Who is up for a fun DIY today? I got this idea from a couple points of inspiration. I wanted a white board in my studio so I could keep a running list of shopping needs, to dos, ideas etc. But who wants an ugly whiteboard in their office? I also have a problem with buying old frames at yard sales. The bigger, thicker, and funkier the better. And I had this one (with a wolf print in it might I add) that I picked up for a buck and I knew was just screaming to be painted and turned into a project. It had a beautiful wood frame and the frame itself and glass was in great shape. So I had this idea to turn it into a make shift mini white board!

Now of course I was too excited to make it that I took literally one photo of it – but I’m going to talk you guys through this SUPER simple DIY. I mean its too easy.

Here’s what you need:

  • Old Frame & glass insert
  • Acrylic or mixed media paint in your choice of colour for frame (here I used an off white) & painting brush
  • Sand paper if you’d like to distress its edges
  • Your choice of backing: here I used kraft paper, you could use your favourite wall paper, card stock or simply leave the back of the frame come through if youre okay with that colour!
  • Liquid chalk marker or window marker (as long as its water based and washable) * my favourite brand you can find at your local Michaels, called Bistro Chalk Marker in a black tube!
  • Screw or nail, screwdriver or hammer, pencil

Steps

  1. Dissemble your frame, take your frame pieces and give them a good cleaning. Windex for the glass, and a warm soapy rag for the frame to get rid of any dust before you paint!
  2. Paint your frame portion your desired colour, let dry for at least 2 hours in the sun or against a fan.
  3. While your frame is drying, take your backing of your frame insert and cut out your piece of backing from your kraft paper, wall paper.. whatever you have chosen to use! Even if you have a scrap piece of fabric or cloth that you love and can lay flat! Secure your piece with either double sided tape, a pin if the baking is a cork material like mine or simply pull taught to when ready to place back into frame.
  4.  Distress your painted frame if you wish by using a piece or block of sand paper. Don’t go too hard, its better to start soft and work your way to your desired amount of distressing.
  5. Now the fun part – but it all back together! Insert your frame glass back into your frame, making sure there are no wrinkles or seams in your backing.
  6. Hold up your frame in your desired wall space. With your pencil make a rough mark to where you want to hang your frame. Now its best to find a stud, but depending on the size and weight of your frame, you may get away with hanging anywhere. Use your preference of tool to hang on the wall.
  7. With your chalk maker or washable marker – get to list making! No you have a pretty washable board to use to keep you organized. If you want to use my picture as inspiration, I knew I wanted it to kind of be the focal point of this gallery wall. Practical yet pretty 🙂

Now looking at this picture I think I have to go back into the frame and smooth out my kraft paper a bit – but thats a simple fix!

Happy crafting! Any questions leave them here or find me on instagram! I’d be happy to help! Make sure to tag me so I can see your new DIY white board!

Talk soon, Sam xx