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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Music Chalkboard

    by Jennifer Fancher 24 Comments Published: 8/18/17 Updated: 3/8/22 This post may contain affiliate links.

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    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    We are a musical family.

    Both my husband and myself have grown up surrounded my impromptu jams and intricate harmonies with that perfect blend that only comes from being family.

    Music animates us so much that we pursued it as our career, so it's only logical that I would want to add touches of that love into our home decor.

    Here is how I made a DIY music chalkboard for my home.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    In true Fixer Upper fashion, JoJo took my breath away with this picture of a true, vintage music chalkboard that was rescued from a classroom many moons ago.

    The hunt was on!

    I scoured junk markets and online shops, eBay, and etsy - all without being able to find one, or at least find a music chalkboard at my price point.

    So when Serendipity stepped in one day while strolling the clearance aisle of Hobby Lobby, I knew exactly how I was going to make a DIY music chalkboard of my own!

    Chalkboards were already my jam. I have a crush on this one of a kind DIY chalkboard from KariAnne at Thistlewood Farm.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    When I found my humongo wood frame in the clearance aisle for only $24, an audible gasp escaped my lips! I raced out of the shop with frame in hand, or rather hands since it was so big, and immediately drove to the Home Depot around the corner and got plywood to fit in my frame!  I can't wait to show you all how I made this chalkboard! Affiliate links provided for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.

    DIY Music Chalkboard Supplies

    • Large wood frame (ours was 4 ft X 6 ft)
    • 1/4 inch sanded plywood large enough to fill your frame
    • Sandpaper
    • Circular Saw
    • Chalkboard Paint
    • Foam Roller - I like this one
    • Chalk Marker
    • Chalk
    • Level or ruler
    • Construction glue
    • Command Strips
    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    To begin, I had to sand my frame down since it was a premade one found on clearance and I wanted a lighter look to the frame.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    I double-duty sanded while I was stripping and sanding my DIY unfinished dresser. Using a sanding block was my original plan, but I couldn't get into the edges of the frame.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    I chose to leave my frame natural.  The veining of the wood grain was too  beautiful to hide it!

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    Next it was time to cut the plywood. Here's a tip to remember!

    Always place the plywood with the good side down.  When a circular saw cuts, the blades rotate upward, toward the ceiling, so splintering and tears in the wood can occur. Since this is a possibility, it's best to cut and measure on the not so good side.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    I sanded the edges a bit to get rid of any stray splinters, but no other prep was needed to start rolling the chalkboard paint. I use a foam roller. It flattens the paint without streaks or lines, and it's easier to place in a baggie in between coats to keep your roller from drying out.

    I used 2 coats of chalkboard paint for this piece.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    After the paint has cured, you can 'season' the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk over the painted surface. I waited overnight to make sure the paint was fully dry.

    Now it was time for the fun part - making the music staff lines.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    We marked off the spacing on the edges with pencil, evenly spacing the lines.  Since our board was a bit smaller than a typical classroom board, we used the width of a metal ruler we had on hand.

    Next we clamped a metal level to the board.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    We drew the staff lines with a Chalk Marker.  This product won't wipe away if you write over it with everyday chalk and erase it.  But the genius thing is that you can get a damp cloth and wipe the marker away!

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    We started with one set of staff lined and dry fit the frame to see if we liked it.  It needed a bit more, so we opted for the double staff.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    Perfection!

    Finally, we used construction glue to attach our DIY Music Chalkboard to the frame.

    Easy Peasy!

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    I hung the frame over my sofa using Command Strips.  This project took us about 2 days to finish if you include the drying time for the chalkboard paint.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    So I think the DIY music Chalkboard works perfectly for this space, complimenting my tobacco basket and unfinished dresser beautifully!

    How to decorate with Tobacco Baskets to get that fixer upper style.

    Keeping with the theme, I used rolled sheet music in a vase and a framed piece of music that I had once performed.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!
    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    This can be a unique way to add an architectural element to your home, while also taking up wall space if you have a blank spot to fill.

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!
    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!

    Certainly, this was easier than I originally thought, but I'm equally thrilled with the final result. No more hunting for that elusive blackboard now that I have my own DIY Music Chalkboard!

    SHOP THE POST

    After being inspired by a vintage find from Fixer Upper, and unsuccessful attempt at finding one, I decided to make a DIY Music chalkboard. Here's the tutorial!
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    1. Martha Edwards

      June 23, 2018 at 2:22 am

      We are inspired to get new furniture in our living room. Thank you for this information on how to choose the right sofa. I like what was said about holding each piece of furniture and the premises of the room before making the purchases. Another thing that I am looking to find is a couch that is comfortable and will provide happiness. Thanks for sharing your post.

    2. Jennifer

      April 09, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      Thanks Roy!

    3. Rogers Roy

      April 07, 2018 at 6:02 am

      Jennifer you realy did a incredible job. That is really impressive. I also want added this to my drawing room. Thanks for sharing this. Have a nice day.

    4. Jennifer

      October 03, 2017 at 12:17 pm

      Thanks so much for your sweet words Rebekah!

    5. Rebekah Purnell

      October 03, 2017 at 11:23 am

      Good work Jennifer. I love DIY work but I never thought about DIY music chalkboard. It’s pretty amazing. Firstly, I will try to make DIY music chalkboard in my kid’s room. Thanks for wonderful idea.

    6. Jennifer

      September 14, 2017 at 8:26 pm

      Ooh! I almost did green, but opted for black to match my decor. Thanks so much for your sweet words! They made my day!

    7. Hayden

      September 14, 2017 at 8:10 am

      Jennifer, this is beautiful! I just made a vintage green chalkboard but I think I'm in love with yours more. Definitely pinning this for later!

    8. Jennifer

      September 05, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks so much for featuring me! It was such a wonderful surprise!

    9. Richella Parham

      August 31, 2017 at 8:21 am

      You did a great job! Yours looks absolutely wonderful, and it's right at home with you. Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. You can bet that people will be looking for big frames on sale!

      Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party. I'm featuring you this week!

    10. Jennifer

      August 24, 2017 at 9:20 am

      Sweet Cindy - your words always brighten my day and bring big smiles to this face! Thank you so much, my friend!

    11. Jennifer

      August 24, 2017 at 9:19 am

      Hi Jodie! Thanks so much for the invite and for your sweet words! I'm honored to join you all!

    12. Jodie

      August 24, 2017 at 6:34 am

      It turned out GREAT! Never thought to make this a focal point piece of art, but it totally works...

      Please come share at Reader Tip Tuesday
      We're open & growing all week. Hope to see you there... xo

    13. Cindy

      August 24, 2017 at 5:10 am

      Super awesome Jen! I love your creativity and that your decor has meaning to your amazingly talented family! This is just perfect in your space!

    14. Jennifer

      August 23, 2017 at 1:38 pm

      Thanks Mary - it reminds me of those many days in college music classes!

    15. Mary

      August 23, 2017 at 1:12 pm

      Jen that is one beautiful chalkboard. A nice variation on the standard ones we have come to see.

    16. Jennifer

      August 22, 2017 at 6:18 pm

      Thank you so much Debra! I'm honored you stopped by and took the time to comment!

    17. Jennifer

      August 22, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Thanks of the pin, friend!

    18. Laurie

      August 22, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      Jen, I love it! I'd love to add one near my piano. Thanks so much for the inspiration and sharing with us this week! Pinned!

    19. Debrashoppeno5

      August 21, 2017 at 9:33 pm

      Such a special chalkboard. It ;looks great with the other items you added to the vignette.

    20. Jennifer

      August 20, 2017 at 5:18 pm

      Oh, I am so glad you stopped by and an equally happy that this inspired you! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

    21. Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled

      August 20, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      Thank is such a neat idea! My mother-in-law is a piano player and this would make a very neat gift (smaller version, most likely) idea for her. Visiting from Inspiration Monday party.

    22. Jennifer

      August 19, 2017 at 8:35 am

      Thank you so much Kendra!!

    23. Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com

      August 18, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      What a sweet (and beautiful) addition to your home, Jen!! My husband plays the piano (and our kids are both in lessons) and I could see this as such a pretty addition to our piano room! xo

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    Jen and Trent Fancher of Noting Grace

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