Upcycle a Vintage Frame Into a Chalkboard

by Emy Flint | Semigloss Design

4 Materials

$10

15 Minutes

Easy

I always see cool frames in the thrift store and wonder what to do with them. One day, I decided to bring one home and turn it into a chalkboard. It's the perfect place to write reminders, honey-dos, or grocery lists.

upcycle a vintage frame into a chalkboard

This frame was large and I loved the oval shape. The artwork - not so much.

The backing on this particular frame was attached by screws, so I simply unscrewed them.

Most backings are attached with staples that can be pried up with a flathead screwdriver.

Remove the glass and use it to trace onto wood. You won't need the glass anymore.

You can use plain luan and paint it later with chalkboard paint or you can use pre-painted chalkboard panels. Mine was pre-painted.

Use a jigsaw to cut your shape out. Jigsaws are pretty easy to use. Just keep you eyes ahead of where you're going and don't think too much. Luckily it doesn't need to be perfect.

Test fit the wood to make sure that it fits the frame. If needed, saw off a tiny bit more around the edges.

Flip the wood over and place it into the frame. Replace the backing.

Use a piece of chalk on it's side to color the board. Then wipe it away. This is called seasoning the chalkboard and it's done to prevent the chalk from staining the board.

Don't use chalk markers on a painted chalkboard surface because they will stain.