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Picture-frame Chalkboard




Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



I love this project, and if you have an unusual or fancy frame it can definitely have the WOW factor too. Scour charity, junk shops & car boot sales for cheap pictures or mirrors with great frames that you can give a new lease of life to. Once it's hanging on your wall I guarantee all your friends will want one.



You will need:



Picture/mirror frame complete with backboard
(if the frame does not have a backboard you will need to cut a piece of MDF to fit)

MDF, pencil, jigsaw & sandpaper
(if you need to cut a new backboard)

Various tools
(each frame is different - you may need a screwdriver,
hammer & panel pins etc, depending on how the backboard
is attached to the frame)

Newspaper
(to protect the table/floor while painting)

Paint suitable for your frame

Blackboard paint

Paintbrushes

Chalk

String/ribbon & staple gun
(optional - may be needed for hanging the frame or attaching a piece of chalk on some string/ribbon)



Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard




What to do



1. Disassemble the frame and carefully dispose of the picture & glass or mirror insert.

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



2. If the backboard is missing or in poor condition use the frame or old backboard as a template, draw around it, cut a fresh backboard, sand the edges smooth & wipe with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust.

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



3. Optional - Place the frame on some newspaper and paint the frame (following the instructions on the tin, and applying a base coat & extra coats of paint if necessary).

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



4. Place the backboard on some newspaper and paint one side with the blackboard paint (read & follow the instructions on the tin), leave to dry.

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



5. Apply 1 or 2 additional coats of blackboard paint leaving to dry between each coat.

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



6. When everything is dry reassemble the painted backboard in the frame (I've fixed the frame in place with panel pins and gummed art tape).

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



7. Hang the framed chalkboard on the wall, stand back and admire your work.

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard



Here's the frame before and after:



Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard





...and finally, here's an old brass mirror that I gave the chalkboard treatment to: (sorry about the fuzzy first picture.)

Things to make and do - Picture-frame Chalkboard




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