It's hard to believe that my teens start school on August 18th!

This summer has just flown by….I find it kind of sad. I love everyone home in the summer….carefree, stress-free.

This year my oldest will be a senior in high school…..sigh, tears.

This will no doubt be a very busy fall with applying to colleges, homework, projects and tennis team for my daughter.

One thing that I really try to keep on a schedule is our weekly dinner menu once school starts. 

I always post the menu written on a piece of paper taped to the inside of a cabinet door. Fancy I know, but it works!

Everyone checks it.

I wanted to make it a bit nicer and out in the open. I've been wanting to make a chalkboard menu board for a while now.

While in the barn looking at my stash for July's themed furniture month (toy chest HERE), I came across this coffee table…sans top.

I've thought of using it for several things….a tray….a bar cart with new legs.

 

 

 

It has such pretty detail. I thought it would be so unique on the wall!!!! My daughter is actually the one who suggested the menu board. She has really been wanting this as she is always starving!

Perfect idea my dear! I know have my Back to School project idea with my southern blogging pals for August!

So…..My Upcycled Menu Board was born!

 

I'll have the links to my friend's projects at the end of this post. 

 

 

 

See what I'm talking about? The coffee table itself is a bit fancy for me, but taken apart and used in other ways is just perfect. Don't worry….I'm sure I'll come up with something cool for the legs. It was only $4!!!

 

 

We took off the legs and cleaned her up. I picked up a piece of birch plywood at the home improvement center. I took my measurements, and they cut it to fit for me there.

 

 

I used these products to finish the frame. They were also used on my vanity stool makeover. You can see all the details on using the finish there. I only used clear wax, not dark. The color is Primitive. This line can be found at your local Michaels and Home Depot. I painted 2 coats of Primitive. Let it dry thoroughly, lightly distress and apply wax. When dry, buff to desired sheen. 

 

 

 

Since this is a very dark mahogany piece and I was painting with a lighter color, I applied one coat of the stain blocker to the top. This will seal out any bleed through from the dark stain. I found that it really filled in any slight imperfections and gave it a very smooth surface to paint. Let this cure according to directions. 

I then primed the plywood with spray paint primer. Let that dry.

Then I coated the plywood with 2 coats of chalkboard paint.

 

 

We screwed the chalkboard to the frame. The crews were ugly, but will really keep the board secure. To hide the screws and the edge against the frame, we nailed a small molding.

 

 

We bought a stick of cove molding and cut it with a plastic portable miter box set. I painted, distressed and waxed before applying it to the frame.  When it was dry,  it was nailed to the frame. Then the nail holes were filled in with wood filler and touched up with paint and wax. 

 

 

I love the side detail. I'm going to add letters above the board that says “MENU.” I'll be sure to share with you when I have those up. Trying to decide what I want them to look like. 

 

 

 

 

This really makes it one of a kind! 

 

Really look when thrift store shopping…you may just come across a pretty table top as well to use in a new way!

Be sure to check out my other projects using Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paints

Thrift Store Vanity Stool Makeover

DINER Sign

Thrift Store Chest Makeover

 

Be sure to check out these other Back to School ideas from my southern friends!

At Home with The Barkers

Top This Top That

Refresh Restyle

Daisy Mae Belle

Lots of behind the scenes are taking place on Instagram. 

I can be found on Pinterest HERE.

Link Parties that OSH parties at on occasion!  Sunday: DIY Show Off Monday:  Between Naps on the Porch, Home Storis A to Z Tuesday: Not Just A Housewife,   The Scoop at Cedar Hill Farmhouse and Inspire Me Party at A Stroll Thru Life,  My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia  Wednesday:   Savvy Southern Style Thursday:  My Repurposed Life,  From My Front Porch to Yours,  Imparting Grace Friday:  French Country Cottage,  Miss Mustard Seed Furniture Friday, Common Ground, The Charm of Home, Rooted in Thyme, Imparting Grace, Keep Calm and Link Up, My Romantic Home – Show and Tell Friday,  Craftberry Bush – Inspiration Gallery Friday,  SnapCreativity – Show and Tell, Tatertots and Jello 

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