DIY blackboard menu

On tonight's menu is a DIY that's so easy it's almost embarrassing to feature but I had fun doing it and I love the end result so I present to you- the blackboard menu!

You will need a frame with backing (I bought this wood piece from a local thrift store for $1.99); chalkboard paint (can be found at a hardware store for less than $10); painter's brushes (if you cheap out on these like I did you may find that the bristles come loose and stick to the wet paint so better to invest and wash carefully afterwards so they can be reused) a plastic container; painter's tape (I couldn't find any so ended up using whatever was in my junk drawer which did the trick) and chalk (in any colour you desire, I chose basic white).

Step 1: Line the edges of the frame with tape.

Step 2: Pour a generous amount of the chalkboard paint into the plastic container and apply onto the (clean and dry) frame with your painter's brush.  Apply thinly in a vertical stroke. 

Step 3: Wait for the chalkboard paint to dry and apply a second coat as needed.  The paint may look patchy but will even out as it dries.  

Step 4: To clean your brushes, use cold running water if the chalkboard paint is acrylic based or mineral turps if the paint is oil based.  Mineral turps has a very unpleasant odour and since my brushes were cheap, I just bagged up the brush & plastic container and threw them away.  

Step 5: Allow the blackboard to dry overnight before using. 

Blouse- Zara; Capris, Shoes, Necklace & Ring- Thrifted

Step 6: Now you have a great DIY blackboard that can be used for your office, as a grocery list or when menu planning.  You can either use a store bought chalk brush or wash the surface with warm water and a rag to remove chalk marks. I only used about 1/3 of the can of chalkboard paint and am already planning my next project!

Do you use blackboards at home?