In the right frame of mind

One of my favorite “up-cycle“ projects are the transformation of antique frames into pretty and practical works of art.




Custom cut a piece of foam board to fit your frame. Using spray adhesive apply sheet of cork to foam board. Place board in frame; secure in place with angle brackets at each corner. Finish off the back of your frame using brown craft paper. Cut the craft paper to size and apply the craft paper with a glue stick.

Here are two large ornate frames transformed into cork message boards. These would look lovely in a chic home office or studio.




I applaud the person who came up with chalkboard paint. There are so many items that can be transformed using chalkboard paint (this subject itself deserves its own post).
Custom-cut a piece of hardboard to fit your frame. Spray on chalkboard paint, applying at least three coats; let dry between coats. Allow paint to dry for 24 hours. Once cured, prepare surface for chalk by rubbing side of chalk over entire surface and erasing. Place board in frame; secure in place with angle brackets at each corner. Finish off the back of your frame using brown craft paper.

I use this chalkboard at the shop to relay messages to our customers.



The possibilities are endless when using fabric to make a message board. You can use a fun retro barkcloth and paint the frame to match for a teenagers room or maybe a beautiful floral print for a garden room, or use a leftover piece of fabric from your decorating project to coordinate with your new space. I could go on and on.

Cut a 3/4-inch-thick Homasote fiberboard to fit a large frame, or have your hardware store cut it for you. Cut a piece of fabric and batting 2 inches larger all around; place face down on work surface. Center fiberboard over batting and fabric. Wrap one side of fabric and batting to the back. Using a staple gun, attach fabric and batting to board, beginning with one staple in the middle of the side, 1 1/2 inches in from the edge. Wrap fabrics over opposite side, and secure to board with a staple directly opposite the first. Repeat with other two sides. Continue stapling fabrics, working out toward the corners, always adding staples in pairs on opposite sides of the board, ensuring fabric stretches evenly. If you want to add another layer be creative and add a coordinating ribbon in any pattern on the surface. Use upholstery tacks to secure ribbons. Place board in frame; secure in place with angle brackets at each corner. Finish off the back of your frame using brown craft paper.

Here is a message board using some fun vintage fabric.