Write on it, muse on it – do anything you want on it.

The chalkboard has busted out of the classroom and into a well-appointed home near you. Last week we showed you one very cool DIY idea; now here are twenty other cool things you can do with a little chalk and a board full of inspiration.

Chalkboard planters from RossLab

Chalk tags from Lake Effect Treasury

Refrigerator message chalkboard, also from Lake Effect

Chalkboard size weekly planner from Household Words

Also available in polka dot, from Write On Decals

Chalkboard photobooth props you never thought you needed – until now! – from Itty Bitty Wedding

Chalkboard abacus in the event of actual chalkboard-based learning, from &XYZ Handmade & Vintage

If not, there’s always the chalkboard flask to slip into your backpack, from Supply by Chrit

Chalkboard labels for your staples (perfect on a mason jar) from Let’s Talk Chalk

Chalkboard speech bubble (perfect for over sharing) from Chalk Style

Chalkboard calcium reminders from the Pink Lemonade Party Shop

Chalkboard “do not disturb” hangers, from Kokuban City General Store

Chalkboard geography lesson/road trip planner from Lola Decor

Chalkboard full-length mirror, for those mornings when you just can’t deal, from Garth Fout

A chalkboard elephant in the room, another Chalk Style creation

Chalkboard hashtags for tweet addicts, from Grace Graffiti

Stop! It’s chalkboard time (commence Hammer dance) from Shopasta

Chalkboard art print from Flea Market Trixie. Don’t arrest, lest you end up…

…a chalkboard skull, like this one from I Am Home proving that a good board can be both a practical and stylishly macabre reminder to erase at your own peril.

Chalkboard birds because at this point we might as well put a bird on it.

Image: Roman Lily

The post 20 Things to Do With a Chalkboard That Don’t Involve Detention appeared first on EcoSalon.

A re-useful way to incorporate one of the biggest trends into your budget, and home. 

Chalkboards are all the rage right now. Chalk it up to back-to-school mania for grown-ups, vertical containerizing – or, as we do, the perfect medium for daily reminders, “to do” lists, dinner menus and weekly schedules. A chalkboard offers something for everybody and they add a touch of comfortable graphic charm to your home.

If your budget allows, you can buy an old school chalkboard at Restoration Hardware for $349 – $749 depending on the size.

Or this one from Pottery Barn for $249.

But why not make your own? It’s so easy and inexpensive you’re gonna freak. Here’s what you need:

I picked up my frame from a garage sale for $20. Both the spray paint and ¼ inch masonite board were less than $10.00 combined from my local hardware store, and I saved some time by having a helpful gent that worked there cut my board to size. Add some picture hanging supplies to your cart if you don’t have any.

1. Spray paint your board in a well ventilated area. If your frame has a sturdy backer, you can use that instead of buying the board and save yourself even more money. If your frame has glass, you can spray paint it as well, but be sure to prime it first.

2. Wipe down your frame. Mine had a years of dirt on it since it must have lived outside for a while.

3. Insert the masonite board into the frame and use nails to tack it down on the back. If you are using glass, be careful when using nails so you don’t break it. Strong tape would be a better choice.

4. If you are using regular wire double it up by twisting it together and wrapping it around two nails on either side. If your frame already has hanging hardware just skip this step.

And now? A perfect sounding board for practicing your penmanship.

The post To Buy or DIY: Framed Chalkboards appeared first on EcoSalon.