I was getting really tired of coming home from the grocery store each week without that one essential item. It’s usually something that lasts a while (like minced garlic this week) and so it’s easily forgotten when I go to make my list for the week. Or I’m starting to lose my mind… either one 
So I decided I needed a more in yo’ face way to keep track of my shopping list, and after some Pinterest research I decided a chalkboard mounted to our pantry would be both funky and functional!
I picked up two super cheap frames at a local thrift store. They were actually still in their packaging, and cost only $2.99! Score! I needed something thin and long to fit the pantry, and these had the perfect dimensions!
First I removed the glass and inserts, and because they were bare wood, they needed a quick prime job.
Once the primer dried, it was time to paint! I decided to use some leftover paint from the kitchen to make this a low budget project, and also to help tie the piece into the room. We have two shades of yellow in the kitchen, for above and below the chair rail, and I went with the bolder shade.
Next it was time to add the chalkboard. I’ve painted with chalkboard paint in the past (see this post) but the stuff is pretty expensive and time consuming, and so for a small project like this one, I decided to try out chalkboard contact paper. Spoiler alert: This stuff rocks! For a 6 foot roll, I spent $8!!
Source: Amazon
Simply cut the paper a little bit bigger than the size of the glass. Make sure the glass is clean (wipe down) and dry, and begin to apply the paper, from the top middle, moving down. I used a credit card to prevent any air bubbles.
If you do end up with any bubbles, you can use a very small pin to pop them, and smooth them out with your fingers. Then fold the excess paper over the back.
Next, put the glass back in the frame!
IMPORTANT! To get the best chalkboard results, you need to first “season” the board by covering it lightly with chalk, and then erasing.
You can mount the boards anyway you want, but we decided to use double sided mounting tape since we didn’t want to put permanent holes into our cabinet door.
Now hang baby hang!
And start listing!
I am using the top for my list, and the bottom to write out our weekly dinner menu. I’m thinking about picking up some basic white vinyl letter stickers for the permanent words (Grocery and Menu) but for now this totally works!
So how do YOU keep track of your grocery needs? What are some other fun ways to keep track of things? Please share below!
This is a great idea! I am also a huge fan of the grocery IQ app. It is free and can sync between all devices. My husband and I both share the app so we can always be on top of the grocerieis we need.
Awesome! I have wondered about that contact paper. Good to know it works well. They turned out great!
These came out so cute! I will have to try the contact paper. My method for remembering things is to write them down on a note pad I have on the front of the fridge. Then I tear off the paper and (in theory) bring it with me to the store. I say in theory,because I almost always leave it sitting on the counter.
Just followed you over from the alt webinar! Your blog is awesome! And this project turned out great! I’m the type that always comes home with random things and nothing I really needed, so this might solve my problem!
xo,
Amy
They look great. I like the idea of 2 vs 1 really large one.
Do you think the chalkboard contact paper will work over metal? I would like to make a magnetic version. Thanks.
TR
Thanks Tamara! And yes, I can’t not see any reason why it wouldn’t work on metal! I don’t think it’s thick enough that it would prevent the magnet from working. I’ve also used the chalkboard paint on metal and it worked fine.
What a fun project! I never heard of charcoal contact paper, I can imagine it was a lot less messy than it would have been using paint. Love these kind of projects that are relatively quick and doable and actually practical – and wouldn’t one or two of these make a great gift! (btw since you were curious about the fence cost here is a link: Fence Cost Breakdown) Have a nice week! xo, Linn
Wow! I love this idea. I have some chalkboard vinyl paper that I picked up at T.J. Maxx. I was planning on putting it up in my classroom to write a schedule on, but I think it belongs in my kitchen instead!
Cool idea
In my current apartment my entire cabinets are actually made out of chalkboard material, so I definitely don’t have need for this now lol! But maybe in a future home?! I think the lettering would look good btw.