How to use Vintage Moulds to DIY a French Cottage Chalkboard

How to use Vintage Moulds to DIY a French Cottage Chalkboard 

Supplies used:

• IOD Moulds of your choice
• Any household paintbrush
• Air dry clay
• Chalkboard paint
• Your favourite chalk or mineral-based paint in antique white
• Wax sealer of your choice
• Charcoal grey acrylic paint mixed with water in a 1:4 ratio (you only need a little, around one tablespoon of paint to 1/4 cup of water)
• 1/4 inch thick MDF board, cut to your preferred size (ours is 24×36″, and we suggest buying more than one board, as the other supplies will allow you to make extra as gifts, etc.)
  
• Titebond Quick & Thick Glue

First, decide on your arrangement. Once you’ve made your selection, go ahead and create all your moulds and set them aside.

Next, form a border using the clay and IOD moulds. A few things to note: Air dry clay tends to crack and warp as it dries, but there are things you can do to minimise this:

1. Allowing the clay to dry in the moulds will help reduce warping, although this takes longer.
2. Keeping it in a cool, dry place will minimise cracking.
3. Gluing while still moist is perfectly fine and allows the clay to flex to your project’s shape, which can help reduce warping.

Bottom line? Don’t stress too much. Embrace the process, and enjoy it! By the time it’s finished, you’ll find that those little quirks just add to its charm.

While the moulds were drying, paint the whole MDF board in chalkboard paint. You don’t have to paint the entire thing, especially as the outer 3-4 inches will be painted a lighter colour.

Then, arrange the moulds on the board. Do this while the moulds were still moist and glue them in place using Gorilla Wood Glue or Tightbond. You can paint the outer edge while the moulds are still moist! Don’t worry about being overly precise—just have fun and play around with it! Most of the time, issues can be fixed, and often, happy accidents lead to delightful discoveries.

Place the medallions in the upper left and right corners where you plan to put holes for the ribbon. If you’re planning to use a hanger on the back instead, you can skip this part. then use a straw (remember, the moulds were still moist) to create a hole in the centre of each medallion.

Next, paint the outer edge of the board, including the moulds, with a silver paint. 

You’re almost there! Can you see it coming together? Now that the outer edge is dry, the fun really begins. Grab your glaze and a brush, and generously apply it, just like you did when you first used foundation in Year 7. Don’t be shy about it—go heavy-handed for a more dramatic effect if you’d like! But, if you prefer a more subtle approach, that’s perfectly fine too. It’s your board, so make it your own.

Once the glaze has dried and the moulds are set, apply your wax and wipe off any excess according to the wax instructions (every wax is different, so check your container).

Drill holes through the medallions and the MDF board, thread your ribbon through, and voila! You’re done!

Isn’t it just beautiful? And the best part? It’s functional too! I hope you enjoy your new French flea market-inspired chalkboard, as created by you!