To build or to buy? That isn’t often the question, but in my opinion, it should be. You see, making thing tends to feel daunting when you’re thinking of a project, but starting it is half the battle. I find that crafting a gift often takes less time than expected, is much easier than I anticipate, and is always appreciated by the receiver.
Last weekend, Doug and I were in Michigan celebrating his sister’s wedding. We couldn’t simply purchase the happy couple a gift; we wanted it to be built with heart. And so we perused their Pottery Barn registry and picked out the perfect DIY project: a chalkboard for their kitchen. With a little wood, glue, black paint and Martha’s Stewart Chalkboard Paint we were set to go!
Click the jump for directions!
Materials Needed:
– Back board/base for chalkboard. {Our was cut to 3 ft x 2 ft}
– Panels for the exterior. We got a large panel and cut the exterior pieces to size of backboard. Be sure to angle appropriately
– Black paint
– Gorilla Glue
– Screws
– Wire for hanging
Step 1: Purchase wood & materials. We got ours from our home away from home – Home Depot. {Is it weird how much I love that place?}. Cut to size.
Step 2: Paint exterior panels black. Use multiple coats to ensure rich coloring. Paint backboard with chalkboard paint. We did 5 thin coats (let dry in between each coat) topped with 3 thicker coats of paint (Again, let dry in between each coat).
Step 3: Once all paint coats are dry, glue exterior panels onto the top of the backboard with chalkboard paint. Secure from behind with screws if needed.
Step 4: {Not pictured} If desired, utilize two screws & wrap thick wiring around them in the back to provide a means for hanging.
Step 5: Grab some chalk and enjoy!
10 comments
I’m dying to try this DIY! Thanks for posting
Wow, I love giving gifts that are made with love. I’m sure they appreciated it much more than a store bought one!
Such a great idea! I usually opt for making things myself because I love that sort of thing, unless it will be more expensive to do it myself. I have some martha stewart paint but had no idea she made chalkboard paint – I am going to check this out!
agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com
This is so cool. I love receiving homemade gifts rather then store bought, I also prefer to gift homemade gifts rather than buying them. This turned out awesome!
cantbuymelovvve.blogspot.com
Love this terrific idea, it would be the perfect thing for when my friends and I sit down to play a game of dictionary.
This is just so adorable and wonderful! I am IN LOVE! A fantastic idea my dear, I’m sure they loved it so much, most awesome gift ever! BRAVO!
Liana x
Dress Code Chic
Turned out great!! I really like– did you want to make one for me!?!
Love it, looks so great x
So, did they love it??
Oh, I love! I’ve been on the hunt for a cool kitchen chalkboard – and I came really close to buying one yesterday – but I felt like it was something I could easily craft. Clearly I can – and I’ll be using your post as inspiration.