Our daughter, Jill and husband, Brad recently moved into a new home. Well, actually their home was built in 1917 making it a 95 year-old new home.
She wants a serving tray for an ottoman she is using as a coffee table. Her dad and I worked together to make a brushed metal-look chalkboard serving tray.
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 I made a list of the materials I would need to make one as well as items for a framed chalkboard to display above a buffet her sister, Jamie, painted for her as a housewarming gift. My husband and I headed off to the store.
Frame for the chalkboard
Not wanting to buy wood and cut it ourselves to build a frame, I purchased an unfinished framed mirror in the size I thought appropriate for a serving tray. I didn’t need the mirror as a mirror but used it instead as a backing for the chalkboard. Otherwise I would had needed a board cut to fit the frame. This worked just fine. I also picked up a large framed mirror to make a matching chalkboard.
This photo shows the completed chalkboard and serving tray ready for gift giving.
Making a chalkboard serving tray
Here are the steps we used to make both
FOR THE FRAME
- After removing the mirrors from the frames, I sanded the wood and painted each frame with two similar shades of silver acrylic craft paint, applying them at the same time to achieve the metal look I wanted.
- When the paint dried, I painted on a water-based satin varnish to seal. (I had Liquitex on hand) Then allowed it to dry.
- I then brushed on black acrylic paint and rubbed off with a rag until I had a brushed metal look.
- I finished with a couple more coats of the satin varnish.
FOR THE CHALKBOARD AND SERVING TRAY BOTTOM
- I applied a coat of primer to the back of the mirrors and waited for it to dry.
- Using a sponge roller, I gave the mirror back three coats of chalkboard paint waiting for each coat to dry before re-applying.
- John attached handles to the sides of the smaller frame to create the serving tray.
- The painted mirror/chalkboard was then attached to the frame and reinforced with additional tacks to ensure it will hold the weight of whatever Jill might set on it.
- I finished by covering the back with brown paper using double-sided tape. The larger chalkboard was finished in the same manner but without the handles. A saw-tooth hanger was nailed to the back.
The chalkboard can be use to display special quotes or verses, to leave sweet greetings or a place to jot down reminders like weekly menus or shopping lists.
I am liking this chalkboard right here in my foyer and think I just might make one for me.
There are affiliate links in this post. That means if you buy something from that link, I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything additional.
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Recycled, up-cycled Chalkboard from garage sale mirror
I think you should make one too. Turned out great. Your daughter is going to love it. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas 2016
What a great, clever Christmas decorating ideas using the chalkboard centerpiece. I love it, so neat.
It looks really great! I looove chalkboard paint!
What a great idea! I really like the silver finish you put on the frame. I hope you get to make one for keeping now. Thanks for the inspiration.
Very pretty!
So…did you make one for yourself?
Love this! I love the silver like finish you created too.
xo
Pat
Love this! I love the silver like finish you created too.
xo
Pat
Looks like the chalkboard frame fits perfectly there so you definitely need one for yourself. Your daughter will be thrilled with her gifts. Happy holidays! Tammy
This is brilliant…you are so clever!
Have a truly blessed Christmas together with your lovely family.
That is adorable!! I love it ~Have a Merry Christmas with your family ~Love Heather
Those turned out wonderful. I like the way you painted the frames.
Both projects turned out beautiful!
Merry Christmas! =)
I always enjoy your blog, but don't know if I've ever commented. Anyway, I love this idea and will try and duplicate it. It looks great! Merry Christmas!
Lorraine, both projects turned out great! I want one, too! Thanks for sharing your sweet ideas with us. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
That looks great…but, I especially like the verse of scripture you chose to write on it!! HOPE you have a very merry CHRISTmas, Sweet Lady!!!
Both projects look great! How nice you found the frames on sale!
In the New Year we'll be redecorating our TV room and I think that this would make a great addition. I'll bet your daughter loves it!
I have been reading all your posts, but not always commenting. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the spirit of your posts – a little creativity, a little bit of family, a little spirituality and a lot of faith. I always feel better after reading your posts and thought I'd better let you know, especially at this time of year.
I think you should make one too. Turned out great. Your daughter is going to love it. Merry Christmas! xo
What a wonderful idea! Soo many creative and beautiful projects you have done this year and shared with us. I love it! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
You have the best ideas Lorraine! Every time I visit your blog I can't help bu Pin it. Beautiful.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
They both look great and I think you need one for yourself!
Merry Christmas to all!