Refurbished Chalkboard Sign
Chalkboard for Winter
We are freezing. Winter is absolutely beautiful but at -25 celcius I don’t go outside unless I have to. It was pretty easy to come up with the perfect saying for the new chalkboard sign.
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Let’s Stay In
It was a bit warmer last week so I took a few pictures for Instagram. Here is an example of how pretty it is around here right now, but its just too cold to really enjoy it.
On to the Chalkboard
The cheapest thrift store in Edmonton has framed pictures for $22.00, I looked high and low finally finding a frame tucked in a corner for $5 bucks. There was a badly chipped corner but it was the perfect size and not $22, so I scooped it.
When I went to remove the paper covering I discovered it was a bulletin board not a ugly painting, so I couldn’t simply paint over it. I then decided to make a magnetic chalkboard with some leftover signage in the garage, it turned out to be non magnetic so I had to turf that idea as well.
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Finally I took the center out, rearranged the layers placing the back to the front to provide a smooth surface to work on. After that it was simple.
Create the Chalkboard
Paint the flat surface with three coats of chalk paint. I used Martha Stewart’s chalkboard paint. Let the paint dry very well between each coat, about two hours.
Fix any frame blemishes with wood putty. I used my fingernail to make the little surface markings The putty dried white and you couldn’t see it but it the frame was still scuffed and needed refreshing.
One coat of white paint finished the frame.
Add the Extra Millwork
The chalkboard was okay but a bit average. I thought about adding a large piece of millwork to the top but they were $35. The little corner mill works were only $7.00 for two so I chose them instead.
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Paint the millwork first. Mine took two coats of primer/ paint in one.
Once the millwork is dry, place it on the dry chalkboard and check the placement. Once you like the placement glue it in place with wood glue. Add weight (I used food cans) and let dry over night.
The millwork made a big difference. I think the chalkboard is much more interesting.
Add the Lettering
Print the lettering out on the computer. Put it up against the window and trace out the letters on the back of the paper with blue chalk.
Place the lettering chalk side down and rub to transfer the chalk. Repeat this step for all the wording.
Enough of the chalk transfers to act as a pattern. Fill the lettering in with blue chalk and then white chalk.
Draw the little snowflakes in where ever you like and your done.
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Do you see it with “welcome spring” and some tulips drawn on it? I most certainly do.
Stay warm everyone.
I remember Canadian winters Leanna and yes, they are beautiful and I miss them but I also remember the freezing temps and don’t really miss those too much! Your sign is so cute and a perfect winter decor! Chalkboards are always so handy as you can adapt them to each season or mood you’re in, right??
Yes…. How about “Is it Spring Yet?” and a bunch of tulips. lol.
Thanks for commenting, I look forward to seeing what you design this week. Leanna
Wow. You make it look so easy. My daughter will love to try this. Thanks for sharing #HomeMattersParty
That is so cute! I am so glad you found a way to make your chalkboard even though it wasn’t what you first thought it was. 🙂
Hi Susanne: It is a challenge to find things to refurbish for a good price and I have wanted a big nice chalkboard for quite a while.
Maybe the refurbishing fairies are going to be kind and let me find a bench or storage unit. But for now I am happy to enjoy the chalkboard.
Hope you have a great week lady. Thanks for commenting. Leanna
Linda – I love the little added corner pieces and finishing touches you added to this beautiful chalkboard. It will look great no matter what season you use it for. I love all your tips and I especially love the little fox on your table in your picture. I am several days late in commenting, but we are neighbors at #ImpartingGrace
It’s cold here where we live too, but not nearly as cold as your temperatures. Although, our lake froze and its been over 10 years since that has happened, so this winter has definetly been one for the record books.
Hello Debbie: I like it much better with the corner pieces, it almost looks round.
This is the second year that I have chosen to enjoy and celebrate the things about winter that I like. The hoar frost on the trees and the super bright sparkly snow are two of those things. So is the travel mug of hot coffee and the heated car seats.
Have a blessed week. Leanna
This is right up my alley Leanna! Love refurbished & chalkboards! #homemattersparty
Chalkboards are wonderful because you can use them so many ways.
Thanks for inviting me to co-host for February. I am loving the #HomeMattersParty. Leanna
Leanna this is such a pretty sign. You of course know how much I love chalkboard signs because you can update them any time! That is one gorgeous photo of the trees. Are those icicles on the branches?
Hi Marie: Yes its called Hoar Frost and you only have it under the right conditions. It makes every tree and shrub spectacular.
It was cold that day, but I got several really nice photos.
Thanks for the comment lady. Enjoy New York.
Cold weather is not my favourite because my hands and feet get so cold and it has been crazy the past week. I feel the same way as your sign says. Love it. #HomeMattersParty
Hi Sahana: Isn’t that the truth. In the winter I am a houseplant. lol.
Thank you for commenting. I will see you at the #HomeMattersParty on Friday. Enjoy your week Leanna
Yep, refurbished is right up my alley. It turned out great. #homematters
Hi Deborah. It actually turned out much less expensive than building my own from wood. I was just lucky to find one the right size. Its going to be in a few photos going forward I think.
Thanks for commenting. Leanna
We’ve had some cold, but not that cold! But, your pictures are beautiful and the chalkboard is cute. #HomeMattersParty
Hi Emily: Thank you. It really was a gorgeous winters day. All the shades of blue. It was so bright and fresh outside.
Thank you for commenting. Leanna
It’s been cold here this past week, too. I like the saying on your chalkboard, that’s exactly how I feel once the temperature goes below zero degrees. 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Hi Nicole: I know eh? In the winter I enjoy the sunshine through the window for the most part.
I don’t go out for something to do, that’s for sure.