Have you seen those expensive chalkboard menus out there?

I absolutely love them but knew I could make one myself for a fraction of the price. So I headed on down to my local hobby store (Michael's) and started exploring my options. I came across the frame you see above on clearance for only $2.99. Woot! It's large and has a build in stand and wall hangers too. It did not come the way you see above, it was unfinished wood. With my frame found, I headed to the paint section and located Martha Stewarts' Chalkboard Paint. Which was $6.99 but I saved 40% with my mobile coupon! Now for the perfect lettering. You can always chalk it on but I wanted something a bit different. I located red  expressions stickers (matches my decor) for $2.99 and happened to be marked an additional 40% more off. I walked out of the store satisfied I paid less than $10 for everything. With supplies in hand, I was off to create my very needed Menu Chalkboard. 

Here is what I did:

1. Clean off any wood particles from the surface of the frame.

2. Take apart the frame and seperate the inner board (where a pic normally goes)

from the frame and glass or plastic.

3. Disgard the glass or plastic, it will not be needed. (Mine was plastic)

4. Apply an even coat of Chalkboard Paint with a foam brush to the surface.

5.Allow to dry for 1 hour.

6. Apply a second coat of Chalkboard Paint the same way and allow to dry.

7. Set aside for a full 24 hours before applying your accents.

(I added a red paint trim to accent the edges)

**8. Once set for 24 hours, treat the paint by lightly rubbing chalk over surface.

(turn chalk on its side for this conditioning treatment)

9. Wipe clean and then apply stickers and other accents.

10. Enjoy your new chalkboard menu that you saved tons on!

DON'T FORGET TO: