DIY Chalkboard Frame, a Fun Easy Way To Display Photos
What makes this chalkboard frame fantastic is its few extra features. The photos can be easily changed around the board as they are attached using little Velcro sticky dots. Also, fun, cheeky tags and frames can be easily written in chalk on the chalkboard frame.
When I used to put family photos in an album, I found that they were soon forgotten. It's even worse with digital images that seem to get lost on the computer, never to be viewed again.
Disclaimer: I promise that no original artwork was harmed in making this chalkboard frame. The picture used was a print. If it was an original painting, I would have sold it at auction and would be drinking Champagne contemplating my retirement ????).
After a couple of big family holidays, I made big framed photo collages of them to display in the hallway.
Everyone enjoys looking at these photos, and they spark happy holiday memories. However, the images are a bit dated now and must be easily changed.
We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Velcro Chalkboard Frame Photo Wall Display
There is no glass on this chalkboard frame, so it's much easier to change and update the photos. I've used little Velcro stickers, so it's easy to stick the photos to the board and move them around. As the Velcro stickers are evenly spaced, it still looks neat and orderly.
This chalkboard frame is much more fun as the kids can easily write little messages and tags on the board. Now, every so often, I send the best pictures from my phone to get printed and stick them to the board. I have found a great place that prints retro Polaroid-style photos, which add to the fun look of the chalkboard frame.
Materials Needed
Large Old Picture Frame—I picked mine up for almost nothing at my local junk shop. I got it cheaply because the picture was a bit old and naff, but that didn't matter as I wanted the frame, not the image.
- Paint of choice for your frame and antiquing wax.
- Masking Tape
- Chalkboard paint
- Velcro sticky dots
- Photos - In the UK, I use Photobox to print my Instagram-style photos, but in the US, I believe Snapfish also do square prints.
How To Make A Chalkboard Frame
Step 1: Mask off the frame with tape and paint straight over the top of the picture with chalkboard paint. Give it at least 2 coats.
Step 2: Cover the chalkboard face with paper and paint the frame. If you follow my blog, you will probably notice a bit of a colour theme going on. I do like a bit of blue, so naturally, I decided to paint my frame blue.
Initially, I sprayed the frame turquoise blue. However, I wasn't too keen on the finish; it was too bright and shiny even for me. I then painted over the turquoise with chalk paint in Napoleonic Blue and then added antiquing wax. I then sanded the edges so the turquoise showed through, giving a shabby chic effect.
Step 3: Once the chalkboard frame is dry, lay your photos on it to determine how many you want to display. Then, using a ruler, mark them out evenly. Stick a Velcro dot on the chalkboard frame for every photograph you want to display and on the back of each photo.
Step 4: Finish off by placing your photos on the frame. You'll love that you can move them around quickly and write tags on the chalkboard.
Conclusion and Other Posts
I'm off on my holidays soon, so I will be printing some of the photos I take on my phone to update my chalkboard frame. The board has definitely added a bit of fun to my hallway. My teenage boys love moving the photos around and writing their own hashtags on the board.
You can also make upcycled picture frames with shoebox lids. Check out all my ucpcycled DIY picture frame ideas here.
Another fun and unique way to display holiday photos is with this upcycled pallet map frame.
Now that is terrific idea!
Thanks so much for sharing this with us at the DI & DI Link Party. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed having you!
Cheers and thank you.
This came out great and I love the color of the frame!
Thanks for joining us this week at the Merry Monday link party!
We hope you can join us again next week!
Kate | TheOrganizedDream.com
Thank you glad you liked it.
Great idea! Love the vintage frame. This would be a great addition to a kids work room. Visiting from Celebrate The Season party.
Thank you Victoria !
What a fun way to display pictures! I always want to display more photos in my home but never know how to do it--this looks like a really great option!
Thank you ! I love having lots of photos on display, as they are happy memory triggers.
I've totally done the same thing by painting over an old pic. Cute idea~ love the addition of velcro.Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned! Have a great week!
Kim
Thank you, the Velcro is great so easy to change the pictures round.
I couldn't agree with you more, Claire! My Hubby and I were only talking about this over the weekend! Love your project and such a clever idea to use the velcro dots to hold the photos in place!
Thank you so much for sharing your awesome project over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Thank you very much !
I also love the shabby chic effect you achieved. I'm happy to hear that you were able to accomplish it just with what was leftover from painting the chalkboard. You have a true artist's mind. Create, don't waste!
Thank you! Yes I do like to make do with what I have around me.
What a great idea! My daughter would love this for her Polaroids. I have featured it over on my blog. Love it!
Thank you very much ! I do love craftgossip.
What a great idea, Claire--love it! Pinning!
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
Great idea~ I can just imagine all the photos from the upcoming holidays you can display
Thank you, I love putting my holiday photos on display as they trigger happy memories every time you look at them.
That's a clever idea Claire, using little velcro dots for the photos to stick on the chalkboard! I know what you mean, I love having photos around the house, especially now when many times they are just in the computer, not even in an album anymore, hey? Love the blue frame!
Thank you very much! It's nice having the photos around otherwise they get forgotten. They also trigger happy memories.
Great project!
Cheers and thank you !
This is a really clever idea. I love how you can easily change it up!
Thanks Medina, that was the aim I wanted a fun display that was really easy to change and update.
Love this! I have been on the lookout for an old, big frame at yard sales and haven't had any luck! Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you, good luck with finding one. Have you tried thrift stores.