Make your own chalkboard
Hello folks! It’s one of those cold weekends in Cape Town so I’m keeping myself busy by researching and doing some small DIY improvements around the apartment. Found something pretty nifty on Pinterest again and of course I’m going to share with it y’all. But that’ll come in a little bit. For now, we need to start at the very beginning.
Like chalkboards? I do. The pic below is of one I ‘made’ a few months ago. I think it’s rather pretty, actually.
I found this really hideous brass photo frame at a garage sale (it’s the very same one you see in the picture above, believe it or not). I think I paid just R20 for it at the time – aah, yes, in Muizenberg somewhere (or Muizies, as I like to call it). It was rusty and shockingly dirty in some places, and the picture inside the frame was actually a piece of patterned silk that had clearly seen far better days. I really liked the curves of the frame but was somewhat nauseated by the grimy, dirty brass – in the end I decided to take it anyway and just freshen it up a bit.
It’s ridiculously easy to make your own chalkboard. If you’re lazy and have a few little people (kids) around, make them do it. They’ll have fun while keeping busy and you’ll get something cool out of it. Here’s how:
1. Find an interesting frame, platter or kitchen tray.
2. Clean it thoroughly and lightly sand down any rusty or uneven areas. Wipe it as clean as you can get it before you start painting.
3. Paint the frame/platter/kitchen tray in any colour that tickles your fancy. You’ll probably need 2-3 light coats and don’t forget to prime first! Light coats of spray paint would be ideal and saves a lot of time but you can also go the normal route of the handy paintbrush and can of paint.
4. Paint the inside of the frame or the backing board with 2 or 3 light coats of chalkboard paint. This comes ready-made at any hardware store, but usually only in the standard black colour.
Okay, so here is where it gets really exciting! You don’t have to go with the stock-standard, black chalkboard paint anymore. You heard me right, good people. You can now make your own chalkboard paint – and in any colour you want. Here’s a handy how-to in a picture:
So, there you go – find something pretty and chalkboard the crap out of it. Then, proceed to scrawl a cheesy quote or message on it. Like so:
Here are a few other ideas and pictures for inspiration…
Source: re-nest.com via Amy on Pinterest
Source: umla.tumblr.com via Minttu on Pinterest
The herb pot idea is a real winner, it’s just so practical and simple – and rather good-looking too. And if you have loads of fresh herbs lying around as a result of your crafty DIY shenanigans, here’s a clever herb preservation trick for you (a way to make them last and keep their freshness for cooking).
You’re most welcome!