Have I ever mentioned how much I love scouring thrift stores for hidden treasures? I love taking ordinary finds and making them beautiful. Lately I’ve been on the hunt for vintage thermoses {to use as vases} and old rugs. One of my favorite things to reinvent is to take old frames and turn them into chalkboards. Chalkboards are perfect for doodling and making lists–I’ve got them around my home and in the workshop. Here’s a few steps to creating your own vintage framed chalkboard.

First things first, choose a frame. It can be literally anything– a framed mirror, picture frame, or even just a piece of wood. I often stumble across a beautifully dinged up frame when thrifting and pick it up, so I may or may not have a collection going. {don’t look in my garage, ok?!} Today I’m going to use a backless teal frame. I usually paint the frame, but I liked the vintage feel of this frame so I’m leaving it be.

I found my chalkboard paint for $10 at the Home Depot, but it can be made at home as well. Since my frame had no back, I found a large piece of cardboard from my workshop and cut it using a razor & the frame for the dimensions. Be careful to not cut too small. A piece of wood works well too.

After you’ve cut out your surface, it’s time to paint! Make sure the paint is well-stirred & apply a few layers to get a nice solid coating.

Time to attach your painted surface to the frame. I simply used a stapler, but a hot glue gun or small nails will do the job just as well. The cardboard will be a little bent from the paint, so make sure you use something secure to hold it in place. You can also have plywood cut to fit your frame for a sturdier surface.

Easy, peasy, right?! Time to get creative with some fun chalk colors.

Yay! This one is hanging up in the workshop now.

Here are some of the ways I have used chalkboards to inspire me both at home and at the workshop:

Sarah from our customer care team has these chalkboards hanging around her gorgeous home. So inspiring!

And here are some from the workshop:

Chalkboards are awesome and they make the atmosphere of a room more fun. And yes, those goldfish in the background are for snacking on. Inspiration makes me hungry, how about you?

This is maybe the easiest DIY ever! I already had a bunch of mason jars and candles around–I picked up a pair of tights and did a little snipping–and I was done! Cozy candles. Feels like winter, don’t you think?

I think this would be adorable on the porch or surrounded by greenery for a holiday table. I’ve got Christmas music playing and starting to decorate. I’ve been trying to be patient–but I can’t wait any longer! When do you start decorating for the holidays?

A couple months ago, Matthias told me, “In our next house, I want to have my very own art gallery.” And since we have plenty of space, and no plans to move any time soon, I thought, “Why not give him an art gallery now?”

We have a loft upstairs that connects all the bedrooms. It’s a great space but I’ve never really decorated it.  I pulled everything out of the room–some random throw pillows, an old lamp and some random toys–and left just the basics for a clean slate.

Here’s the finished space. It’s whimsical and simple–a perfect kid’s space. I framed a few of his favorite pieces of art–and there’s lots more room for more framed artwork!

We found this couch a couple years ago at Pottery Barn. It was a floor model and marked way down. It’s super comfy.

The chair is from Target quite a few years ago and it’s still in great condition.

I picked up a couple new pillows and the small aqua lamp from Target. All of it was on sale–nice!

I love this Eric Carle style sun art that Matthias did last year in first grade.

I drew some chalk frames on the chalkboard and we can add more frames and art as needed.

Matthias loved it. And now he has his very own art gallery!  Doesn’t it make you want to pull out the watercolors and create?

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