I. love. Chalkboards.

Written by 12 Comments

It has been fascinating for me to see how popular chalkboards have become.  In the past few years they have really taken off, and you see them on just about everything.

And why not?  They are useful and fun.  I. love. Chalkboards. :)

So...When I first spotted Restoration Hardware's industrial rivet chalkboard I fell in love.  It was simple and just cool industrial.  I have been using this knock off chalkboard for a few months and love it!  It first appeared on My Repurposed Life, where I contribute twice a month.

MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
My wallet could not afford the RH price tag $399, so I set off to make my own.  As luck would have it my friend had given me some old windows that she had removed from her basement, so I grabbed one to use, and it was the perfect size!
Using an old window
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Now this baby was not made of metal like RH's version, and it also wasn't as thin on the edges.   As long as I can get the look and feel of RH's piece then I am good, so I set to work...
Getting window ready to paint
I removed the rubber strip and the metal thingy.  Then cleaned it up and gave the glass 3 or 4 coats of Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint.
Cutting chip board to make corner brackets
Once the last coat of paint was dry I set out to do my fake metal and rivet corners.  I chose a scrap piece of chipboard 1/4 inch thick and drew on a pattern.  Then I stacked three more pieces of chipboard under the patterned board, clamped them down, and started cutting out the pattern with my jigsaw.  When all cut, I kept them together to sand smooth.
Trying out corner brackets
Not too bad.  You can also see I filled in the crack where the rubber thing was with spackle.
Attaching corner brackets and Upholstery nails as fake rivets
Next up was gluing down the corner pieces, I used Gorilla wood glue and set them where I wanted them.  Then, to avoid splitting the wood, I drilled holes for my Upholstery Nails/tacks.  Before I hammered in the tacks, I added a dab of hot glue, to make sure they were nice and secure.
Using upholstery nails as fake rivets
Instant "rivets"! 
Spray painting frame silver
Since I have a stash of half empty spray paint cans, I was lucky to find the colors I needed to do my "metal look" on the window frame.  I started with some Krylon Silver, and sprayed it really well.
Using brown spray paint and black to make metal look old
Then with some brown I sprayed from really far away to give it a speckled look, to age the shiny silver.   Last, I got a sponge and dabbed it it black paint (acrylic or latex) and lightly rubbed it on the edges around the frame.  If it looked too dark I used a wet paper towel to blend it in. 
MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
This gave the frame the dark industrial metal look.  It isn't totally perfect, but close enough for me. Everything I used for this project I had on hand so my RH Knock Off was completely FREE!! 
MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
 I have so many ways I can use it, as a calendar.
MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
For weekly meal planning.
MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
Or just for quotes of inspiration on my mantle.  So many options, and if I ever get to doing my oldest boys room...that is probably where it will end up...eventually.
MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
I am quite happy I attempted this knock off, and it has been fun to have in the kitchen.  
MyLove2Create, Restoration Hardware Industrial Rivet Chalkboard Knock Off
Are you as taken with Chalkboards as I am?  It is hard for me not to paint them on all my projects, anything that needs a label could use some chalkboard paint...right!?!  

Oh, and if you like knock off projects, I just shared a Christmas Sign Pottery Barn knock off last week!

Hugs!
Mindi

I will be linking to these parties.
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12 comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 6, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    I love it! It does have the industrial look. A most creative knock off of the RH version. Very nice. Kudos to you!

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  2. My Garden DiariesDecember 6, 2014 at 3:15 PM

    Gosh!!! You are insane! Seriously this is crazy awesome! The corners are so cool and the colors you chose make it look like metal!!! It is beautiful!!! I need to make note of your sprays there! Wishing you a wonderful weekend dear friend! Nicole xo

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  3. Deborah@Green Willow PondDecember 8, 2014 at 7:50 AM

    I love everything you do Mindy! Seriously, this is pure awesomeness! I hope you will link it up to next Tuesdays party ;) I'm pinning right now!

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  4. Cristina GarayDecember 8, 2014 at 7:56 AM

    I love chalkboards too and c'mon this one is awesome! I love it! the rivets are so cool. You're giving me great ideas, Mindi!

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  5. UnknownDecember 8, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    I love chalkboards too! What a great project! Thanks for sharing and for including all the details in your post. :)

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  6. Daniela @Frugal Aint CheapDecember 8, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    really? this is truly amazing. Love all your knock off projects. Free (or almost free) is best!

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  7. Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken ChickDecember 8, 2014 at 5:52 PM

    Great tutorial on making chalk boards.....they are so useful. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresDecember 10, 2014 at 6:56 PM

    I love this look and I love a good knock off project! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.

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  9. TheresaDecember 11, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    I've done something similar on a smaller scale but, love your knock off! I need to make one after we paint our kitchen. Thanks for sharing at the party @DearCreatives hope to see you again soon Mindy! Hope your holiday season is going well! Pinned

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  10. JulieDecember 16, 2014 at 11:25 PM

    Eeeks! I am in love. I am wanting to make a chalkboard board k's room and want an industrial style look without the crazy price tag. I love this. Your versions looks amazing! Leave it to you to create something like this and for FREE! :) Thank you for sharing - I actually may try this over the holidays! :)

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  11. Weekend CraftDecember 17, 2014 at 5:48 AM

    I love chalkboards too! Anything I can chalk paint I do! Thank you for linking up last week at Creative Spark Link Party! Hope you stop by today to link up and enter our giveaway! http://bit.ly/1GNpmUs

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mrs. ColburnDecember 28, 2014 at 6:43 PM

    This is very cool! I love chalkboard paint as much as anyone. However, I would be concerned this is painted glass. Someone may not know it is glass and it seems a little dangerous.

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