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April 22, 2012

DIY Interchangeable Framed Chalkboard


So, I have this frame that is a combination of key hooks, mirror and four picture frames on the side. I found it years ago on clearance at TJ Maxx, but it kind of looks like something Pottery Barn would sell.

I have been getting tired of the photos inside the frames and wanting to change up the look of it, so I came up with the idea of making interchangeable chalkboards for it so I could use it as a chalkboard or switch it back to photo frames if I get tired of that look.

(This works for me because you might be able to tell I get tired of looks and like to switch things around regularly!)



This idea would work for any photo frame that has a hard (not cardboard) frame backing.




What my wall frame looked like before as photo frames


Here's how I did it: 


First, I pulled out the hard backing and glass out of each frame. 


I set the glass aside and then, I painted each backing with chalkboard paint. 




I painted two coats of paint, one horizontal and one vertical, allowing to dry an hour between coats. 


After the paint was dry, I put the backers in first, storing the glass plates carefully behind them so I could use them as a frame later on. 



Here's what my new framed chalkboard looked like when it was done:


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I decided to take my chalkboard markers and write the words "HOME" in the four framed spaces with a cross stitch pattern.



I filled in the metal key labels with pages from a vintage Shakespeare's Sonnets book I have. 



And here is my finished wall frame! (I guess I already wanted to switch out the lettering on the frame...I told you I get tired of how things look.)

I love the new look of my frame-even more like Pottery Barn style than before, I think. (I'm not sure I'm going to ever want to switch it back to regular photo frames again.) Now all I need is to find something to hang from the hooks. I'll be on the lookout for a garage sale box of skeleton keys...


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Thanks for visiting ReMadeSimple! I hope you enjoyed your time here. I'm looking forward to sharing more revamps and a special Mother's Day Campaign post later this week. Hope you'll come back again soon!


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13 comments:

  1. I love the new look! You could hang some pretty tags from the hooks for now, maybe even chalkboard tags, or numbered tags might be cute too. Just and idea. It's really pretty just the way it is.

    Have a lovely week!
    Deborah

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    1. Thanks, Deborah, I like your tag idea-hadn't thought of that-I just might do some vintage looking number tags!@

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  2. Just awesome! I love it - the "stitched" letters are perfect. . . for now :)

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  3. Nice! What kind of marker did you use on the chalkboard?

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    1. Thanks, Teresa-they are called Illumigraph pens by a brand called "Zig". I ordered them through a friend who sells Uppercase Living-they are really fun and nice because they don't smear and are bright-also works on mirrors and windows.

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  4. Just found your blog--great work!! Re-purposing, homemade, simple. Love it! I don't generally follow DIY/craft blogs 'cause they tend to be a little excessive and make me feel inadequate, but just your design, title and description are enough to make me feel at peace and welcome here :)

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    1. Trina-that is so sweet of you to say! That really is my goal to be simple and homemade because it's who I am as a person-I am just not into excessive, fussy or "perfect" crafts either-so glad you feel at peace here!

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  5. Cute cute makeover! I always love a chalkboard element! So fun, and easy to change up. I love that you spelled out HOME! Excited to find you and follow!

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