The Chalkboard Paint Project…WRITE ON!

A DIY UpCycled Wooden Door w/ Chalkboard Paint

by Joni Neckrent of Pop Art Mini’s

Today was the day that I decided to join the creative chalkboard paint brigade and “chalk” up my own idea for a up cycled chalkboard that will hopefully become a fun little spot for creative fun, lists and other inspiring bits of information.
I purchased an old wooden door frame at a flea market a few months ago and had been using it in my fairy garden. Needless to say it didn’t take long before the wind and elements took a toll on the inside framework and I was only left with the outside frame. Instead of throwing it out I decided to keep it around thinking that someday I would have a use for it.

Remembering my recent chalkboard blog and creative ways that others had turned ordinary objects, walls, refrigerators and even doors into chalkboards I decided this would be the new purpose of the remaining door frame. So, I got my husband to cut the plywood inserts and with a little chalkboard paint and roller in hand began the transformation. The finished chalkboard is pictured below!

Project Step by Step

Step 1 – Cut the plywood to fit the inside frame
Step 2 – Prime the plywood (I just used some latex paint that I had leftover from another project and it worked great. There are also primers that you can buy)

Step 3 – After the primer coat is dry apply coat 1 of the chalkboard paint – Let Dry
Step 4 – I put the panels in the sun and they dried super quick…probably not recommended by the maker’s of the paint, but I can sometimes be a not so patient crafter…like always! hehehe
Step 5 – After a total of 3 coats of chalkboard paint (my choice…the directions call of 2) with some quick drying time in between I was ready to tack into the frame.
Step 6 – Using 3/4″ and 1″ tack nails I placed the plywood boards inside the frame and nailed into place.
Step 7 – The plywood that my husband cut was actually in two pieces so I took one of the frame pieces (that had fallen out earlier) and cut it to cover where the two wood pieces met. It actually made a perfect ledge to hold a piece of chalk…imagine that! 🙂
Step 8 – I added some little signs that I hand painted with some fun graphic words for a little inspiration!
Step 9 – Since it’s the holidays I couldn’t resist topping off the chalkboard door with a touch of greenery and some candy canes.
Step 10 – I added a little basket that can hold extra chalk and the eraser . . . hung on a little nail. I think I will eventually get a screw in cup hook for this, but for now the nail works fine!
Step 11 – Grab some chalk and add a message!
Step 12 – Sit back and SMILE!

So that’s my “chalkboard project” and I must say I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out!

WRITE ON!

Joni says,  “I have always loved art! Creating it, viewing it, experiencing it and at one time even teaching it! The teaching part seems like a long time ago, but still a part of my life experience and I carry so many wonderful memories of the days in the classroom teaching grades 7-12. My current favorite medium to work in is oil pastels. “Pop Art Minis” was a ‘just for fun’ project that I started after taking a break from my fine art roots. It has become my new art-venture and has given me renewed energy to create and make my art a BIG part of my life! So as much as my art is my passion and joy and I work on it as often as I can I also have a fulltime job as a Product Development Manager for Charisma Brands. Charisma is a manufacturer and distibutor of Collectible dolls. I have the fun and creative job of working on the design, styling and production for all of the doll lines that we produce. If you get a chance check out all of the wonderful dollies on our websites.”

Joni’s  Zazzle Shop

Joni’s Etsy Shop

Joni’s Candle Shop