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Drop Cloth Curtains-No Sew!

Drop cloth curtains are an affordable and stylish solution for adding soft texture and a casual, lived-in look to any space. Originally intended as painting covers, these heavy-duty canvas cloths have become a favorite among DIYers and home decorators for their neutral tone, durability, and versatility. Their natural color complements a wide range of design styles—from farmhouse to modern rustic—and they offer a relaxed, effortless drape that feels both cozy and refined. One of the best things about drop cloth curtains is how customizable they are. You can leave them as-is for a raw, organic look, or hem, bleach, dye, or stencil them to suit your personal style. Whether you use curtain clips for a simple hang or add grommets or ties for a more finished appearance, drop cloths make it easy to achieve high-impact window treatments on a budget. They're also great for large windows, patios, or even as room dividers. With a little creativity, drop cloth curtains can elevate your space...

Upcycling an old mirror frame into a cute chalkboard!


Our home has a rich history—it's over 125 years old. It has been in my husband’s family for generations, first belonging to his grandparents, then his parents, and now to us. Prior to that, records show a woman lived here during the 1930s. When my husband’s grandparents moved in, much of the previous owner's furniture remained in the home, adding to its unique character and charm.


My mother-in-law has a strong appreciation for preserving the history of our home and its furnishings. Among the pieces she had saved were two very old, well-worn dresser mirror frames. After years of being tucked away in storage, the wood had become quite dry and weathered. Knowing my love for repurposing vintage items, she kindly offered one to me, hoping I might find a creative way to give it new life.



I eagerly accepted the offer and loaded the frames into my 4Runner—after all, who can resist vintage pieces? At first, I wasn’t quite sure how I wanted to use them. The ornate woodwork was so striking that I knew it deserved to be a focal point in a space. I considered leaving the frame bare and simply hanging a wreath in the center, which would have been charming, but I realized I already have quite a few wreath-adorned frames. I wanted to do something a bit different this time.

After giving it some thought over the course of a few days, I decided the frame would be best repurposed as a chalkboard for our dining room. I’ve always envisioned having a large chalkboard in that space, but I had never come across one that suited my style or fit my budget.

The next challenge was figuring out how to source a chalkboard that fit the frame’s exact dimensions—and how to properly secure it. After some research, I discovered Masonite, an engineered wood product that’s commonly used for DIY chalkboards. My husband picked up a sheet of Masonite, and I ordered chalkboard paint. With materials in hand, the project was officially underway.

Before attaching the Masonite, I focused on restoring the frame, which needed some attention. I began by thoroughly cleaning it with a damp cloth and allowing it to dry completely on the porch. I did Initially, I applied two coats of Restore-A-Finish in the shade Cherry, hoping it would revive the piece. However, it lacked the depth I envisioned. To achieve a richer tone, I switched to a gel stain in Ebony. Using a chip brush, I applied the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wiped away the excess. The result was exactly what I had hoped for—a deep, rich finish that beautifully highlighted the frame’s ornate woodwork. 


With the frame fully restored, I turned my attention to preparing the Masonite for the chalkboard. My husband carefully cut it to the exact dimensions needed to fit the frame. Before attaching it, I applied three even coats of chalkboard paint—taking care to ensure each layer was fully dry and flawlessly finished before moving on to the next. Once the final coat had cured, my husband secured the Masonite to the back of the frame using a nail gun, completing the transformation.


Next, I “seasoned” the chalkboard surface by rubbing a piece of chalk across the entire board in both vertical and horizontal directions. This step helps prevent ghosting or permanent marks when writing. Once the surface was fully covered, I gently wiped away the excess chalk to reveal a clean, usable board.


I hung the finished chalkboard above the buffet in our dining room—a piece of furniture that has also been in the home since the 1930s. I enjoy using the board to display uplifting messages, as it’s one of the first things guests see when they enter our home, setting a warm and welcoming tone.



Materials Needed:

  • Masonite sheet
    (Check with your local hardware store—they may be able to cut it to your exact dimensions.)

  • Rags
    (For cleaning and wiping excess stain or paint.)

  • Paint or stain of your choice
    (Choose a finish that suits your style and desired depth.)

  • Chalkboard paint
    (Apply in multiple smooth coats for best results.)

  • Nails or adhesive
    (To securely attach the Masonite to the frame.)


Disclaimer

The content shared on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All DIY projects, decorating tips, tutorials, and suggestions are based on my personal experience and are provided in good faith. However, I am not a licensed professional, and the results of any project may vary depending on skill level, tools, materials, and individual conditions.

By choosing to follow any information or instructions found on this blog, you do so at your own risk. I am not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur as a result of your use of this content. Always use proper safety precautions, read and follow manufacturer instructions, and consult professionals when necessary.

This blog does not make any guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the information provided.

Thank you for reading and please DIY responsibly!


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