkboard spray paint from Rustoleum, giving them two light coats:
Season the chalkboards
To season the chalkboards, you’ll want to cover the entire surface in chalk and wipe it away. This is supposed to stop the very first thing you write on your new chalkboard from leaving a permanent impression.
See how I do that AND see how I fancy up the writing with chalk HERE. (It’s a pretty one…worth the visit!)
Install the Chalkboards
Once my chalkboard was ready, I added it back to the frame with my Logan Point Driver:
This thing is awesome if you need to secure chalkboards, mirrors, artwork, etc, into their frames.
And that is how to make a chalkboard!
Here is how Frame #1 turned out:
Simple, but the color is so fun! I need to name it!
The distressing is subtle but helps to highlight the details…
Frame Redo #2
Here is how frame #2 started:
That fancy scroll piece in the center was plastic.
Paint
This one got painted in two coats of Mint Julep:
Secret Letter II Transfer
I pulled out some remnants of this Secret Letter II transfer to add something extra…
Once I had that placed how I liked, I decided to go a step further and glaze it with Whitewash Glaze. I brushed it on and wiped it back off with a clean cloth, leaving the glaze in the details:
See what else I used that transfer on HERE.
The After
Here is how frame #2 looks now:
I added the wording both horizontally and diagonally…
The glaze nestled in the details and lightened up the rest a bit, but it also acts as a sealer.
I covered the the ugly backs in this pretty paper I picked up from Amazon, and I also added these sawtooth hangers to hang them at the top. This paper comes on a huge roll and has a nice weight to it.
Frame Redo #3
Here is the third one before:
Paint
This one was quite beat up with all those scratches, so I decided to go dark and paint this one in Caviar:
Once that was dry, I pulled out what I had left of this Blossom Botanica Transfer:
You can get a ton of smaller projects from this one transfer as it has a lot of separate pieces that can be used various ways.
I added them to the upper right and bottom left corners:
You can keep cutting and layering them any way you like. I made it easier on myself and didn’t let the image go past that beaded trim on the interior there.
I wrapped the transfer over the outer edge though, and then I trimmed any excess with a razor blade.
Burnish away the Halo
I don’t always go back and burnish my transfers with a finishing pad, except on darker pieces when the “halo” around the transfer is more noticeable.
Burnishing a bit with a finishing pad or Redesign’s version, the polishing pad, minimizes that, as well as sealing.
Seal
This piece was sealed with Satin Clear Coat since it was a nice, flat surface and easy to seal with the blue sponge.
The After
Here is what chalkboard #3 looks like now:
This transfer is just so pretty and it comes with the butterflies too!
Here is how it’s wrapped around the edge…
The only bummer about this one is it is a tiny bit warped. I didn’t realize that until I was staging it, but it’s still pretty!
See what else I used this transfer on HERE and HERE.
Do you have a favorite??
I love chalkboards!
This trio of frames can now be crossed off the list!
See them all so far at the links below:
Box Store Bookcase Makeover
Sea Spray Candle holders
$4 Thrift Store Lamp Update
Painting the Smalls #26
$10 Thrift Store Dresser Makeover
French Buffet Lamps Makeover
Painting Furniture with Silk Mineral Paint (The large and curvy dresser.)
TWICE Painted Plant Stand Makeover
Elegant Flatware Box Makeover
Mini Lane Cedar Chest Makeover
DIY Herringbone Tray
Whitewashed Side Table
Sewing Basket Makeover
Louvered Door Cabinet Makeover
Painting the Smalls #25 (SIX mini makeovers!)
Shoe Shine Box Makeover
Metallic Vintage End Table Makeover
I tweaked my back yesterday while stretching of all things, so I will be resting it instead of working this weekend. I’ll be back with a rerun for you…this pretty table I redid for my home office:
UPDATE: See it HERE now!
Have a blessed weekend, dear friends!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Julie A. Henry says
Beautiful as always! This must be the week for back injuries, I hurt mine, my step daughter hurt hers and now you. I hope your feeling better soon. Have a great weekend…Julie
Christy says
Thank you, Julie! Back injuries are the worst! I hope yours heals quickly too! XOXO
Janice Redden says
They are all gorgeous , Christy; I don’t know which one is my favorite – once again, your use and placement of the transfers makes such a difference between blah and beautiful !!
Do you still have the Trailing Trellis and ttgge Botanica transfers?
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janice! The Trellis one has been discontinued, but I do have the Blossom Botanica one here. Have a wonderful day! XOXO
Jackie C says
Beautiful! Your handwriting steals the show every time! So envious 🙌🏼 And that bookcase last week was amazing. Sure hope your back gets well very soon 🩷🩷
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Jackie!! Thank you! I owe that to a student teacher we had in 6th or 7th grade, Ms. Rice. She had the most incredible handwriting, and I practiced long and hard to write as pretty as she did lol. Thank you for the well wishes, my friend! XOXO
Janice Redden says
Oops, I wanted to ask, what do you do with all those glass pieces from the frame-to-chalkboard makeovers? I’ve recycled them, carefully, back to the thrift store (ya never know when an old picture has a broken glass) but I wonder if there’s some other creative idea you have come up with?
Christy says
I tend to toss them as soon as possible, actually. I have kicked one before and cut my toe, so I don’t trust myself with them hanging around my workshop lol, but I love the idea of donating them back!! XO
Bev W says
The black one! Stole my heart! Why can’t you be in Michigan!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Bev!! I wish I was closer for you too! XOXO
Abbe Kemack says
Good morning 🌞
The first name that came to mind for your color, in case you would care for suggestions,😄 is Beach Blue. Anywho, you know I love these colors you concoct Christy.
Warmly,
Abbe K
Christy says
Oh I love that…simple and exactly what it is!! Have a great day, Abbe! XOXO
Nana Diana says
All 3 are just lovely. The last one is absolutely beautiful! xo Diana
Christy says
Thank you so much, Diana! XOXO
MrsSW says
The color of your blended paint is Christy Blue, of course.
The black framed one is fantastic.
Sheila
Christy says
Oh I love that lol! Thank you, Sheila!! XOXO
Cecilia says
Oh no! I hope your back feels better soon! I love the black one but all turned out beautifully. As for naming your blue, “Coastal Vibe” came to mind. It’s gorgeous!
Christy says
Thank you, Cecilia! I like that name, and I really love it too! XOXO
Janice Holt says
First off; I so hate you hurt your back and hope it gets well very soon. Love all three frames and hard to decide which I like best. Maybe the black; but without the transfers it wouldn’t work with black frame and black chalkboard but the transfers make it beautiful. Have a good week-end.
Christy says
Thank you, my friend…back injuries are the worst! The black frame might be my favorite too! Enjoy your weekend also! XOXO
Amanda says
They’re all really cute, but I have to choose the black as my fave! So sorry about your back. Hope you feel better real soon!
Christy says
Thank you, Amanda! That seems to be the favorite. I appreciate the well wishes! XOXO
Cyndi says
I have to say, I love all three of these, but that green one is my fave. 🙂
I sure hope your back is much better soon!
Christy says
Thank you, Cyndi! I just love that green! (& I fixed your name. :D) XOXO
Cyndi says
TY! ❤️
Michele M. says
What a fabulous trio, Christy! They are all three quite perfect. You know how I love black – that was a clever choice and in my opinion the strongest transformation………..and in looking at it I can’t help but think what an amazing mirror it would’ve made, too.
Sorry about your back – probably lifting all those hauls doesn’t help it one bit. Do try and baby yourself so you feel super duper soon. Hugs.
Christy says
Thanks, Michele! Ooh that would have made such a pretty mirror! I appreciate the well wishes for sure…taking it easy today, but it seems to be on the mend! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
So pretty! Love them all.
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
Denise says
That was a difficult question because I love them all. You do such amazing work. However, if I have to make a choice, the “Be Kind” is my favorite. I love the way you wrapped the stencil around the frame — just beautiful. I hope you feel better real soon. Back pain is terrible. Just be easy on yourself and let others wait on you! Take good care. Denise
Christy says
Aww thank you, Denise! That one seems to be the winner…black is just so classic. I’ll take all the well wishes I can get, thank you! I have been taking it easy today and it seems to be on the mend! XOXO
Mary Kaiser says
Oh I love the chalk boards! I love it when you do the transfers on the frames of them. They turned out so cute! I hope your back gets better soon! I just found out today that my daughter is having a girl!! They already have a boy, so it is very exciting to get a girl. So my 13th grandchild will be a girl! So the count is 10 boys and 2 girls, and #13 is another girl! I am beyond excited! Good luck with your back!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! And how EXCITING!!! Yay for team girl!! I am sure the other granddaughters will be happy about that too ha ha! I rested my back today and it is definitely on the mend…I appreciate the well wishes!! XOXO
p says
All the frames came out nicely and will surely get new homes.
But Ohhh, I think the black one is sooo pretty. The transfer is pretty,
but I think your placement and wrap around made it special.
I agree with your comment – it would also be gorgeous as a mirror !
Your mastry of hand lettering is wonderful. I’m so envious.
Hope your back feels better soon.
p
Christy says
Thanks so much, P! It would be fantastic as a mirror. And I appreciate that so much…I had a student teacher named Ms. Rice in 6th or 7th grade who had the most perfect handwriting. I would spend hours practicing so mine would be half as good as hers lol. My back is on the mend, thank goodness! XOXO
Marietta R Walker says
Sorry about your back! I feel your pain, truly and really! I love every one of those chalkboards.
Christy says
Thank you, Marietta! I am on the mend now, but back issues stink for sure lol! XOXO
Sharon Austin says
Love them all! Quick question though; why don’t you buy the chalkboard sheet at Home Depot and save a step? Is this cheaper, or better somehow? Just curious.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! I’ve never seen that at my Home Depot…I’ll have to have a look for it when go next time! XOXO