DIY Chalkboard Menu for under $10!!!

So if you have kids or a spouse who is always asking what's on the menu for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you can do something like this. My husband's most common question in the house is "What's for Dinner?" I answer this question daily. So to save us both some time I decided to make a Menu board I can put in the kitchen to answer this never-ending inquiry. Of course this must be done On the Cheap or it's not worth doing...am I right, people? Yes...I am. 

Now you may be asking, "How is it faster to take the time to write it down than just answer the question?" Truthfully it might not be, but if I get in the habit now, when my kids are older and able to answer the question, I wont have to answer it multiple times for multiple people. 

Another reason I'm doing this is because I tend to get lazy on the quality of food I eat especially at lunch. I figured if I wrote down what I was going to eat for lunch that day instead of figuring it out when I was starving, I would be more likely to stick to a healthy meal than run out and get something not as good for me. Look at is writing down a daily goal. Anything to help me live a healthier lifestyle. Don't worry

So I went to the local Walmart (although not my favorite place, it is a cost effective place) and I purchased an 11 x 14" picture frame with a cool design I liked for $5. I might have been able to find something cheaper at Goodwill, but I may have had to repair it or spray paint it, so I opted for a new Walmart one. I also purchased this can of Krylon Chalkboard paint for $3.97. 

Total project cost: about $9

Step One: Remove glass and find a surface you can easily spray paint on that is well ventilated. Spray in even horizontal strokes. If you stay in one place too long it could create excess paint spots or drips which you don't want to have to fix later. 

Step 2: Wait for it to dry a couple of hours and then verify that you have enough of a coating on it so you have an even surface to write on. If you missed a couple spots, just add to it again using the same instructions in Step 1. 

It should look like this when it's finished and dry.

Step 3: Put the glass back in the frame, hang on the wall and enjoy! 

You can use this for anything, not just a menu...maybe a calendar reminder, to do list, or whatever fits your needs. 

Also, note that you do not have to use glass or a picture frame for this type of project. You can use plastic, wood, metal, etc. to spray on. The beauty of this chalkboard paint is that it adheres to almost ANY possible surface. I just chose this method for the aesthetic quality and I wanted to make sure I had a hard enough surface to write on with the chalk. 

I did not primer the glass before painting and I tested the wet chalk and it did not remove any of the chalkboard surface. Luckily if I have any problems down the road (which I doubt I will) I have the rest of the can to re-spray if needed or to just make another chalkboard...maybe for my daughter's play room. Oh the possibilities!