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Chalkboard Menu from Repurposed Mirror

Being a junker can have so many perks, but certainly one of the downfalls is having enough room for all that you find. I make a rule that if I bring it home it has to find new purpose within six months, or it doesn’t come home with me. Well, rules are made for breaking, right? That’s because I’ve had this mirror backboard for a few years (before I made my rule) with good intentions of turning it into a chalkboard menu.

Vanity Mirror Backboard before Chalkboard Menu | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Here’s the story: a couple of years ago, I’m junking during our city-wide spring cleanup and find a broken-to-pieces vanity. Mirrors are all shattered and only one part of the side mirrors are left. This had to have been glorious in its prime.

I originally intended to give the vanity new life but decided to let the base go. (full story HERE)

Curbside Art Deco Vanity in Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The main mirror backboard became a new vanity mirror for my Rustic Chic bedroom set.

Rustic Chic Finish by Prodigal Pieces - You can create this look with paint and stain | www.prodigalpieces.com

Now, all I had left was the side mirror backboard. While I kept thinking it would make a great chalkboard menu, I also had always envisioned of turning it into a church attendance record board. You know, where they would show the offerings, and such with those fun numbered cards?

DIY TIME

Well, since I decided that I wasn’t going to keep it, that a chalkboard menu was the better option. It needs a bit of trimming since it is broke on one side and on the bottom. That’s an easy fix with my table saw.

Using Table Saw to Cut Repurposed Chalkboard Menu | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Because the finish is cracking and there are holes from the mirror mounts, I use wood filler to cover up any blemishes.

Elmer's Wood Filler to Repair Chalkboard Damage | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

After letting the filler cure, I used my orbital sander to not only sand down the filler but give the wood surface teeth so that paint would have something to adhere to.

Sanding Repurposed Chalkboard Menu | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I wanted a rustic, yet chic look, so I used the same gray from our bathroom and boys’ bedroom as a base coat. After that, I decided to whitewash the board just like my dining room table, to draw out those hand-carved accents. While creating the wash I applied a bit more pressure to wet distress. Wet distressing is the alternative to using sandpaper. It works just as well but can be a little unpredictable.

Using Wet Distressing to Add Character to Chalkboard Menu | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

GET CHALKY

To make the chalkboard, I have always used a couple of coats of basic flat black paint. It works just as well as chalkboard paint and is a fraction of the cost, like on my cabinet door turned message center.

I wanted the “Menu” text to be permanent, so I hand-painted the words on with a white and gray acrylic craft paint after using my transfer method. I then lettered my chalkboard menu with regular chalk.

TIP: Did you know you can skip the cost of those expensive chalkboard markers and just use a regular pencil sharpener to make a pointed tip on classroom chalk?

Sharpen Classroom Chalk with a Sharpener for Chalkboard Art by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

How’s that for a junker repurposed makeover?

Repurposed Vanity Mirror Turned Chalkboard Menu with Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The chalkboard menus are fun and functional, perfect for home and special events like weddings, dinner parties, birthdays, etc. If you’re not into DIY or simply love my creation, you can find it in my online shop.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Top of Repurposed Chalkboard Meny by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Although I sorta, kinda stretched my self-made rule, I thought I was keeping it for me. I at least made use of it, right?

Do pin and share to inspire others to get funky with their junk too! ♥

Create Your Own Repurposed Chalkboard Menu with Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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More projects for you like my chalkboard menu:

An Antique Vanity Transformation by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.comTired Bentwood Rocker Becomes Black Beauty by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Cecilia says

    I love it! The carving really makes the piece..I think it’s perfect as a chalkboard.

    • Larissa says

      I just couldn’t let it go to the trash. It’s too pretty! Thank you.

  2. Karen says

    Your chalkboard project is giving me incentive to work on one that I purchased at Goodwill about 6 months ago. Yikes!
    Mine has layers of paint to be removed so it may take awhile 🙂 I really love your finished board !!

    • Larissa says

      I totally get it, Karen! Thank so much for the love. 🙂

  3. Karen Baumgardner says

    Hi, Larissa…Just checking with you…I’m a Karen B but do not have an email about winning. Just wanted to make sure that there wasn’t a mix-up…thanks. Congrats to the other Karen B if she won and not me lol.

    • Larissa says

      Sorry, it was the other one. Bummer! Hard not to give away the full name…should had the next letter. 🙂

  4. Gilmer Gal says

    Nice! And, thanks for the chalk tip. I just ordered and received a pack of the paint sticks. And now I know…lol

  5. Mary-the boondocks blog says

    This is so pretty Larissa. And I love all of your thrifty tips on how to get the look while spending less. It reminds me of the joke where we crafters spend $97 on supplies to make a $5 project. The whole purpose it to do it economically.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Mary. Yes, that’s so funny! I would not know how to do it any other way.

  6. Constance says

    Hi Larissa 🙂 this is so pretty! Tell me, is the white edge painted on or did you add trimm to the side?

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Marie. You know me…if I can save, I will find a way!

  7. Sam @ Raggedy Bits says

    Just LOVE that you saved and transformed this into such a beautiful piece and for sharing great tips along the way!Thank you 🙂

    • Larissa says

      I am blessed to get to have fun and share. Thank you, Sam!

  8. Debbie G. says

    Can’t wait to hear your exciting annoncement! Gid bless you!

  9. Kathy says

    As always….you never cease to amaze me ??

  10. Cheryl B. says

    Thank you everyday for your posts.It inspires me to be more creative with what I have.

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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