Today, we’re talking about how to make a large chalkboard. I’ve always thought the really big chalkboards were just plain cool. I wanted one but the DIY’er in me is way too thrifty to pay retail. Well…the thrift store stars aligned just right and all the parts came together easily for this easy to make giant chalkboard project.
It’s a whopping 4 feet tall!
I stopped by one of my go to thrift stores last week and caught a crazy good sale of 50% off pictures. I happily walked away with my new stash of “good ideas” as my husband calls them. As soon as I saw this big u-g-l-y 2′ x 4′ picture, I knew what I was going to create.
Silly as it sounds I was just about hopping from one foot to another with excitement at the checkout counter. I rolled up my sleeves and got busy as soon as I came in the front door.
Here’s my simple instructions on how to make a large chalkboard that looks better than the store bought ones and cost a whole lot less!
I started with a 2 foot by 4 foot old picture frame. Removed the paper backing and the clips holding the picture in the frame. Needle nosed pliers work great for this step and the clips come out easy. Take out the picture and set it aside or throw it away in my case 🙂
If you need a little help in getting all the paper off of the frame try some sand paper. Mine was stubborn and I used a little palm sander. Wipe the frame down with a deglosser or Simple Green to remove any old dirt and grime. Paint your frame and let dry.
Guess what? You can buy sheets of chalkboard at Home Depot! Yes, they have precut sheets that are 2′ x 4′! Which was a perfect fit for my frame. Already made. No fancy paint and no cutting required for this project.
Just grab and go!
If your frame is a different size you’ll have to cut it or have the nice folks at Home Depot cut it for you. Place your chalkboard in the back of the frame and secure it with these handy little glazing points below. They run about $2 for the pack. You’ll find them in the window department at Home Depot or a hardware store.
I placed them at the corners and about every 4 inches all the way around the frame. They work just like the picture holders you see on professionally made frames. The instructions said to use a putty knife. I tried that, a butter knife and finally tried a flat head screw driver. The flat head screwdriver worked the best for sliding them into the wood. They slide in easily with very little pressure.
That’s it. Project completed.
You now know how to make a large chalkboard.
I can use it to leave notes for my family, a holiday themed message or even a dinner menu.
After several attempts at drawing something on my large chalk board, I settled for a back to school shopping list. As you can see, drawing is not one of my talents! I’ve also discovered chalk markers which make writing a lot easier. The board wipes away with water.
The paint color is Peacock by American Paint Co. Bold blues and I seem to be having a thing lately. If you haven’t seen my gorgeous blue cafe table I posted last week take a peek HERE.
I’ve made a few more feeble attempts at drawing on my new big chalkboard. No change on the ability. But, I have lots of room to practice since the chalkboard is almost as tall as I am!
Now that I’ve shared how to make a large chalkboard are you ready to make one too?
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Lisa House says
Did you have to “prime” this chalkboard with chalk like the home made ones? It figures Home Depot would have the ready made now that I just finished my first small chalkboard at home. I have been a follower for about a year and love to see what you have done. Your homes are lovely!
Becky says
I have a DIY chalkboard on my to do list. Thanks for these great tips! It looks great!!
Wendi says
Hi Becky & you’re welcome:) A giant chalkboard has so many possibilities for uses and it’s fun to decorate with too:) Have fun on your project! Thanks so much for your visit!
Stacey Keeling says
We all love chalkboards and when you make them yourself they are even better!
Thank you so much for sharing at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We are glad to have your talent here. 🙂
Wendi says
Stacey, Isn’t that the truth! I see them in store and there’s no way I’d pay what they are asking, especially when I can make a huge one for pennies:) Thanks so much for your visit!
Cindy says
Well now that is the cutest idea ever and NO I did not know that Home Depot sold Chalkboard! Thanks so much for the idea and tutorial. Visiting from TOHOT today. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Wendi says
Hi Cindy… I totally agree! When I learned there was ready made chalkboard I just about fell out of my seat. Not only is it inexpensive, it’s easy to work with too. My mind spins when I think of all the projects I could make with it, I’m sure yours does too. Thanks so much for your visit & have a fabulous weekend!
Mary-In the boondocks says
Great idea, it certainly is better than having to look at that awful painting!
Wendi says
Yes it is Mary! Tht was probably the ugliest picture I’ve ever seen, but it had an awesome frame and the price was right!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
This looks better than any store bought ones that I’ve seen. So funny, I have this enormous ugly painting that I had thought about making into a chalkboard, but not being a DIYer, I didn’t know exactly what to do. So I will pin this, for when the mood strikes. Glad I found your blog – thanks for finding me on Twitter. I read your “About” — seems we have a lot in common, including a teenage son and a former power career! Although, I am not yet living in our dream house on the beach! I’m your newest follower 🙂
Wendi says
Amy…Welcome! And welcome to the “Simplify My Life” club too! I have friends who thought I was crazy walking away from it all and not rebuilding it here. I’ve never regretted the move, not one time:) Thanks so much for your note & please let me know how your chalkboard turns out. I’m always here if you should have a question!
Paula@SweetPea says
Your chalkboard looks great and will be handy in so many ways in your home. I didn’t know that HD has chalkboards available. That is a real time saver!
Wendi says
Paula..I KNOW! I was so excited to find these. It’s so easy to make a chalkboard project now and way less messy:) Thanks so much for your visit!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Love it! I have one on my kitchen wall about the same size but had I known Home Depot sold sheets of chalkboard, I would have been right on that! I used a sheet of fiber board and had to prime and apply several coats of chalkboard paint so this option would have been far less expensive and a lot less work. Those Glazing Points are now going to be a staple in my tool box too. Thanks for the great tips!
Wendi says
Marie..I was Are you following me? Like, you know…my blog? What? Not following me yet?
Sign up for my posts via email HERE or Bloglovin HERE. Both are free! to find out that Home Depot sold premade chalkboard too! I’ve always painted them as well, this is so much easier and at $10 a sheet a lot cheaper too! I bet your chalkboard looks awesome too! You’ll love the glazing points, I’m on my 3rd box and they’ve been working out well:) Hugs!