I've been seeing a lot more 'chalkboards' in design magazines & online. I admit I LOVE this trend so much I had to get one for myself. BUT I didn't want to go out & buy one (usually have to get it custom made) so, I decided to do a DIY- with a little man power on the painting and sanding! Anyhow, the wood I used was a 2'x6' laminated piece of pine that cost me $18 at Home Depot. I then used black 'chalkboard paint' by Rustoleum (comes in black or a choice of 12 other colors). The end result is in this photo below hanging in a corner area of my kitchen!
My results weren't as smooth. It would've been smoother if I had used liquid nails & glue a sheet of HDF (high density fiberboard) to the top of the pine board. Then paint that instead of the wood. But, In the end, the way I did it, saved me $$$ & still looks pretty good don't you think ???
*(This photo above was my initial inspiration).
P.S. I couldn't resist, I had to have the Union Jack smacked onto it. My boy, Danny wanted to be in this shot as you can see.
* I also bought this cute vintage framed chalkboard from Blue Bell Bazaar on Etsy. This one will go in my office so I can write all the things I need to do! Great way to 'NOT' waste paper!
So, what do you think about this chalkboard trend? Would you place one in your home? Do you think it would be beneficial in anyway to you?
Aww, I love yours, especially the animal names! I have a huge framed chalkboard in my house and I use it daily. I posted about it awhile back, along with a how-to.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.oneprettything.com/?p=150
LOL! I just realized that you already know about that post-you commented on it! =)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea you've used! Very cute. I have a chalkboard in my kitchen which I thought I would use all the time to write my shopping list etc on. I barely ever use it. It gets used more by friends coming over who feel like they need to leave me lovely little messages. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE it! You guys did a fabulous job even down to the bright union jack! I'm so glad you posted picks (and info. on the wood & paint) and so cute how you put the dog bowls under it! Thanks so much for the mention as well!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend!
I love it! You did a great job. I think that Danny agrees, too! So cute. :o) I love your framed chalkboard. I've been trying to be patient and wait to score one from that shop as well!
ReplyDeleteI love this chalkboard trend. Yours is gorgeous, a job well done!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel, Yes I remember seeing it. It was one of the many chalkboards I've seen online and have inspired me to do my own...! Glad you like, thanks! :)))
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel, Yes I remember seeing it. It was one of the many chalkboards I've seen online and have inspired me to do my own...! Glad you like, thanks! :)))
ReplyDeleteLiana,
ReplyDeletethank you!
I think you can ask the ETSY shop owner for Bell Bazaar to place you on her mailing list. That is how I snagged that pretty vintage chalkboard with frame.
ALL THINGS LOVELY,
ReplyDeletei hope i i end up using mine...ha! Its also nice to find cute little notes on there from friends though. : )
I love it!!
ReplyDeleteWell done Jen,your chalkboard looks great! Now got me thinking to get one for my home!!! ;-)
ReplyDeletei have had a can of chalkboard paint for 4 months and a wall in the kitchen...thanks for the nudge.
ReplyDeletei am thinking that this weekend is the time to do it!
peace.
This is a great idea... I need a chalk board for my to do list right away!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, I love how you got a really log one!
Rowan x
Very cool. I also couldn't resist having a couple in my house http://canberrasgotstyle.blogspot.com/2007/12/behind-curtains-with-ninaribena.html
ReplyDeleteone is a little one in the entry hall where I keep my keys and handbag, great for reminders as I walk out the door. And the other is for the kids - a DIY - I used 2 CD bookshelves facing to the sides, then used MDF front and top, painted chalkboard paint, then also installed a paper roll in the gap between the bookshelves (behind the black board). It's wonderful, very multi purpose and is also a nice display mantle!
One in your kitchen will be so useful, think menu planning, daily planning etc. Nice one!
I love the idea of having a chalkboard and I think the two best places for one are a kitchen and an office. I do agree that it is an excellent way not to waste paper! Wonderful Post!
ReplyDeletelove what you did! it looks fantastic! i feel inspired to create one of my own :) thanks for the d-i-y lesson! have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome! Great job! I've been thinking of doing something similiar for our home office, thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHey Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteYup, I actually did put myself on the mailing list. Just waiting with my fingers crossed! :o) I can't wait to see new photos of your office with your framed chalkboard in it!
I love the chalkboard trend!! Especially seeing it in the kitchen. My friend has a wall in chalk board above her sink and around the window in her kitchen, it's really cool and very practical.
ReplyDeletehi lovely - it looks great. my plan was to do a similar thing - mdf chalkboard on the back of my kitchen island. but seeing as i'm not having an island now, i'll paint halfway up a skinny wall for the babies to draw on while i slave away over the hot stove! i don't think it's a trend that will go away too quickly - it's so handy and cool and easy to do!
ReplyDeletex
www.renovateanddecorate.blogspot.com
www.minimeez.blogspot.com
i like the trend too and i'd love to have one like yours with the white ornate frame... great find!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job!!! I'll do the same
ReplyDeletehttp://htbijoux.blogspot.com/
i am completely obsessed with chalkboards...a little embarrassed to admit that we have at least five in our house.
ReplyDeletep.s. just bought and framed your love poster for my baby's room...it looks great!
Jen, love this! Totally adorable and very crafty. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the DIY =)
Damn you are one crafty chick! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI love chalkboards! I have a couple in my home, one down at the cabin and a couple in my classroom. I even painted the front of my teacher's desk with chalkboard paint for the kids to write jokes on or just draw. You may think that a classroom would come with chalkboards but most just have whiteboards these days!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Super cute! Nice work!
ReplyDeleteMelissa
I love your chalkboard!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't believe I just came across your blog and this post. I've wanted a chalkboard in my kitchen for a long time but couldn't bring myself to spend the $$ for the one I wanted (I also want mine to be much longer than it is wide). So a couple days ago I started building one for myself! I'm using a thin piece of board that I had leftover from another project. I hope mine turns out as good as yours! I do have a question for you, though --
How did you hang your chalkboard? My board is thin (about 1/4"), so I'm having a hard time figuring out how to hang it.
Hi Libby, thank you so much and glad you found my blog. : )
ReplyDeleteAs for the chalkboard, just attach a couple of 1" by 2" pieces of wood on the back with liquid nails to separate it from the wall and it will also make it stiffer. Hope this helps and good luck!!