DIY Home Decor: Window Frame Chalkboard

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Looking for a stylish way to become more organized? Problem Solved! This DIY home decor project, a window-framed chalkboard, is perfect for writing appointment reminders, menu-planning or to-do lists.

My window frame was plucked from the curb many years ago. My Pop was so bothered by my trash-picking (long before it was cool), that he would go as far as tell me that it was illegal. That still gives me a chuckle! When I found this frame, it was brown, and I promptly painted it cherry red. Unsure what to do next with my project, it sat, in a closet, in my Parent’s home…for 15 years. (True story.)

Many years later, my parents were doing some cleaning and it was rediscovered. They brought it to me on their next visit. Immediately, I knew how to re-purpose the frame – turn it into a window framed chalkboard!

Supplies
• Wooden window frame
• Glass panels to replace any missing in window frame
• Spray paint – color of choice (optional)
• Sander or sand paper
• Glass cleaner and paper towels
• Chalkboard spray paint
• Silicone caulk
• Caulk gun
• Scissors
• Drill with screwdriver bit, or a Phillips-head screwdriver
• D hooks

Note: Check local antique stores, thrift shops, garage sales, Freecycle, Craig’s List, etc. to find retired, wooden, window frames to rescue. The remaining supplies were purchased with a gift card generously supplied by Home Depot.

Directions:

1. Carefully remove any existing glass from frames. Clean and allow time to dry.

2. To create the rustic, distressed look, sand random areas of your painted frame. The brown shows through in many areas, in addition to the natural color of the wood.

3. Spray paint one side of glass panes with chalkboard paint – three quick coats works best. They dry relatively fast. Do not spray with next coat until previous coat is dry to the touch.

4. Place your frame face down and carefully insert chalkboard painted glass into the frame. You can leave the matte-chalkboard side to write on, OR, you can allow the glossy back side of your painted glass to show through. This slick surface is perfect for the bright colors of dry-erase crayons.

5. Next, place your silicone caulk into the caulk gun and snip off the tip with scissors. Caulk silicone gel along the edges of your glass panels to secure chalkboard glass to frame. Fill in any gaps with the gel. (Follow directions on the packaging of your caulk, for setting time. The type I used was dry and waterproof within 3 hours.)

Tip: Things can get a little messy. My recommendation is to cut the tip of your silicone, small, rather than large. You can always cut it bigger, but if it is too big – there is no turning back!

This area will not be seen, so a little mess does not matter.

6. Measure and mark 3 inches from the top, and the center, on the backside of each side. This is where the top screw will go in the frame.

7. Now, attach your D-Hooks with screws. Usually, the correct size/amount of screws come with the hooks.

8. Hang on your wall, and get writing! This DIY has changed my life. Our household uses it for a weekly agenda.

Appointments are no longer missed – sadly, this was becoming a problem. We hung it in a place where the whole family views it daily, so everyone is aware of our schedule. Often, I erase the days that have passed, and write grocery lists, or notes to the children, (read: chores), in the spaces.

we heartsters – What area of your life could use more visual reminders and organization?

All photos: Rachel for we heart this

Rachel is a stay-at-home Mom that never seems to be home. She’s a military wife, mother to The Danger Boys and a self-proclaimed craftaholic that enjoys photography, knitting, baking and all things handmade.

Disclosure: HOME DEPOT generously provided funding for the supplies for this project. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.