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!
*This post contains affiliate links. A purchase of any of these items helps to support this blog and its creative efforts at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. To read more, please see my disclosure page.
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
- $10 vintage suitcase turned into a wall photo display
- Vintage wooden ruler as frame for a message board
- Brass firewood holder made modern magazine rack
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.
Meet the Hosts
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
Make sure you follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!
Do you follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram?
I would appreciate any social media love you can send my way.
You May Also Like:
How To Update a $68 Builders Ceiling Fan
How To Decorate a Wood Pallet Wall with a Photo Display
How to Salvage Rusty Items with Metal Rescue Rust®Remover
How to Make Chalkboard Flower Sign from Plate Charger
Easily Turn a Tray Into Unique Frame For Old Photo
How to Make Easy, Fun Schoolhouse Kids Craft Table
How to Make a Fence-Mounted Kids Outdoor Chalkboard
DIY Vintage Suitcase Wall Photo Display
How to Make Magnet Board from a $5 Metal Tray
How to Turn Metal Baskets into DIY Hanging Light Fixtures
Great 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.
What 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.
This is so awesome Victoria! Such an awesome new purpose for this 🙂
I love projects like this. It makes a unique conversation piece and like you said if it gets the family talking then mission accomplished.
Thanks Debra!
I see a “husband of the year” award coming soon. What a great upcycle that is decorative, fun and motivating. I love it.
LOL, not sure about that award. But he does have fun taste!
What 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 🙂
What 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!
This 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!
I 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.
This is so cool!
I’m going to pin this! Great idea!
This is so creative. I love chalkboards and never would have thought of this. Love it!
Thanks Michelle!
What 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!
I love it! I need one of these in my kitchen!
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
I 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.
Such a good upcycle!! A hot dog warmer turned chalkboard – who would have thought!! Thanks for sharing on “Sweet Inspiration”!
This is fabulous and your husband is a real doll! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen