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Save That Fancy Frame For This DIY Decor Project

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This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy for Any Occasion.

Chalkboards are all the rave right now and making them has become my new DIY favorite. I found this amazing gold frame at my local thrift shop for just $3! It’s about 24” X 18” and chunky. It just needed a good cleaning and a backing of some kind. Which made me think … CHALKBOARD!

Materials:

  • Vintage or thrifted frame
  • Plywood
  • Hot glue gun
  • Chalkboard spray paint (I use Rustoleum brand)
  • Table saw or other cutting tool
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Staple gun and staples

 

Instructions:

Give your frame a good cleaning by just wiping it down with warm soapy water.

Have your plywood cut down. (My husband does this for me if he’s home)

Give your plywood two or three coats of chalkboard spray paint and let dry between each coats (at least 15 minutes).

When it is totally dry, turn your frame over and hot glue all around the four sides.

Next, you want to let that hot glue cool and them using your staple gun with at least ½” staples. Staple all around the four sides as well.

Season your chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk vertically all over and then horizontally. This will prevent any ghosting or shadowing when you’re ready to write.

Find ideas on Pinterest and other places around the web for chalkboard art and have fun.

 

I haven’t quite decided on what to write on mine yet. I’ll be sure to share it over on my blog when I do. This chalkboard will be the one that is up most of the year and the wording will change with the seasons. Thanks for stopping by. This was a fun and quick DIY. I hope you go out hunting for a great deal to create this project, too.

 

Commemorative Crafts to Remember the Holidays

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Now  is the perfect time to start fresh with some new Christmas crafts. One way you can plan ahead is by looking backwards; every Christmas, you create new memories with your family that you can now cherish by using them as inspiration for your new craft projects. The editors at AllFreeChristmasCrafts have been searching for the best ways for you to create Christmas keepsakes for the new year, so take a look below to find out how you can begin preparing for next year while celebrating the last one.

Folded Christmas Cards Ornament – There are always a few outstanding Christmas cards that you may want to keep, but don’t have room for. If that’s the case, put them to good use by turning them into a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament. What better way to appreciate beautiful cards than by turning them into a handmade Christmas ornament that you can put on display next year (not to mention, this is very cost effective).

Little Hands and Feet Rug – Your little ones are growing every day, and now you can preserve the way they were in a new way. Have them help you decorate a cute little doormat that turns their little footprints into cute little snowmen. Not only does this make for a timeless decoration, but also a fun craft that the whole family can do together.

Commemorative Snow Day Decoration – Winter isn’t over, which means there’s still plenty of time to keep up some snow-themed decorations. Print out your favorite picture from this year’s Christmas and show it off with an embellished chipboard frame that you can hang anywhere.

Christmas Scrapbook Layout – Scrapbooks are a classic way for crafters to save their favorite memories from each holiday, so make sure you pick a design like this that has real style. This project includes a video tutorial so you can follow along every step of the way and make sure your next Christmas album really pops.

Stash Crafted Wrapping Paper Snowman Ornament – Wrapping paper is often recycled right after the gifts are unwrapped, but if you held onto any, you can design your own recycling craft for next year. Learn how to design 3D ornaments using a paper craft technique that really comes in handy when you’re trying to cut down costs on decorations.

Refashioned Wine Bottle Candle Holders – If you held any parties this year or are just a fan of collecting wine, you may find yourself with a stockpile of empty bottles after all of the Christmas events are over. Fear not, because a gorgeous bottle can also make a gorgeous candle holder. You can fondly remember the fun you had every time you’re at your table.

Sizzix Frame and Frame Back – You might prefer something simpler; find your favorite photos from the holiday season and put them in cute little frames that you can keep in your bag or place around the house as decorations.

How do you commemorate Christmas?

New Pattern Monday: Frame Work

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I always have tons of photos to print or upload after the holidays end. Sometimes the photos serve as belated gifts, or just nice household reminders of the good times with family and friends. I am a photo frame junky – and I’m very particular about which frames are displayed where. After all, frames can be works of art all on their own.

Here are some new frame projects to decorate your home:

Sparkle Heart Frame – Make it with the kids and give it to your sweetheart!
sparkle-heart-frame

Beaded Star Frame – Makes a great family or pet photo frame.
beaded-star

Button Decorated Mirror Frame – Looks great in entryways and bedrooms; for your teenage daughter or best friend.
button_frame_heart

Forged Foil Frame – Try a new technique like forging foil on a plain frame. The result is vintage chic.
forged-foil-frame

If you like these frame projects, check out the Frames section at FaveCrafts.com.

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