I've made chalkboards in the past using vintage frames or window sash frames, but up until this point the chalkboard itself was made using chalkboard paint. I've been looking for a more durable chalkboard material that can stand up to heavy use - for businesses, restaurants, and for those who just want something more durable.
So, I've ordered some factory made porcelain coated steel chalkboards. They come in these huge sheets.... 4' x 8', on a semi truck...(makes receiving them a little more interesting, not your every day package!)
Here's the sheet before cutting:
Here's a picture of my Dad, running the material through his table saw. This was after our session of "try to figure out how to most efficiently cut the chalkboard to get the most pieces out of it"... or something like that.
To be honest, I was hoping to get some sparks flying in the picture... but no such luck. The material has a layer of metal in it, so this was not the most comfortable thing to do. We were pelted with small metal bits as we cut each piece..
Above... we've cut pieces to fit an assortment of frames. I've also got black chalkboards. Below is a closeup of the finished chalkboards, all in a stack. The material comes with protective plastic on the surface, which I plan to leave on for my customers to remove. 
Okay, now on to other things...yesterday we worked on more coat racks. I've done quite a few now with doorknob "hooks"... but it has taken a little bit of figuring. After all, how does one attach something securely that was not intended for this purpose?
Let's just say we have our methods... and they involve a lot of epoxy! Which is really sticky stuff.... but you can clean your hands afterward with denatured alcohol - comes right off.
The photo above shows a new piece with it's original paint... I've added lots of antique hardware for hanging keys.
This piece (above) required a departure from our usual method... I guess these old porcelain faucet handles are not quite like doorknobs.
Here's a long one....8 knobs! This piece was made from a hard-to-find full door length door panel. The other half of this door is becoming a golf-themed coat rack. At the time I took these photos, it was still in the "drying" position, so I didn't want to disturb it.
This piece (above) required a departure from our usual method... I guess these old porcelain faucet handles are not quite like doorknobs.
Here's a long one....8 knobs! This piece was made from a hard-to-find full door length door panel. The other half of this door is becoming a golf-themed coat rack. At the time I took these photos, it was still in the "drying" position, so I didn't want to disturb it. Come out to the Gold Coast Art Fair (July 31, August 1-2), and visit our booth - #258-258.5 to check out the new pieces in person! We'd love to have you stop by... the booth is near the corner of Wells street & Erie, downtown Chicago. Hours: Friday noon-5pm, sat & sun 10am-5pm.
We'll also be in Glenview, IL the following weekend (August 8-9). Check out Art at the Glen Town Center.. hours are 10am-5pm sat & sun.
take care - Amy :)
