In case you missed my first article in Two-Lane Livin, I want to share it with you. The upcycle article tells how to make a message board from a photo frame. 

It initially ran in the June 2015 edition.

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You Will Get The Message 

by Robin A. Holstein

There is a new trend around the world called upcycling. Upcycling is when you take something at the end of its design usefulness, and use it to create something different. Why it is a new trend? I do not know. When I was little we did it all the time. We called it being thrifty.

It is easy to confuse upcycling with recycling. With upcycling you make something different, with recycling you make something new. For instance, cutting up old clothes and fabric scraps to make a quilt is upcycling. Shredding old drink bottles to make new polyester fleece clothing or polyester filling for coats is recycling.

Now that spring has sprung, and summer is not far now, let me share two quick, easy, and inexpensive upcycle projects to help your last minute household organization.

Framed Message Board

Whether you need a spot to write a short To Do List, or an easy way to leave the kids a note, creating a framed message board is simple with an old photo frame.

Chalkboard

If your frame has glass in it, take it out. Keep the backing in order to hang the frame when you are finished with the project. Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard (I used an old political yard sign), or any material you can spray paint, to a size that will fit in the frame.

Buy a can of chalkboard spray paint at a local box-store or home improvement store for about $6.00 per can. Spray the cardboard with the chalkboard paint according to the directions. You may need a couple coats. Season the paint with chalk, as directed. Seat into the frame and hang.

Wipe-Off

For this option, leave the glass in the frame, and keep the backing in order to hang it up. Cut a piece of bright construction paper, light wrapping paper, or light wall paper to fit behind the glass. You want to be sure your marker shows up.

Use a dry or wet-erase marker to make notes or leave messages on the glass.

With either style, paint the frame, or attach chalk or marker with a pretty ribbon, twine, or broken costume jewelry necklace to match your decor.

By Robin Holstein
Robin’s Upcycle is located in Kanawha County, WV. Open by appointment.
Phone 304-460-5NEW (5639).
For info, visit facebook.com/robinsupcycle