INSIDE: How to make a chalkboard sign from old hot dog bun warming tray. Family motivational words of year with DIY chalkboard.
Some husbands bring flowers. Others bring chocolates. Mine brings me an old hot dog bun warming tray. Yep, I’m so lucky …because I truly love it. He knows me, and our house, so well.
From the industrial kitchen to our small home kitchen for five, this old square tray will be the focal piece in this room. Instead of carrying hot dog buns, it will now be holding motivational words.
Grab your sanding block and chalkboard paint, it’s time to find some inspiration!
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How to Make a Chalkboard from Old Hot Dog Bun Tray
When the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, some folks declare a word of the year. In the past, we have chosen a family word of the year for our young family to focus on.
This year, in place of 21 hot dog buns, we have chosen 21 motivational words. The hope is that, instead of typical dinnertime antics, these words will serve as dinnertime conversation starters for our young kids.
Supplies:
– Hot dog warming tray
– Sanding paper or sanding block
– Chalkboard paint
– Drill
– Sisal rope
– Wall hook
how to repurpose a hot dog bun tray into chalkboard
Turns out this old hot dog bun tray has a non-stick coating that doesn’t like any type of paint! We learned this tidbit through trial-and-error.
So grab some type of sanding paper and rub off any coating. Think of it this way, it’s a great arm workout!
Rinse off the sanding debris. Once dry, grab a brush and paint on the chalkboard paint.
I lost count of how many coats this old metal tray required but it was many!
Use a drill + metal drill bit to make a hole in each side of this metal tray.
Insert sisal rope through each hole, securing with a knot on each end. Hang over a hook of choice.
how to make word of the year chalkboard sign for home
As a family, we all brainstormed words that are important for us to focus on or areas we want to strengthen over this next year.
Whenever kids are involved, there are sure to be some funny suggestions but if it gets everyone talking, these parents are game!
Other Upcycled DIY Ideas You May Like:
- Turn a metal plate charger into a DIY chalkboard sign with fabric flowers
- Upcycle a staircase banister into a gallery photo wall
- Upcycle a larger dresser mirror frame into large-scale wall art
- $20 Craigslist mid-century modern coffee table makeover
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The Rules:
- Upcycle an item(s) from a thrift store, resale store, or garage sale into a new piece of decor.
- There’s no monthly theme.
- There’s no budget to stick to.
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Angela | Simply Beautiful By Angela – Heather | Glitter On A Dime Amanda | Domestically Creative – Michelle | Our Crafty Mom Jenny | Cookies Coffee and Crafts – Ali | Home Crafts by Ali – Lynn | My Family Thyme – Emy | Semigloss Design – Denise | My Thrifty House – Michelle | Michelle James Designs – Debra | Shoppe No 5 – Habiba | Craftify My Love – Victoria | Dazzle While Frazzled – Ann | Duct Tape and Denim – Molly | Just a Little Creativity – Morgan | Charlston Crafted – Meredith | Southbound Blog
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Jenny says
January 24, 2019 at 5:19 amGreat idea! I love the family words of the year and I feel like it helps the kid so much and creates a strong bond. Love all the colors.
Ali B says
January 24, 2019 at 9:04 amWhat a fun project! I like that you brainstormed the words together as a family. It’s a great way to get some insight into what kids are thinking and feeling at the moment.
Angela at Simply Beautiful By Angela says
January 24, 2019 at 12:39 pmThis is so awesome Victoria! Such an awesome new purpose for this 🙂
Debra says
January 24, 2019 at 8:05 pmI love projects like this. It makes a unique conversation piece and like you said if it gets the family talking then mission accomplished.
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
January 25, 2019 at 5:01 amThanks Debra!
Denise says
January 24, 2019 at 9:48 pmI see a “husband of the year” award coming soon. What a great upcycle that is decorative, fun and motivating. I love it.
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
January 25, 2019 at 5:01 amLOL, not sure about that award. But he does have fun taste!
Meredith says
January 25, 2019 at 6:29 amWhat an awesome idea! I would never think of this – and it would work so well on some other tray items that are always overflowing at the thrift store!! Now I’ll be on the hunt for one 🙂
Heather says
January 25, 2019 at 8:59 amWhat an awesome project!!! I never even knew hot dog warming trays existed but this is a much better use of this piece. I love all the words you chose and how it can help you connect with your family. Dinner conversations are often my favorite part of the day!
The Freshman Cook says
January 25, 2019 at 7:19 pmThis is adorable, and I think it is so awesome that your husband brought this home for you! So sweet! It is adorable and I love all the positive words you used! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!
Michele says
January 26, 2019 at 3:59 amI just love this metal bun warmer tray. It’s a fun piece and it has a country look to me.Fun stuff. Thx for posting at Funtastic Friday.
Kreanimo says
January 28, 2019 at 10:40 amThis is so cool!
I’m going to pin this! Great idea!
Michelle says
January 28, 2019 at 11:04 amThis is so creative. I love chalkboards and never would have thought of this. Love it!
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
January 28, 2019 at 1:34 pmThanks Michelle!
Amy says
January 28, 2019 at 7:31 pmWhat a fun piece and a great upcycle! You always come up with the most creative stuff. I love the idea of displaying a multitude of motivational words to be able to refer to at any time. Thanks so much for sharing at Sweet Inspiration!
Teresa says
January 29, 2019 at 11:18 amI love it! I need one of these in my kitchen!
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Habiba says
January 30, 2019 at 8:44 amI have motivational words all over my place but I mostly use postcards or sometimes even simply a post-it. Your hot dog bun tray is awesome and the fact that your husband found it for you is wonderful.
Lidia says
January 31, 2019 at 8:48 amSuch a good upcycle!! A hot dog warmer turned chalkboard – who would have thought!! Thanks for sharing on “Sweet Inspiration”!
Our Hopeful Home says
February 3, 2019 at 10:53 pmThis is fabulous and your husband is a real doll! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen