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 Fusion 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! Click here to see our lastest course and workshop schedule.