Flickr Finds: Frames on a Chalkboard Wall

We love the idea of making a DIY chalkboard out of a vintage frame. But Jessica turns that idea inside out in her office, hanging empty frames to organize the chalkboard wall behind her desk...

2:2:09chalkboardframes2.jpg

This incredibly simple project transforms the chalkboard wall into a space that serves your practical needs as well as your creative muse. Use the space outside the frames for doodling, spontaneous poetry, or what have you… and employ the framed portions for more mundane tasks, like calendar-keeping, as Jessica does.

Nice empty frames are easy to find at flea markets and thrift stores. For a wide selection of empties, including frames with a sleeker, more contemporary aesthetic, try Cheap Pete's, which has several Bay Area locations.

A couple more shots of Jessica's lovely office.

See more photos of Jessica's home here!

Comments (18)

Cool beans!

posted by scootergirl on February 2nd 2009 at 9:36pm
view scootergirl's profile

Please... stop... can't... take... anymore... chalkboard... paint... (cough)

posted by nashdp on February 2nd 2009 at 10:24pm
view nashdp's profile

I've been lucky enough to see this in person & it looks great! The chalkboard paint is quite handy & makes sense in an office - nice job Jess!

posted by piperjacquelyn on February 2nd 2009 at 11:23pm
view piperjacquelyn's profile

I'm with nashdp. Please stop.

posted by sfdoddsy on February 2nd 2009 at 11:53pm
view sfdoddsy's profile

Such a great idea. Makes me wish we weren't renters.

posted by Waltz on February 3rd 2009 at 1:57am
view Waltz's profile

aren't you worried about the chalk dust after erasing getting on to your Mac.

posted by trailingedge on February 3rd 2009 at 2:03am
view trailingedge's profile

Love the idea!
..hesitate about the chalk dust though

posted by inaku on February 3rd 2009 at 2:10am
view inaku's profile

That looks awsome

posted by m.schwarz on February 3rd 2009 at 3:17am
view m.schwarz's profile

Nevermind the chalk dust! I wish they'd let me do this at the office.

posted by DannyD on February 3rd 2009 at 7:06am
view DannyD's profile

Keep calm about the overuse of chalkboard paint, everyone. It doesn't last for, like, ever.

posted by madsarah on February 3rd 2009 at 7:21am
view madsarah's profile

When are they going to invent whiteboard paint!

posted by K T G on February 3rd 2009 at 8:34am
view K T G's profile

Ha! @ madsarah.

I still think that chalkboard paint can be done well, but I'm just not 100% on board with the frames here. I think it would make work better with plain wooden frames, so that it looks more like a school chalkboard....or not.

I also thought that mug in the 3rd pic said "Heebs de Provence"

posted by KidMoe on February 3rd 2009 at 8:47am
view KidMoe's profile

The chalk dust prevents me from even considering this. After painting our second fridge and seeing how much dust is created, it would be a mess in my home studio.

I am, though, thinking of doing a few segments of wall in metal paint. We'll see...

FYI, KTG: Rust-Oleum has a dry erase paint. : )

posted by modtramp on February 3rd 2009 at 9:19am
view modtramp's profile

*puts whiteboard into frame*

posted by Clap on February 3rd 2009 at 9:55am
view Clap's profile

Love the wall, love Jessica's diminuendo handwriting, *snort* at madsarah, and hawr-hawr at KidMoe's heebes.

And folks, chalkboard dust can be minimized by using a damp erasing cloth. Done.

posted by Splomo on February 3rd 2009 at 10:45am
view Splomo's profile

I think it's a very clever update for the ubiquitous chalkboard paint.

posted by Cassis on February 3rd 2009 at 11:12am
view Cassis's profile

I am and will always be a chalkboard lover!!!! The damp cloth for erasing is the key to reduce dust. The frames really jazz up and define the wall.

posted by royaltygirl on February 3rd 2009 at 5:39pm
view royaltygirl's profile

I actually like this idea but I'd use dry erase board paint instead of the black chalk.

Simple frames for things like calendars and such, neat.

posted by ciddyguy on February 3rd 2009 at 10:42pm
view ciddyguy's profile