I love using signage at parties. I like people to know what they are eating! Pretty signs just add that extra touch.
Over the years I have acquired quite a collection of signs, easels and other various things to use as signage at parties. One of my favorite things to use is a chalkboard. I have several small chalkboards that I have used at parties but I decided I needed a big chalkboard. I mean really big – 28 x 50 inches to be exact.
We are planning an Italian soda bar for Tessa’s graduation party and I wanted something to sit behind the table with instructions on how to build your own soda.
So I headed off to Goodwill where I always find all kinds of treasures. I was looking for a big picture frame I could turn into a framed chalkboard.
I lucked out and found this one.
It’s almost as tall as I am. When looking for a frame I prefer one that has a bit of “texture” to it so when you paint and sand it you end up with more character and more of a vintage look to it.
I removed the lovely painting from the frame and got out the spray paint.
I decided to paint it white. If you have a dark frame you might want to spray it with primer first so your paint covers easier.
I laid some newspaper out on the front lawn and sprayed away. I had some overspray onto the lawn but the grass needed to be cut anyway! I’ve learned not to do it on the garage floor because even with newspaper laid out I usually end up with paint on the garage floor and that doesn’t make my husband too happy!
Because I didn’t use primer it took several coats of spray paint to cover the frame.
After it was dry I took some sandpaper and just sanded away to give it a distressed look.
My husband bought a nice sheet of wood at Home Depot – it’s about 3/8 inch thick and nice and smooth. Jim cut the board to fit inside the frame. We just used the painting we removed as a pattern.
I also picked up a can of chalkboard paint at Home Depot. You can buy it as spray paint too but since I was covering a fairly large area it was much easier to brush it on.
I put on two coats of paint.
After it was nice and dry I just popped it back into the frame.
I couldn’t wait to use it so I decided it would make a perfect backdrop on the table at the bridal shower I am hosting this Saturday. What do you think? We’re having a crepe bar and I think it’s perfect.
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I am going to DI today to look for a frame!! Why didn’t I think about that before? I was just going to make a frame (and I guess still might if they don’t have any frames at DI). Is the chalk paint magnetic too or do you know if they sell it magnetic too??? For some reason I am thinking there is something out there like that. My board will be more for keeping my kids organized. 🙂
Mine is not magnetic and I didn’t see it at Home Depot. They did have chalkboard paint you could tint to whatever color you wanted which is fun. Have fun with your project. I’m making another one today!
They do sell Magnetic Paint as well. I painted about 10 layers on a section in my kitchen, and then painted over it with just my normal wall color. I now I have a little magnetic area that you can’t even really tell that it is there until of course I post magnets on it :-). Also awesome for kid’s rooms!
Great post Leigh Anne! Somewhere I seem to remember hearing/reading about something magnetic on a home decor show but might need to research that.
So cute, I love it! Such a sweet touch to the bridal party too.
you have the best parties! this is so cute and easy to do, i could have fun with that idea!
This is great!! I love that idea. I’m now planning to do the same kind of sign for the kitchen at our cabin. Thanks!!
That is so cool! Thanks for sharing! 😉
You can buy magnetic paint, but I haven’t seen it combined with chalkboard paint as well. Typically you would buy the magnetic paint and paint with it first, then paint over it with the chalkboard paint. I’ve seen it at Lowe’s and Home Depot.
I am in love with all your ideas & your sweet/fun/thoughtful events. Your decor is simply amazing yet wonderful. Ah, love it!!! Thanks for sharing. Can I take the frame to a Home Depot & have them cut the wood for me there to fit the size of my frame? Thank you.
I think you can – they just charge you by the cut I think.
They cut the wood for free at Lowe’s and Home Depot where I live in CA …should be the same everywhere I think..??
So cute! My husband just made me a huge chalboard for a party I did too. Just a little tip for everyone that I think the liquid paint works much better than the spray. 😉
What kind of board/wood did you get for the chalkboard at home depot???
Just used plywood.
Hi Leigh Anne – I found this on pinterest and I thank you for it!! I was not sure how to go about doing a seating chart for my wedding and wanted something chalkboard like but couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for.. so its off to the thrift store I go! (and home depot!)
I love the chalk-markers at Michael’s so I think I will use that to write out the table numbers and names.
Thanks for the great tip – looks awesome. Might do mine early so I can use it at my bridal shower too – great idea.