DIY Thrifted Chalkboard

I found this hidden gem at the new Bells Corner Salvation Army thrift store in Ottawa. I love the stature of the ornate frame! This gorgeous wool retro needle point design, is a throwback to colour by number art. Both are amazing on their own, but the styles do not work well together.

I decided to transform the frame for a project I was working on and create a chalkboard menu for Strawberry Blonde Bakery. Check out my steps to creating your own thrifted chalkboard.

The first step was to carefully remove the needlepoint design; I will use it for another project.

I started by cleaning the frame with TSP. Once dry, I lightly scuffed up the frame with 220 sandpaper to give it some tooth and then wiped it off with a damp lint free cloth. By taking this important step, I have a clean surface to start with and will not run into problems with my paint adhering. Click here to watch a video on how to prep.

​Fusion Vintage Metallic paint was the perfect choice to refresh the frame and give it more of an elegant, classic feel. By using a rounded Staalmeester brush, I was able to get a beautiful smooth coverage in 2 coats of paint. Click here to learn more about Fusion Mineral Paint.

After waiting 4 hours for the paint to completely dry, I used Fusion black wax to highlight all of the gorgeous detail on the frame. I used a wax brush to get into all of the details, wiping back and pushing the wax to add some depth. Once I applied it where I wanted, it was done!

I hit my local hardware store for a piece of hardboard and cut it to size. I used 2 coats of chalkboard paint, one painted horizontally and the other vertically and waited an hour between each coat.

Once dry, I "seasoned" the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk all over the chalkboard. That’s it! Now it’s ready to head over to Strawberry Blonde Bakery new location, adding a gorgeous vintage vibe to their space. Looking to learn more on how to get great finds when thrifting? Click here for more tips!