Ironing Board Upcycle

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I was lucky enough to find not just one, but TWO ironing boards at yard sales.  This is the smaller of the two and after a little thought, I came up with an idea for it.  This ironing board measures 7.5" x 35", the perfect size for a kitchen menu board.

When I found this little board, it was in pieces:
I'm pretty sure it was missing some parts.
Here's the back:
Pieces?  Not a problem, I had a plan! 
Everything got a good sanding and the it was time to turn it into a chalkboard. The first step was to tape-off everything that wasn't going to be the chalkboard.
You may notice a couple of white spots.  Those were holes that were filled in with wood putty.  I used spray chalk paint and it needed about 3 coats.  Sorry, but I forgot to take a picture of the chalk paint before it was seasoned.  I'll get to that in a bit. 
Next, it needed a title.  I created a stencil with my Cricut and some contact paper from the dollar store.  
I placed it on the ironing board and pressed down all of the edges firmly with a credit card:
Using a stencil brush and some black craft paint, I painted in the letters.  
After a few minutes, I carefully peeled back the stencil to reveal the title.
Whew, that part was done:
You can see in this picture that I seasoned the chalkboard.  For those who don't know what that means, you need to rub the side of a piece of chalk all over your new chalkboard and then gently wipe it off with a soft cloth or paper towel.  If you don't do this, whatever you write on the board will show through when you try to erase it. 
You can see how much chalk I rubbed into the board and how it looks when it's wiped-off. 
Chalkboard seasoned and now for finishing the wood.  I used tung oil and a piece of cheesecloth.  Since this was old wood, it took several coats.
You may ask if I actually plan the menu for the week and the answer is 'Yes!' Over the years, friends have teased me and asked what happens if you don't want burgers on Monday....seriously, it's not written in permanent ink and we do change things around.  Having an idea of what we're going to cook for the week is how I do the grocery shopping. 

 The last little detail?  Chalk Storage.  If you remember the before pictures, the back had a small wood piece that made a perfect ledge....chalk storage!
The total cost for this project was $5, just what I paid for the ironing board.   All the other materials I had in my stash of goodies.  

What ideas do you have for an ironing board?

I hope you'll pin, share, comment, and follow.  If you click on those 3 little lines at the top left of the blog, you'll see where to find me...or click on the icon below to share.

Comments

  1. Tammy LagalySeptember 10, 2019 at 8:32 AM

    Wow! What a great find and an awesome use for it! Don't feel bad about posting your menu for the week, I do the same thing. I've never understood how people go to the grocery store without a list. I would be going to the store almost everyday for something I didn't have or had forgotten the way my mind works. Again, great project and super lucky find!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 10, 2019 at 7:36 PM

      Thanks,Tammy. I don't know how people shop without a list either!

      Delete
  2. decorateandmorewithtip.comSeptember 10, 2019 at 10:27 AM

    what a great find! I have never seen a wooden ironing board. You stumbling onto a great one. Love how you made it into a wall decor. Making it into a menu is a great idea. I love this. Thanks for hosting this months 10 on the 10th.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 10, 2019 at 7:38 PM

      Old wooden ironing boards are all over in this neck of the woods, Terrie. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasSeptember 11, 2019 at 9:43 AM

    LOVE this sweet chalkboard transformation!!! Thanks so much for sharing it and thanks for stopping by!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kim September 12, 2019 at 7:25 PM

    What a fabulous makeover, Ann! I love it, useful, fun and creative. I must ask though, what is a zoodle bowl?? I'm so curious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 13, 2019 at 7:52 PM

      Thank you, Kim. It's a favorite of mine. A zoodle bowl is short for 'Bruschetta Grilled Chicken Zoodle Bowls'. I shared a pic of them on my End of Summer Garden post, but here's a link to my board that features the recipe. They are AMAZING!!!!
      https://www.pinterest.com/ann29/food-main-dishes/go-to-recipes/

      Delete
  5. Patti @ Pandoras BoxSeptember 14, 2019 at 11:52 AM

    What a clever idea - and I love that you are so organized that you know what is on the weekly menu for each night!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 14, 2019 at 8:53 PM

      Thank you, Patti. Basically, it helps me do the grocery shopping!

      Delete
  6. Sylvia | Grace for a GypsySeptember 15, 2019 at 3:21 AM

    Thanks for linking up at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 6 Pinned

    ReplyDelete
  7. Veronica LeeSeptember 16, 2019 at 12:45 AM

    Brilliant! I have been wondering what to do with my old ironing board! Thanks!

    #OverTheMoon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 16, 2019 at 8:53 AM

      I'm so glad you like it, Veronica! Now you'll have to share yours when it's done.
      Thanks for stopping by...

      Delete
  8. Jennifer OsterhoutSeptember 16, 2019 at 11:29 PM

    A clever way to showcase your menu for the week. I need something like that to avoid the question "What's for dinner tonight?" from my fam......And I see your menu for the week - can I come over for thursday? I love taco salad.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 17, 2019 at 8:18 AM

      Thank you, Jennifer...See you Thursday, around 6?

      Delete
  9. Lisa L LombardoSeptember 17, 2019 at 8:21 AM

    This is so adorable and what a great way to use an ironing board that had seen better days! I hope you'll stop by and share your post with us on Farm Fresh Tuesdays and check out our special announcement this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 17, 2019 at 8:00 PM

      Thank you, Lisa. I already shared this post and read your announcement....can't wait to see what everyone shares!

      Delete
    2. Lisa LynnSeptember 22, 2019 at 2:03 PM

      Thanks for sharing Ann! I realized it when I got back to my site, lol! Looking forward to seeing your wonderful posts this week!

      Delete
  10. Alice VSeptember 20, 2019 at 8:33 AM

    this is such a crafty idea and I love how the menu came out. Thanks for sharing with us at #OMGHWW

    ReplyDelete
  11. mireilleSeptember 20, 2019 at 10:37 AM

    What a great idea! It looks great!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 21, 2019 at 9:40 AM

      Thank you, Mireille. I'm so glad you stopped by!

      Delete
  12. Rhonda Gales September 21, 2019 at 10:20 PM

    I love this idea. The menu turned out great too. The ironing board would be perfect for notes for the kids too. Thanks for sharing on Sunday's Best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnSeptember 22, 2019 at 7:37 PM

      Thank you, Rhonda, and you're right. There are lots of ways to use an old ironing board!

      Delete
  13. Dee | GrammysGrid.comSeptember 22, 2019 at 1:02 PM

    What a great idea! Thanks so much for linking up at #AThemedLinkup 1 for Crafts and DIY. Shared.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My thrift store addictionSeptember 24, 2019 at 7:29 AM

    This is so fun, Ann! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! Pinning!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lora BloomquistJuly 25, 2020 at 9:45 AM

    Great repurpose! Love the little spot for the chalk, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 25, 2020 at 12:30 PM

      Thank you, Lora. This little ironing board sure did check all the boxes for me!

      Delete
  16. SandyJuly 25, 2020 at 11:53 AM

    Love this idea! I have a regular size wooden ironing board that was my grandma’s. Any suggestions for a way to use it in limited space? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 25, 2020 at 12:32 PM

      Thank you, Sandy. I have a regular-sized one too and right now it's just hanging on the wall in my laundry room until I decide what to do with it. I've seen some as signs, used as tables, and with shelves added to hang on the wall. Good luck with yours!

      Delete
  17. Colo JunkettMay 18, 2022 at 8:04 PM

    Hi I just picked up a vintage ironing board and did a search for ideas how to display a ironing. Love your idea.

    ReplyDelete

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