Creating a Chalkboard
I have a fascination with chalkboards erected from antique items. Maybe it’s the writer in me, but there’s something that lights up my soul when I encounter the written word beautifully lettered onto a chalkboard that shows the “wisdom” in its imperfections.
I decided to create a chalkboard using an old frame I had stored in my spare bedroom. I knew I wanted to use a larger frame for the project because I envisioned using it to anchor my mantle.
Here’s a list of the materials I used in my undertaking:
- An antique wood frame
- Miss Mustard Seed’s Hemp Oil and a lint-free rag
- A sheet of pressed wood from Home Depot, cut to fit my dimensions
- Chalk Paint (I had a can of Gliddens on-hand from a previous project)
- A Screwdriver and wood nails
I started with the frame, hoping that by giving it a coat or two of Miss Mustard Seed’s Hemp Oil that it would bring the wood back to life.
The transformation amazed me. The wood soaked in all the oil, and in its place, I was left with a frame that showed off all the richness of its deepened, moisturized hue. I laid it aside for a few days while I turned my attention to the chalkboard portion of things.
I took the pressed wood and painted it with the chalk paint, carefully following instructions. Chalk paint instructions vary by manufacturer. Be sure to read for information pertaining to how long to wait between coats, how long to let it cure before writing on it, etc.
Before the appropriate curing time had been reached, I did decide to go ahead and affix the pressed wood to the frame from behind using wood screws. Here’s where I need to make a confession: I didn’t exactly do this part right. Make sure you don’t shoot from the cuff like I did. Verify that the area you stick your screw into actually goes into the frame rather than sticking out awkwardly from the front. Thankfully, you have to get really, really close to take in this error.
Admittedly, I let it sit on my mantle for several months before I got around to lettering. Basically, it was good and cured. You can see what it looked like pre-lettered by reading about my patriotic summer decor.
It turned out beautifully. I can’t wait to find new verses and quotes for it as the seasons and holidays change.
