Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Chalkboard


As we began to think about homeschooling, I knew I wanted a chalkboard to use. I wanted something that looked nice and was useful as well.

So, in my typical project-loving fashion, I decided to make one!

I purchased one piece of 36x48 bead board at Lowe's. The only reason I used bead board is that it was the cheapest - so the bead board side is on the back!

Then I bought two pieces of trim and had them cut - one cut is free when you purchase them.

I painted the large piece of board with black chalkboard paint. Then I used a mitre saw (thank you, Dad for purchasing this for a previous project!) to cut angles on each end of the pieces of trim.

I spray painted the trim with "oregano" colored spray paint. Then, I used nails to attach the trim to the black board from the back side all the way around. I had one corner that did not meet up very well, so that became the perfect spot to hang my enamelware "chalk holder".

I've already enjoyed having this, and know we will use it for many things in the years to come. My chalkboard cost about $3o including a $10 can of chalkboard paint. I found another same-size chalkboard online for $117 (yes, it was magnetic - but still)!

I have found that just dry-erasing this does not work very well. I need to use a slightly damp cloth to erase the chalk.

17 comments:

Wendi said...

Those corners can be tricky. It looks great!

Michelle said...

Great job on this project, Monica!

Anonymous said...

Love love love it!! I can't wait to hopefully see it next month. I might try to do something similar for Brianna's room

Anonymous said...

Another successful do-it-yourself project! Looks great!
Love you, Mom

*carrie* said...

Monica,

I love how this turned out!

Your "embellishment" on the chalkboard writing reminds me of Anne when she tries to enlighten Miss Brook. =)

sherri said...

Looks beautiful. I've heard that you can use magnetic paint under the chalkboard paint to make it dual purpose but I've never tried it myself.

Jennifer said...

That looks great! I hope to do something similar once we get our dining room/schoolroom redone soon. :)

Gena said...

Really cute! I've been wanting one of those. You did a really good job.

Me said...

To make a new chalkboard erasable, take a piece of chalk and rub it completely over the board, using the side of the chalk. Then erase. From then on, your chalkboard should erase with an eraser. It just needs to be primed.
Love the project! We did our boys closet doors with chalkboard paint. Such fun!

Amy said...

This is beautiful and I love the color you chose to frame the board.

This will be perfect for you when you start your homeschooling. Great job!

3boysmama said...

Great job with the miter saw!

You can make a chalkboard magnetic by painting it with magnetic paint first. I haven't tried it but I've heard that it works! Home depot sells the magnetic paint.

My preschooler and toddler also love to write on little slate chalkboards. I found some at a flea market, but I'm sure you could whip some cute ones up!

Anonymous said...

Your chalkboard looks great. I'm making mini chalkboards with little bows attached for Christmas ornaments to give to friends. Give me a can of chalkboard paint and I can go crazy!!!

Unknown said...

that is so great-i never knew that chalkboard paint even existed! i am not crafty not creative in the least bit. so it is exciting to visit blogs like yours of people that are obviously much more accomplished in those areas than i am! i thought the same thing about your picture with writing on it-looks like anne of green gables wrote on it.

Arlene said...

Great job! It looks fantastic :~)

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

This is just such a lovely idea, Monica! Thank you for these great tips!

I found you through Joy at Joy in the Journey - and found a fellow Mitford lover (I'm on my eighth way through this delightful series!). I'll be back!

Bonnie said...

Very cute! I was planning on making one out of an old picture frame, but while I was trying to justify the can of chalk board paint, I found a chalkboard at the flea market for $5. Can't beat that!
How do you, or anyone else for that matter like chalkboard paint? Is it worth it?

Paige said...

I am loving the chalkboard, I can't stop thinking about it. I think I'd like one in the kids room, one in the hallway, one in the rec room. If you saw my house now you might think I had chalkboard walls because of the LARGE amount of chalk graffiti all over but alas, it is just my little picaso's creative at their art.