DIY! Chalkboard Command Center and Family Calendar

OK, so this project has been in the works for a couple of months...I started it, got busy, and then was waiting for the FABULOUS DecoArt Chalkboard Paint to arrive. Certainly there is a fair share of chalkboard calendars out there, but this is my version.

I wanted something pretty with a slightly worn feel but not too worn (for once!). Something I can easily add and erase activities and dates and appointments. Something that would look nice with my decor, because this sucker is big and you cannot miss it.

I did not want room for the kids to draw on it - they get their own chalkboards - and I do not want command central info getting accidentally erased.

Don't you LOVE these tags?

This is the highlight of the project

I first fell in love with them at In My Own Style when she highlighted
the original tutorial from Can't Stop Making Things.

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This is a 2 part tutorial - 

Part 1 is today, the chalkboard and frame.

Part 2 the French enamel tags will be on Thursday.
(UPDATE: The tag tutorial is posted click on the link to see it!)

Board and Frame Supplies

• DecoArt Chalkboard paint, black
• Purdy Paint Brush
• Rockler, Norton Sanding Bug
• Rockler Painter's Pyramids
• Rockler Bench Cookies
• Gorilla Glue, Wood Glue
• Gorilla Tape
• Mythic Paint Semi Gloss, Sugar Rush (LOVE this color)
• Krylon Indoor/Outdoor, Gloss Black spray paint
• One piece of luan or smooth board. I found a piece in the cut bin at Home Depot and used it.
• Saw, if you need to cut the wood.
• Molding, enough to fit the frame (with miter cuts on the top corners). I also looked for molding that have a dip/groove so that the chalk would stay put.
• Cup hooks (I could only find gold, so I painted them)
• Wood filler
• Ruler
• Miter saw
• Paint pen, white (or color of choice)

Tags Supplies (tutorial on Thursday)
UPDATE 3.3.11: You can find the tutorial for the Enamel Tags now!

• Brass Key Tags
• Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint, Dover White, Gloss
• Rockler, Norton Sanding Bug
• Newspaper or covering to protect surface
• Clear number stamps and mounting block
• StazOn Solvent Ink Pad, black
• P.K. Glitz Embossing Powder

DIY IT!

Here is a PDF of the tutorial

Go check out The DIY Club for the full tutorial right now!

DIY Chalkboard: Cut it; Paint it; Layout the grid; Prime it!

DIY Hooks: Paint 'em!

DIY Frame: Cut it; Glue it; Paint it

Assemble It: Glue it; put on finishing touches

So, when you are all done, you can easily hook and unhook
the numbers to correspond to the particular month...easy-peasy, eh?

Now we will be organized!

(I am going to keep telling myself that until I believe it!)

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