8x10 Chalkboards

These smaller chalkboards are great for playing with anywhere! 

My kids had a great time playing with them in their beds last night!  A long car trip would be a perfect time to pull them out.

I followed the same idea from the big frame, but added a padded bottom to make them more comfortable and cute!

For the pad I started with a piece of cardboard I cut to the same size as my frame.  I got these wooded frames at Wal-mart for $3 each.

Then I cut the batting to size.  I actually cut a long strip of the batting and "rolled" it up several times.

Cut the fabric a couple inches larger than the board and batting.

Using hot glue I went around the edges gluing the fabric to the cardboard keeping the fabric taught.

To give it just a little more I measured the center of the pillow and with embroidery floss and a large needle I stitched a few stitches.

Tie it with a good knot.

It adds just the right touch, don't you think?  You could add a button, or do two stitches.

I sanded down the corners of the frames.  They were a bit sharp.

This ocean blue is a favorite of mine.  I am on a bit of a teal and red kick.  They are so fun together!

I did sand a couple of them to give them that distressed look.  I followed it up with a matte top coat.  Kaylee wanted hers sparkly.

I cut the chalkboard to fit inside the frames and glued it in with the same construction adhesive. 

*Again, put the board in the frame, then glue it so the glue doesn't ooze out onto your project.

After the glue was dry I used hot glue to attach the pad onto the back.

There you have it! 

A fun portable chalkboard.

My niece will be getting one for her birthday!

Chalkboard

A new chalkboard for my little boy's room!

Want to see how I did it?

These are the paints, primer, and glue I used. 

I bought the board at Home Depot.  It was about $4 for a 2x4 ft piece.

I started with 2 coats of Kilz latex primer($7).

 Then I sanded it smooth.

I followed it with 4 coats of the chalkboard paint($10).

Then I marked the wood and cut it to fit the frame.  I should have cut the wood, then painted it in case there was a problem I wouldn't have to start over.  Luckily everything turned out ok.

I spray painted the frame blue, then coated it with a clear matte spray paint.  I also used L brackets to brace it because it was wobbly.  I should have put them on first thing to prevent the wobbliness as I worked with it.

After I cleaned out the old glue and staples I used the construction adhesive to glue the chalk board into the frame.  *Something I found was that it was better to put the board into the frame, then glue it.  If you glue it, then put the board in the glue will squish out onto the chalk board.

Let it dry and there we go! 

Hang it up and draw away. 

(Oh, It already had hardwear to hang it with).

Get your hands on a frame and make something awesome for your kids room or kitchen.

This is going to look great in the little guys room! 

I can't wait to show you the project I made with the rest of the chalk board.