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:

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...

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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