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76 Comments

  1. Katie
    February 7, 2011 @ 1:44 am

    That's an adorable idea!! I love it! The colors in her room are great!

    Reply

  2. Lynda
    February 7, 2011 @ 1:49 am

    NOW I know what to do with all those old pieces of jewelry I have….LOVE this project!

    Reply

  3. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
    February 7, 2011 @ 2:18 am

    it looks gorgeous! love those magnets you made! i actually just finished a magnetic chalboard as well- it is being posted tuesday morning. it's very different from yours- i LOVE yous and it is so perfect above that desk!

    Reply

  4. A Vintage Vine
    February 7, 2011 @ 3:58 am

    Love all the info! I have not tried those two together but I was thinking about it…now I know not to…Looks great above her desk!

    Reply

  5. Kristie & the girls
    February 7, 2011 @ 5:34 am

    Super cute! & thanks for the great tips. You should check out Sixty-Fifth Avenue (http://sixtyfifthavenue.blogspot.com/) There is going to be a chalkboard link party.

    Reply

  6. Jaime @ Our Journey
    February 7, 2011 @ 9:17 am

    This is fantastic! I've been wanting to make one of these for months; thanks for sharing the money savings tips as my Plan A would have been the same Plan A you had! :o) Your magnetic chalkboard is beautiful!

    Reply

  7. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
    February 7, 2011 @ 11:54 am

    It looks great, Julie! I do have a frame that I'd like to do this to; thanks for the tips. I hadn't gotten as far as to what to buy to do the backing, but at least I know what to get now!

    Reply

  8. Sixty-Fifth Avenue
    February 7, 2011 @ 2:12 pm

    Such a fantastic post! Great score finding that frame and the magnets are fabulous! Thanks for linking up to the chalkboard party.

    Londen

    Reply

  9. Amy
    February 7, 2011 @ 3:28 pm

    LOVE how that looks in her room! So cute!

    Reply

  10. Orange it Lovely
    February 7, 2011 @ 4:11 pm

    oh man am I ever glad you figured it out because its gorgeous! I love it.
    Tana

    Reply

  11. Baker Family
    February 7, 2011 @ 4:43 pm

    That looks great, and I LOVE the magnets!

    <3

    Risa

    Reply

  12. Organize with Sandy
    February 7, 2011 @ 7:16 pm

    That looks great. I also tried the magnetic paint awhile back as a review. The guy said to follow the directions carefully..which we did. He also mentioned a specific kind of magnets (which I did not purchase) It worked a little bit. Not great. But… I like your idea much better. Just getting the sheet metal. I also like that you said to look near the plumbing. I am thinking I am going to do something like this over my desk in my newly reorganized office.
    I would love for you to share this post with my readers. I have been working on offices this month and have a link party going on until Feb. 24th for it.
    I found you from Sumo's Sweet Stuff.
    Hope to see you there! I am going to give you the link since I'm not on blogger and it's a pain to get my link from the google link.
    http://www.organizewithsandy.com/2011/02/07/organizing-mission-monday-mission-office-week-8/

    Reply

  13. NanaDiana
    February 7, 2011 @ 7:38 pm

    What a great idea. I HATE it when companies don't tell you all the properties of a product you are buying to use. I don't think ANYONE else knew this yet…so thanks for the tip.

    Love her room and the new blackboard is perfect! Works 2 ways! Great idea and wonderful job! Hugs-Diana

    Reply

  14. Tammy@Beatrice Banks
    February 7, 2011 @ 9:53 pm

    Love the chalkboard! Great tips. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  15. Katie @ OhhBaby
    February 8, 2011 @ 3:25 am

    I really like the frame that you put it in! It really makes it look so classy!

    Reply

  16. Wendy
    February 8, 2011 @ 4:35 am

    Wow, that looks fabulous!

    Reply

  17. Michelle
    February 8, 2011 @ 2:12 pm

    Thank you for your insight! I so love those magnets!

    Reply

  18. Angela
    February 8, 2011 @ 9:13 pm

    Thanks for the tips on the paint! I hadn't heard of the magnetized one before, but I'll know to steer clear. I LOVE your daughter's desk. I just checked out your post about it. I want to paint my own (ugly brown) desk that lovely shade of Hazel. Love…love!

    Better Than a Milk Mustache

    Reply

  19. The Treasurista
    February 9, 2011 @ 5:47 pm

    Hop on over to the Party! Would love for you to link-up @

    http://thetreasurista.blogspot.com/p/treasuristas-thursday-treasures-come.html

    The Treasurista
    Finding and Creating FUN things…

    Reply

  20. Inspired by you
    February 9, 2011 @ 11:22 pm

    I just made a magnet board yesterday w/ the same metal. I wouldn't have thought to paint on chalkboard paint. I love your jewel magnets. I see an upgrade in the future for my magnetic board!

    Reply

  21. Kate@TwentySixToLife
    February 10, 2011 @ 3:27 pm

    That looks so great!

    And I've been looking for something like that to fill a frame and I think the sheet metal may work. I'm definitely going to have to see if my Home Depot has that too!

    Reply

  22. Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures
    February 10, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

    Love it!!
    I did the same thing with some of my Mother's old earrings!

    Reply

  23. missavene
    February 10, 2011 @ 8:06 pm

    great idea, and thanks for the info on the paints, will have to try this!

    Reply

  24. Farmer's Wyfe
    February 11, 2011 @ 6:05 am

    Really beautiful! Glad I found your blog today through the Shabby Nest link! 🙂

    Reply

  25. Catherine
    February 12, 2011 @ 1:31 am

    Love this {and the desk is beautiful, too!}

    Reply

  26. Rachael
    February 12, 2011 @ 1:33 am

    Really great idea for magnets! Stopping by from Tatertots and Jello!

    Reply

  27. Ladybird Ln
    February 12, 2011 @ 2:02 am

    Wow, what a great idea, I am glad I am not the only one that has to go to plan c now and then. I love how it is magnetic and a chalkboard, so creative, and beautiful magnets.

    ladybirdln.blogspot.com

    Reply

  28. Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top
    February 12, 2011 @ 2:38 am

    I'm loving the new look of your blog! 🙂 I love the chalkboard also. The magnets turned out so pretty. When I make chalkboards, I spray the glass with chalkboard paint. It works great.

    Reply

  29. Christine
    February 12, 2011 @ 2:45 am

    I love this! I've been wanting to do a magnetic chalkboard for my kids room forever and just haven't gotten around to it.
    Stopping by from Tatertots and Jello!

    Reply

  30. Erin @ The Little Apartment
    February 12, 2011 @ 2:47 am

    This looks wonderful! Great job (:

    Reply

  31. oops!
    February 12, 2011 @ 3:58 am

    I have made a magnetic chalkboard and it did not work well! I didn't think to call – your smart!Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  32. CherishedHearts Vintage
    February 12, 2011 @ 5:06 am

    We have that same desk, which came from an auction for $12. How lovely it is in this color! Another project for me to do this summer.

    Thank you!

    Reply

  33. Kellie
    February 12, 2011 @ 5:05 pm

    So cute! I found you on tt&j 🙂 Love your ideas!

    -Kellie
    http://sixtieshome.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  34. - Brittany
    February 13, 2011 @ 12:47 pm

    That is fabulous! You just solved the exact dilemma I was having for some frames that I just painted. Thanks for your info.

    Brittany
    http://www.prettyhandygirl.com

    Reply

  35. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia}
    February 13, 2011 @ 2:33 pm

    I just looove this, really! I'm getting married in October, so I'm constantly looking or ideas for our new place; this would be perfect for a message center/calendar/reminders/etc. Bookmarking now!

    Reply

  36. Living A Bona Fide Life
    February 13, 2011 @ 2:33 pm

    Great idea! Turned out beautiful. I love your reuse of the brooches. 🙂

    Reply

  37. Amy @ Increasingly Domestic
    February 13, 2011 @ 6:41 pm

    Your magnetic chalkboard turned out so beautifully!

    Hi Julie, my name is Amy and I am a new follower! Not because of the chalkboard(though it's great), but because of how brilliantly you share your relationship with Jesus Christ. Wow. I am so inpsired by you as a Christian wife and mother and can't wait to learn more about you.
    Have a blessed day my new friend!

    Reply

  38. Tracey
    February 14, 2011 @ 11:16 am

    This is a fabulous save on a project that would have derailed at my house!

    Reply

  39. Miss Obara
    February 15, 2011 @ 3:10 pm

    Thanks for posting this and saving me time! I'm about to start on a huge chalkboard. Not even sure if Home Depot has this huge of sheet metal. I think 3X5 feet!! HUGE!! Hadn't thought about making it magnetic, but I guess that will determine if I do!. Love how yours turned out. Ck mine out soon!

    Reply

  40. Kirsten
    February 16, 2011 @ 5:46 am

    You can find Rust-oleum at Home Depot which is a roll-on/brush-on paint that works great. The more applications the more magnetic it becomes.
    http://www.rustoleum.com/cbgproduct.asp?pid=127

    Reply

  41. Rona's Home Page
    February 16, 2011 @ 2:18 pm

    I really love this because I've been wanting a large chalkboard for our living space.
    I'll have to head to a thrift store for a large frame.

    Reply

  42. Texas Sugar
    February 16, 2011 @ 3:15 pm

    @Miss Obara
    I work for a roofing company that also does sheet metal work. If Home Depot doesn't have the size you need, you may try looking into people in the area that do sheet metal work. They may even be able to cut the exact size that you need for you.

    Reply

  43. Shannon
    February 16, 2011 @ 6:17 pm

    I just happened onto this blog from Org Junkie and have a question – I bought that same Krylon chalkboard paint for a project. I thought that ALL chalkboard paint was magnetic (from other DIY blogs) but what I painted with it is not the least bit magnetic. Is all chalkboard paint NOT magnetic??

    Reply

  44. Julie
    February 16, 2011 @ 7:52 pm

    @Shannon
    There may be a product out there that is a combination of the two, but I haven't been able to find one. I just know that the Krylon Chalkboard spray is not magnetic or compatible with the Krylon Magnetic spray. Hope that helps you!

    Reply

  45. Julie
    February 16, 2011 @ 7:55 pm

    @Texas Sugar
    Thanks for pointing this out. I've used the sheet metal used for HVAC duct work & it works great as well. It just takes a little more effort to find it.

    Reply

  46. Goldilocks
    February 17, 2011 @ 4:35 pm

    I love the color of your daughters desk. What color/brand did you use? It looks "Tiffany Blue".

    Reply

  47. Julie
    February 17, 2011 @ 5:25 pm

    @Goldilocks
    That's Hazel by Sherwin Williams. You can read more about it here:
    http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/11/desk-named-hazel.html

    Reply

  48. Mrs.B
    February 18, 2011 @ 11:09 pm

    That's very pretty & thanks for all the FYI! 🙂

    Reply

  49. Inspire Me Heather
    February 22, 2011 @ 1:15 pm

    This is great! I linked it to my chalkboard paint project post too, fantastic!

    Reply

  50. Nicki
    February 23, 2011 @ 4:17 am

    Hi! I found you over at Tatertots and Jello! I love this idea so much! I'm mentioning you in my post tomorrow over at derekandnicki.blogspot.com!

    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  51. Brook
    February 27, 2011 @ 1:40 am

    LOVE this idea!! We are working on one tonight. Your picture of the sheet metal package totally helped me find it in Home Depot too!

    Reply

  52. Kimberly
    February 27, 2011 @ 2:35 am

    I made my grandkids a chalkboard for their room. It was 4×8 feet. Also used magnetic paint out of a can. It took me 5 coats to finally get a magnet to hold. Also top coated with chalk board paint. Framed it with red painted trim. I love the size of it. My next board I did have a custom piece of sheet metal and painted it with chalk board paint. Turned out perfect! Great when you find that perfect frame also.

    Reply

  53. Hyphen Interiors
    April 1, 2011 @ 5:10 pm

    So precious!

    Reply

  54. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
    May 7, 2011 @ 4:24 pm

    Thanks for the tip about the paint. I didn't even know there was such a thing. But I was thinking of getting some sheet metal at HD. This turned out great. The brooches made cute magnets.

    Reply

  55. - Brittany
    June 16, 2011 @ 1:40 am

    I'm writing up a post about my magnetic display frame and would like to reference your magnetic chalkboard. May I have your permission to use a photo and link back to this post?

    I'd greatly appreciate it.

    Brittany

    Reply

  56. {amy k.}
    August 17, 2011 @ 6:16 pm

    love it- great idea!

    do you happen to know the color and brand of paint on that desk?? it looks like it's just what i've been looking for!

    Reply

  57. Diana
    October 17, 2011 @ 11:01 pm

    Thanks for this awesome tutorial. I also made the same board. But I couldn't find the same kind of chalk board spray paint you have but I found rust-oleum. Did you use that brand before?

    Please feel free to take a look at my chalk/magnetic board:

    http://dianathao.blogspot.com/2011/10/chalk-and-magnetic-board.html

    Reply

  58. Katie
    December 30, 2011 @ 3:55 am

    I LOVE all of this. I am getting ready to move and just found your blog a few days ago! Question: on your pieces of furniture that you have painted, have you ever attempted to repaint them a different color? If so, what were your results? I'm afraid I will choose a wrong color that won't look so hot when I get it home. Thanks!

    Reply

  59. Julie
    December 30, 2011 @ 1:40 pm

    @Katie
    Yes, I've repainted things many times! Don't be afraid of using the wrong color…if it doesn't work out, just try again! So glad you stopped by!

    Reply

  60. Misty
    January 15, 2012 @ 1:38 pm

    Where did you find the desk?

    Reply

  61. Krissy
    February 19, 2012 @ 2:32 pm

    This is absolutely beautiful. I'm not really good at making things, but I'd really like to try this. Can you tell me how you went from the metal to the frame? You cut the metal, then 1) how did you attach it to the thin piece of board? 2) is the board a piece of wood? 3) how do you get it attached into the mirror frame (I have a mirror I'd like to turn into a magnetic chalkboard for my daughters). 4) Would it be better for me as a beginner to just use a regular frame (and frame the metal like a picture?) Thanks for your help! So pretty

    Reply

    • Julie
      February 19, 2012 @ 7:51 pm

      I'm sure you can do this, Krissy! 1)you don't necessarily have to "attach" it to the board. Just sandwiching it in will hold it. 2) yes, the board is wood–it's very thin particle board, also known as Eucaboard 3) you can attach several ways–glue, a strong tape around the entire edge on the back,or staples or nails wedged in at an angle to hold the board in place. 4) If this is all to confusing just go with what you know! I'm sure it will be great!

      Reply

  62. LesLee
    February 26, 2012 @ 9:18 pm

    Have you had any trouble with the chalkboard paint chipping off of the sheet metal? The guy at Lowe's recommended priming it first, but the primer for metal is so expensive. Thanks for your help!

    Reply

    • Julie
      February 26, 2012 @ 9:42 pm

      I've had no trouble so far! I skipped the primer because (a) I wanted to do it cheaper & easier, & (b) I wasn't sure if it would interfere with the magnetization of the metal. Hope that helps you!

      Reply

  63. amanda.hall
    March 10, 2012 @ 2:02 am

    Have you had trouble with getting the chalkboard clean? We have done this same thing and are in about week 3 of writing notes and my little boys drawing on it. I cant seem to get it clean now. How do you clean yours?

    Reply

  64. Julie
    March 10, 2012 @ 2:09 am

    I usually clean mine with either a damp paper towel or a baby wipe, and they usually work well. Hope tht helps you!

    Reply

  65. karamichelle84
    March 15, 2012 @ 10:08 pm

    I am having SO much trouble cleaning mine too! We got the same sheet metal and I did two coats of the chalkboard paint. And you can see everything we have ever wrote on it. And it takes FOREVER to erase with a damp cloth.. and you can still see what it said. I'm not sure if I should go buy the kind you paint on and give it more coats… or if I just need to end up doing it on wood instead of metal.. because I'm just so disappointed that it wont erase. I dont know what I did wrong. 🙁

    Reply

    • Julie
      March 15, 2012 @ 11:29 pm

      I'm sorry it hasn't worked out for you! Ive found that with almost all chalkboards I own that there is some degree of residual chalk left over, but it sounds like yours is more than normal. I'm wondering if it could be the type of chalk you've been using. You may want to try a different kind of chalk. And I would also recommend resurfacing with the Krylon spray for a couple more coats. Also, be sure to wait the recommended 24 hrs before using & chalk over the whole board before using, as per the directions on the can. Hopefully these steps will fix it for you!

      Reply

  66. Cadie
    May 8, 2012 @ 5:09 pm

    Julie,

    Brilliant!! My daughter is getting married and her future mother in law had gotten some cute doll magnest which we wanted to use to hold place cards. I thought about the magnetic paint but saw your post – went off to home depot and found the sheets then discovered I had some lovely embroidered silk fabric which I could use to cover the metal – not sacrifycing any magnetism. THen framed them with 2×3 poster frames -not expensive and voila! A unique, presentable and cheap solutions! Thank you!! Esp for the photo from home depot!

    Reply

  67. dogsdishesanddecor
    June 28, 2012 @ 10:03 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I am SO glad I found this post before tackling my own magnetic chalkboard project!

    Reply

  68. BethSoil
    September 24, 2012 @ 12:49 pm

    Thanks this is exactally the type of information I was looking for. I had an idea in my head and wanted good honest feedback to see what others experiences were before I dove in. I'm on a budget and have limited time so I have to be as efficient and cost effective as possible the first time around. Glad I stumbled on your site it has lots of great info. Thanks!
    Beth Soileau

    Reply

  69. Heidi
    January 11, 2013 @ 12:16 am

    I did this today just because of all the horrible things I'd read online about the magnetic paint and I thought I was coming up with an original idea by using the sheet metal (yes, you can feel free to laugh at me). Unfortuantely I didn't see your post 5 hours ago because I paid $20 for a 24×36 piece of sheet metal in the tools section 🙁

    Reply

    • Julie
      January 11, 2013 @ 12:51 am

      Bummer! But I hope it turned out well for you anyway!

      Reply

  70. Nicole Foster
    June 24, 2013 @ 1:38 pm

    how did it hold up over the years of use – i am concerned with the paint chipping and my little one eating it 🙂 thanks

    Reply

    • Julie
      June 24, 2013 @ 6:30 pm

      Ours has been fine so far. It doesn't get tons of use like some of my other chalkboards, but it gets a fair amount & no problems at this point!

      Reply

  71. homestilo
    November 20, 2015 @ 2:13 am

    This turned out lovely. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply

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