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Thursday, September 19, 2013

DIY OVERSIZED CHALKBOARD CALENDAR



Because one entire chalk wall nook wasn't enough, I went and made another gigantic chalkboard for my kitchen!  


We haven't had a family calendar on the wall in a while, and I thought it was time for everyone to be able to see what we had going on.  I had a large picture hanging in my bathroom that was about to go when I overhaul it, and discovered it would be the perfect size for kitchen.


I popped out the picture and the mat and went to work updating the frame.  I wanted to keep some of the gold, but it needed to be brightened up.  I pulled out my trusty Rub N Buff and used a toothbrush to apply it...it works great on rougher surfaces like this getting down into all of the nooks and crannies.  When that dried, I taped off the gold leaves section and sprayed the outside of the frame black.


For the center, I had a piece of hardboard cut at Home Depot to fit.  Then, after priming the board, I followed the directions on the can and painted on a few coats of chalkboard paint.  After it cured for 3 days, I seasoned the board with chalk per the instructions and used a gold paint pen and a yardstick to mark off the calendar sections.  Then, I used this trick to secure the board in the frame.


It hangs right next to the big chalkboard wall, but that one is more for kids' doodling, to-do lists, and messages.


So far, the new calendar has been a big hit!  I think the kids have enjoyed seeing exactly what we have coming up, and we've enjoyed talking about our activities during family meals. 



Would you like to comment?

  1. Great minds think alike! :) I couldn't find a 4' x 5' frame that wasn't really pricey so I bought a picture from TJ Maxx clearance section and used just the frame. I you'll love yours, it looks great in the kitchen!

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  2. Love it! We have two chalkboard surfaces in our kitchen as well. One more decorative (usually decorated for the season) and one for reminders/notes/lists/etc. I actually have another frame I planned to make a calendar with as well. Love the gold details.

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  3. LOVE IT! And I love that you made such a huge difference on that frame. It looks so high end. Great job!

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  4. What a great idea! I want to use an old picture frame to do a chalkboard to attach to the front of the fridge. I love how yours turned out!

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  5. That's fantastic! Great, great idea and it turned out perfectly!

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  6. Your calendar looks great in your kitchen Jennifer! Love the revamping of that pretty frame too.

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  7. So cute. It turned out perfect! You're so clever :) I love that it's a fancy chalkboard!

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  8. Perfect and looking gorgeous. I have to try the tooth brush and rubNbuff one day too.

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  9. Love a good chalkboard project! Our kitchen just wouldn't be the same without ours. The kids love using it everyday.:)

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  10. This is a great idea! We have one of those uber-ugly paper wall calendars in our house. Time for an upgrade!!

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  11. You did a great job! I love the gold paint pen too. I have a calendar on my phone that I almost never use because there's nothing like my good old fashioned kitchen calendar. :) I like that the whole family can see what's going on at a glance. :)

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  12. Love, love it! Perfect size and space too. I would think it would be a hit with the whole family.

    xo
    Pat

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  13. Love your chalkboard! Too cute! And thanks so much for the tips on framing.
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  14. Your handwriting is amazing. This is so beautiful. I just have a desk one that everyone scribbles in. Great job.

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  15. Family photos tomorrow? :) Ha! That's what popped out at me first! (Can't wait to see!)

    The chalkboard looks fantastic!!!

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  16. LOVE !!!
    What a classic looking chalkboard - beautiful job!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  17. love it.
    I've been wanting a chalk calendar forever, and I can't figure out where to put it in my kitchen. We've got a ton of windows! (good problem to have!!)

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