Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Framed Chalkboard Menu Tutorial

The easiest way to have a cute framed chalkboard menu would be to just buy a cheap chalkboard at a craft store and put it in a frame! I'm sure there is an easier way than how I did it, but this was part of my no-cost kitchen makeover that I did. So I used what I had on hand.
I had this old frame in our hall closet. I just painted it black to match the rest of the kitchen.
I covered the glass from the frame in white contact paper. I used contact paper vs. card stock because it would wipe clean if chalk got on it. My chalkboard paper was 8.5x11 and my frame opening was 11x13 so there was going to be a gap.

Then I attached my chalkboard sheet. I bought these a couple of years ago for the boys. They came in a 4 pack. They are 8.5x11 and are peal and stick. You can re-use them and move them over and over. I've moved them 3 times to different places in the house and they work great. The kids weren't coloring on them much anymore, so I took them off of the wall, attached them to some wax paper and put them in the craft closet for a later use. For this project, I just used 1 sheet. It feels like contact paper.


Using more white contact paper, I cut out letter decals using the Jasmin cricut cartridge and placed those on top of the chalkboard paper.

Then I put the insert back into the frame and added a wire to the back for hanging.

The final touch was a coordinating ribbon mod podged to the side and the MENU lettering, also using the Jasmin cartridge.

That's it! I am REALLY trying to get better about making a menu and sticking to it. I think it would help save money in groceries and would just make things easier vs. sitting with freezer open wondering what to make, what I feel like making, and scrounging to see what ingredients we even have! I have major problems with planning ahead. This WILL help. At least that's what I keep telling myself. And it looks cute :)


35 comments:

Megan said...

That turned out so classy looking! I'm always happier & less stressed during the week when I have a menu plan, too, but it still can be hard to make myself do it. =D I wonder if a menu board like yours would be enough extra motivation for me...

Crystal Hendrix said...

That is very cute! I should try it! Although I am with you, I have a hard time sticking to a menu, I just change my mind too much!

Alexandria said...

Very cute! We will be remodeling our kitchen this summer (hopefully) and I would love to find a place to put one of these. Maybe if I had something so cute, I would be more inclined to make, and stick, to a meal plan!

Meg and Joe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Meg and Joe said...

Sticking to a weekly menu has really helped me keep our grocery bill down and keep us form eating out (also saving us money). I bet a menu board like that would motivate me more to do it. It looks so fun cuz it's so cute!

Kaysi said...

cute! i really like the ribbon that you put on the side of it, it looks great

Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com said...

This turned out great.
What a good job you did on this. I love it. Very cute and it has a fun look to it in your kitchen! Great post.
Blessings,
Debbie

Marianne@Songbird said...

It looks very cute and I am sure it will help. Whenever I have made menu plans in advance I am much better at actually cooking than on days with no plans.

Alison said...

What a fabulous idea!! I want to do this!

Sarah McDonald said...

I love the frame idea - right now my weekly list is a piece of paper on the refrig. I will say that posting a weekly menu does help - and it allows me to use what we have and not going out as much. We also get to vary our meal choices more - I start with a calendar for the month and adjust each week as needed.

Good luck.

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

Hi,
I just found your blog from BNOTP and I love it. That is way cuter than my notebook, lol. I am your newest follower!
Bonnie
http://creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com

Pam @ Design Fanatic said...

Love it! Great Job. I'm going to have to bookmark this project!

Fanchy said...

Found you from Power of Paint party and Oh My Gosh!!! I sooo love your chalkboard. I may have to attempt one myself. Way too cute!!!

Oh and you have a new follower!
Jen @ Noting Grace

Fanchy said...

Found you from Power of Paint party and Oh My Gosh!!! I sooo love your chalkboard. I may have to attempt one myself. Way too cute!!!

Oh and you have a new follower!
Jen @ Noting Grace

Mary Ellen said...

Love your chalk board!! I am thinking of painting some tables with the paint- I am wondering if it would work on tables with all the wiping- humm will have to see!

Shaunna said...

passed through from power of paint this morning...this turned out great! Who cares if there was an easier way? Using what you had on hand is brilliant and thrifty! I love how it looks and definitely love the idea of sticking to a menu. Um, I should probably try that.--shaunna :)

Lori said...

Only mine would say, "Mom, what's for dinner?" Then I look in the fridge.

haha, love your organization, I'll be there for Enchiladas.

Jessica Hills said...

That is such a great idea! Come stop by my Favorite Things Friday Party if you would like to join in!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

I always LOVE a menu board! Love not having to answer the "what's for dinner question!" Thanks for sharing at the POPP.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Brandy, This is such a chic and updated menu board. YOur tutorial was great. I am looking to make a big silver platter a chalk board and this was inspiring!
Yvonne

fawnda said...

Great job! I totally need one of these! : )

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

Such a great idea!! I may have to *borrow* this. I've never seen chalkboard sheets like you used. I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

I'm visiting from Frugalicious Friday. :)

- Michele

Tailored Trash Queen said...

I love this! It is so cute!! I'm visiting from Finding Fabulous!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

This looks great! I love the lettering, too.

FrouFrouBritches said...

I love that! What a great idea. I've never seen peel and stick chalboard sheets. Very cool!

Brandi @ Frugal Farmhouse said...

very cute! I'd love to find those chalkboard sheets!

Summer said...

Love your idea! I featured this on my blog!

http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/2010/03/showcase-saturday_20.html

Thanks for linking up!

Sumo

Laura said...

I love this! I definitely need help creating a menu to!

Andy Porter said...

I have never heard of the chalkboard sheets you are talking about. Very cool! It turned out great! I agree, having a menu would be so helpful!

Alison said...

Hi Brandy! I featured this idea on my blog today.

Here is the link: http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/2010/03/wednesdays-wowzers-searching-new-blogs.html

Thanks for the fabulous idea!

Alison

jenjen said...

Wonderful idea. I love it!

Thanks for linking it up to my party!!

XOXO
Jen

Connie Weiss said...

What a fun project! I didn't even know there was such a thing as chalk board paper!

Jesse said...

I love this! I have been trying to make a weekly menu and this would definitely help to organize it better.

Mommy of Two 24/7 said...

This is so cute! I will have to look for the chalkboard paper stuff around here for my kids- they'd love it! :)

I have a white erase board in the kitchen by the pantry and fridge, with a menu for the week on one side grocery list on the other. It really does help with keeping grocery costs down in our house. :)

Tara said...

What a great project. I am your newest follower. Thanks for sharing such a neat project.