How to Make an Ornate Framed Chalkboard

Courtesy of Marian Parsons

Hi Friends,

Elegant meets humble when a sophisticated gilt frame surrounds an inexpensive DIY chalkboard. Place it in the dining room with a thoughtful greeting for holiday guests, or use it to announce the dinner menu or evening's festivities.

Materials Needed:
large wooden frame
1/4" hard board cut to fit in frame (Tip: You can have it cut at your local hardware store)
gold leaf (2-3 packages for large frame)
leaf sizing
1" artist brush
soft mophead brush
1" sponge brush
latex gloves
clean rag
dark walnut oil-based wood stain
spray primer
chalkboard paint
foam roller
paint tray
small nails
hammer

Apply Sizing
Use a one-inch artist brush to apply leaf sizing to entire frame. Allow to dry for approximately 30 minutes, or until sizing turns from milky-white to clear. Sizing should feel tacky to the touch.

Apply Gold Leaf
Use a soft brush to gently lift gold leaf sheet and apply to frame (Image 1). Brush gold leaf down onto sizing. Pieces will flake off while brushing (Image 2). Pick up these flakes and use them to fill in small gaps in leaf (Images 3 and 4). Continue this process until frame is fully covered in gold leaf. It will look rough and a little "shaggy."

Buff Gold Leaf
Gently rub mophead brush over gold leaf to buff surface (Image 1) and remove excess leaf (Image 2).

Antique Frame
In a well-ventilated area, apply dark walnut wood stain to a small section of frame using a one-inch foam brush, working the stain into molded details (Image 1). Gently rub off excess with a clean rag (Image 2). Repeat process around entire frame. Wood stain will stain skin, so wear latex gloves. Tip: Stain will remain tacky for about 24 hours, so allow plenty of dry time after this step.

Make Chalkboard
Cut a piece of 1/4" hard board to fit inside frame. Spray surface of hard board with primer and allow to dry. Apply two coats of chalkboard paint with foam roller, allowing ample dry time between coats. Tip: Cover paint tray and roller in cling wrap between coats so they only need to be washed once.

Insert Chalkboard
Once dry, insert chalkboard into frame using small nails hammered into sides of frame to secure it.

Season Chalkboard
Rub entire chalkboard with the side of a piece of chalk (Image 1). This will season the chalkboard and prevent writing from being burned into the surface. Erase chalkboard with a wet paper towel for a clean look or with a dry one for a smeared, vintage look. Use chalk or grease pen (chalk ink) to write poems, verses, song lyrics, menus, event details or memos (Image 2).

Your friends and family will rate your restaurant 5-Star and you will be the talk of the town.

Enjoy your praise and Bon Appétit to you and your guest...

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne