I don’t know about you, but I’m always trying to keep myself organized — and crafting. In my spare time I write fiction, and I thought it would be fun to have my own “writer’s board” where I could put down my ideas in a visual way. This idea jumped out of my head and onto my wall. It’s a really fun, inexpensive craft, though it does take several hours. I suggest indulging in a DIY fabulous coffee while you go to work.

Supplies Needed

1. Picture from Goodwill. Make sure it has hanging hardware on the back.
2. Chalkboard spray paint. (My can is well loved.)
3. Leftover wall paint or spray paint. We recently painted our bathrooms this bright, sunny yellow.
4. Sponge brush. (If you’re using wall paint.)
5. Something to open the paint can with. I used a chisel.
6. Mini clothespins. 
7. Hot glue gun.
8. Twine.
9. Cardboard or drop cloth. (not pictured)
10. Rag or old T-shirt. (not pictured)
11. Knee pad. (not pictured)

Required Time: 4-6 hours on Day 1 and 1 hour on Day 2

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Step 1

Remove the glass, picture, and cardboard. If you have the same backing hardware I had, you’ll have to bend it back with your thumb and side of your finger. VERY CAREFULLY remove the glass — ignoring any crunching sounds you hear — and set aside.

Step 2

Next, spray paint the glass with the chalkboard paint. You’ll need an old cardboard box or drop cloth to protect the ground from excess paint. Follow the directions on the can, and be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. Lay down your first coat, and be prepared to wait an hour or two (depending on size) for it to dry before you can spray your second coat. Remember to clear the spray nozzle and wash your hands with soap and water after using.

Step 3

While your chalkboard is drying, start on your frame. Grab an old rag or T-shirt to wipe up paint drips and a knee pad to sit on (not pictured in the first picture — they’re ugly!). If you’re using wall paint, tilt the canister back and forth a few times to mix it. Paint the ENTIRE frame, making sure to get the inside and outside parts. Don’t worry if it looks streaky. You’ll be painting another coat or two over it once it dries. Wash your hands with soap and water, and let the frame dry.

Step 4

Take a break and pet a cat.

Step 5

Paint your second coat, and after that dries, paint a third if necessary. You can consider yourself done with the frame here, or you can go ahead and add to it. I used our kitchen paint to add diagonal spongy lines to mine. I had trouble covering up the wood with the yellow paint, but I actually like how it turned out with the wood showing through. Makes it look a bit vintage, no? After you’re done painting, wash your hands again and rinse your brush under running water until the water runs clear.

This part is fun because you can get really creative with it. My writer’s board is plain — just the color of our kitchen — but you can let your imagination run wild with your frame. Paint some flowers or vegetables if you want to hang it in your kitchen. Smiley faces or animals would be so cute for a little one’s room.

Step 6

Wait! Unfortunately, chalkboard paint takes 24 hours to cure, so you’ll have to come back tomorrow before you can use your new chalkboard.

Step 7

The next day. Your chalkboard paint has cured! To prime it, rub a side of chalk over the entire board, then erase it. You must do this before using it. Now carefully put the glass and cardboard back into the frame, which is a bit tricky and takes a careful, patient hand. Push the backing hardware back into place, and this part of your board is finished.

Step 8

Lastly…the twine. This part is super easy and quick. Cut enough twine so that it swoops just slightly, and hot glue it to both corners of the frame. Put as few or as many mini clothespins on it as you like, and hang your board on your wall. *Note: Be gentle when you write on it, and don’t use broken chalk with sharp edges, as it will scratch the glass.

Clip up your favorite recipes, quotes, pictures, anything. It could easily be adapted into a menu planner, shopping list organizer, calendar, scheduler, way to write notes to family members…anything! Why not put one in everyone’s room? This is your creative board, so have fun!