Ironing Board Upcycle

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. 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!

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

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  2. 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.

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

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

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  4. 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.

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    1. 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/

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

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

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  6. Thanks for linking up at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 6 Pinned

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

    #OverTheMoon

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

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  8. 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.....

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

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  9. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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  12. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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  16. 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!

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    1. 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!

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

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