Old Things New

TRANSFORMED, from broken to beautiful

Navigation
  • Home
  • Painted Furniture & Misc.
  • Tutorials
  • Abortion Story
  • Freedom Friday Posts
  • Funny Stuff
  • My (Our) Story
  • Freedom Session Website
  • Contact

Chicken Wire Message Board

June 9, 2013 by Patti 18 Comments

I haven’t done any “project” posts in awhile now so I thought I’d better slip one in while I have a spare moment.  This past week has been spent moving my in-laws, who are 93 and 94, into a retirement community just minutes away from our home.  Up until now they’ve lived a good distance from us (anywhere from one to two hours by car, depending on traffic). They’ve been living independently but it was getting too hard, and too dangerous for them. This is a picture of them last July out on our boat.

The move happened pretty quickly and came after my father-in-law  began feeling too weak to keep up on everything in his home.  They looked at the retirement community near us on Memorial Day and decided they would move in the very next week!  This past week has been spent packing, moving and unpacking (we hired two wonderful women from a company called Smooth Transitions who are very skilled at helping seniors downsize).  We’ve also been busy shopping for some new things and trying to make their new place feel like home.  Today we’re meeting with their Realtor as it looks like they already have a full price offer on their old house, and on Thursday I’m meeting with an estate sale person to see how we can most effectively get their old place cleared. This move is a good thing but it has been pretty traumatic for them as they’ve had to downsize considerably. It will be so much better to have them closer to us but I know that it also means some life changes for us as well.  It is a very good thing!

Sooo . . . I’ve been in the process of creating a message center in the entry hall off my garage, a place to hang my purse, organize the mail, leave notes for Mr. OTN, etc. One of the first items for my wall is this chicken wire message board.

Here is a “before” picture of the frame I used.
I began by painting it with a coat of Annie Sloan Old White Chalk Paint and then two coats of Valspar’s Lyndhurst Duchess Blue mixed with Calcium Carbonate 
(Home Made Chalk Paint Recipe is HERE)
 These are my other supplies: chicken wire, wire cutters and a heavy duty stapler.  Ouch!  Oops . . . you might want to add protective gloves to that list!
 There was nothing too difficult about this except being very careful not to cut yourself on the wire!
I began by cutting a piece of chicken wire to the dimensions of the outside edge of the frame. I stapled the center of one side and then the center of the opposite side, stretching the chicken wire flat.  Then I did the two unstapled sides in the same manner. I kept going back and forth and side to side like this until it was taut all around.   Finally I clipped off the poky ends of the wire.
 You can see in the picture below that I did some heavy distressing with a sanding block and then used ASCP Dark and Clear Waxes to get the perfect aged look.
 I didn’t have any messages to pin to my board yet but I found these really cute graphics on The Graphics Fairy website.
  Tada . . . part one of my message center is finished and you can see that I’ve already begun adding a few things to it. 

This is such a cute way to display cards, or coupons, or it could even be used as an inspiration board. What do you think I should add next to this tall but rather narrow wall to complete my message center?  I’d love to hear your ideas.

    Blessings,

I’ve been known to link up to the following great parties!!!

Sunday:

 UnderTheTableAndDreaming, TheDIYShowoff, TheTablescaper, IHeartNapTime, My1929Charmer, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, NavyWifePetersUSSCrafty, SuburbsMama
Monday:
 IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor,  ModVintageLife, BetweenNapsOnThePorch, TheGraphicsFairy, TheDedicatedHouse, UncommonDesigns, WestFurnitureRevival, BoogieboardCottage, DIYHomeSweetHome, HuckleberryLove, RainOnATinRoof, AlderberryHill, TwelveOEight,
CarrieThisHome
Tuesday:
HomeStoriesAtoZ, AStrollThruLife, Elizabeth&Co, MyUncommonSliceOfSuburbia, CoastalCharm, CozyLittleHouse, PJHDesigns, NaptimeCreations, CedarHillRanch,  BloomingHomestead, FlusterBuster, KatheWithAnE, NotJustAHousewife, 
VMG206, Hickory Trail
TuesdaysAtOurHome
BeBetsy
Wednesday:
SavvySouthernStyle, The36thAvenue, SouthernLovely, VintageOnADime, IvyAndElephants,  DIYByDesign, DesignedDecor, ViewFromRiverMountain, TheStyleSisters, AdornedFromAbove, SewCraftyAngel, Timewashed, SomedayCrafts, GreenWillowPond 
Thursday:
NoMinimalistHere, ImpartingGrace, DesignedDecor, TheVintageFarmhouse, TheSabbyCreekCottage, EmbracingChange, HaveADailyCupOfMrsOlson, BeyondThePicketFence, StoneGable, AllThingsWithPurpose, MyRepurposedLife, FromMyFrontPorchToYours, ADelightsomeLife 
Friday:
MyRomanticHome, FrenchCountryCottage, TatertotsAndJello, MissMustardSeed, ThriftyHandmadeDays, CraftJunkieToo, CommonGround, TheShabbyNest, LizMarie, Redoux, JenniferRizzo, TheCharmOfHome, RootedInThyme, 504Main
Saturday:
FunkyJunkInteriors, ClassyClutter, SixSistersStuff, It’sOverflowing, BeDifferentActNormal, TooMuchTimeOnMyHands,
OneSharendipityPlace


© copyright 2012 – All rights reserved

Your Blog

Tweet

Filed Under: Annie Sloan, ASCP, chalk paint, Craft Ideas, Home decorating, Homemade chalk paint recipe, The Graphics Fairy

« Spring in my Front Yard
Coastal Tablescape »

Comments

  1. Chrissie says

    June 11, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    Very cute! I love the colors on the frame.

    Reply
  2. Chrissie says

    June 11, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    Very cute! I love the colors on the frame.

    Reply
  3. Maria says

    June 12, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    How lovely, your message board looks so pretty! I love the frame, it really adds character to it!

    Reply
  4. Victoria Lavender SUNNY in Tucson says

    June 13, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    Hi Patti,
    Nice post. Best of luck to you and the folks too. I really like this idea, so much so that I’ve reposted it at The Blog POST OFFICE. It’s my little forward & reverse link party. Drop by to view and if you backlink me…you could be next weeks “First Class Post” winner.

    Cheers, Victoria Lavender (this is not an ad 🙂

    Reply
  5. Pieced Pastimes says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    Your inlaws look much younger than their ages. Hope their new home works out for them and you. Your message board turned out great. Love the colors and distressing you did. Very Nice!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes
    PS-Would love to have you link this up to Saturday Sparks. Links open till Friday.

    Reply
  6. Pamela says

    June 14, 2013 at 2:29 am

    Love your message board. I have never had any luck with chicken wire. We always tend to fight with each other. Thanx for coming to the party!

    Reply
  7. Bev Carter says

    June 14, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    Love your message board. I love anything that uses chicken wire and I am a frame junkie.
    Have a wonderful weekend,
    Bev
    @ Eclectic Red Barn

    Reply
  8. Amber Koogler says

    June 14, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    I have one I made and its my favorite!

    Reply
  9. Melissa at My Fabric Relish says

    June 15, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    This is adorable…i just added chicken wire to my home depot shopping list!

    Reply
  10. suzanne kay says

    June 16, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    I LOVE this idea!! Thanks for sharen at One Sharendipity Pl. this weekend!

    sue @the2women.com

    PS. Hope mom and dad settle in quickly to their new home!

    Reply
  11. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    June 16, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    What a cute message board! I love the finish you achieved on the frame. I bet you’ll use this all the time! … And best wishes to your in-laws in their new home! I’m sure it’s a big transition and lots to do for all of you, but how wonderful to have the near-by now!

    Reply
  12. BeBetsy says

    June 17, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    You’ve been FEATURED at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop Party No. 9. http://bebetsy.com CONGRATS TO YOU!

    Grab a featured button here http://bit.ly/11S2wN1 then tell all your friends and family – they will be impressed!

    Our next party starts at midnight tonight so let’s go BRAG ABOUT IT-

    The very best to you,

    Sharon and Denise
    BeBetsy http://bebetsy.com

    Reply
  13. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    June 19, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    I think it is a blessing that they were able to be in their own home for so long – I can understand it being hard – but, it is good that they’re closer – love your project – beautifully done! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    Reply
  14. Sharon Hendricks says

    June 20, 2013 at 1:32 pm

    Thank you for such a lovely tribute to your in-laws….I hope they, and your husband, know how fortunate they are to have you in their lives! It is so refreshing to hear your concern for THEIR well-being; THEIR concerns; THEIR feelings at being uprooted; THEIR feelings of loss….bacause they indeed are losing more than ‘objects’. Independence is a vital part of life. So many times those very real concerns are pushed back, and minimized, because of what WE as family, think is the most problematic part of aging. Your adorable in-laws have experienced a good quantity of life, and I’m sure it was quality, as well. It is equally important that they experience a good quallity of life now. Blessings to you, Patti!

    And I love your message ‘board’….been wanting to do a similar one myself. I think I’ll add some felt strips to cover the sides. Even with the pokey ends removed, it can still mar the wall. little stick-on protectors would work too.

    Thanks again. it really made my day to read your post.

    Reply
  15. Gail Wilson says

    June 20, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    I had no idea that there were such folks (to aid in downsizing) what a great business idea, and so helpful. The picture of your inlaws on the boat made me smile. 🙂 I wish them all the best in their new home.

    love your frame, the color is sweet!
    gail

    Reply
  16. CatieAn says

    June 22, 2013 at 6:12 pm

    what a unique way to organize notes and whatever….thank you for sharing

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. DIY Junky Chicken Wire Cloche - Old Things New says:
    October 6, 2013 at 9:28 am

    […] Add to these items a roll of chicken wire that was bouncing around in my garage (the remains of my Chicken Wire Message Board), […]

    Reply
  2. Upcycled Home Office Storage Hacks - Wisconsin Homemaker says:
    January 15, 2017 at 12:46 pm

    […] I’m sure every household has an old frame or two lying around. But what if you could upcyle it with a little chicken wire and some old clothes pins? You can with this simple tutorial. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to BeBetsy Cancel reply

OldThingsNew

I am Perfectly Imperfect Patti, daughter of the King, wife to the amazing Mr. OTN, mom to two grown daughters, a great son-in-law, and companion to two spoiled dogs. At Old Things New I share DIY’s, budget friendly home transformations, as well as posts about how God transforms our souls. I myself have been made new and I love to share what I’ve learned through WRITING and SPEAKING. To view a short Vimeo of “Our Story” (Mr. OTN and I) please follow the link at the top of the page.

Disclosure: Old Things New is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, which is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com . . . or, in other words, Shopping through my links helps Old Things New keep the lights on!

Search this site

Click below to:

Follow on Bloglovin

Click on icon below to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, & Instagram

facebook twitter pinterest instagram

My HGTV Tiny House Hunter Experience

My HGTV Tiny House Hunter Experience

Christmas Cloche Ideas

Christmas Cloche Ideas

Pottery Barn Knockoff Jingle Pillow

Pottery Barn Knockoff Jingle Pillow

Christmas Shopping Ideas

Farragoz Online Painting Course

Sign Up Now

Save

Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

See what I’ve been pinning lately!

Color Washing Technique

Color Washing Technique

Chalk Painted Kitchen Cabinet Tutorial

Chalk Painted Kitchen Cabinet Tutorial

Three Chalk Paint Recipes Reviewed

Three Chalk Paint Recipes Reviewed

Fab Over 50 (or 60, or 70 . . .)

Fab Over 50 (or 60, or 70 . . .)

Love Fashion? Follow my Fab Over 50 Board on Pinterest!

Archives

  • December 2018 (2)
  • October 2018 (31)
  • September 2018 (2)
  • August 2018 (3)
  • March 2018 (1)
  • December 2017 (4)
  • November 2017 (3)
  • October 2017 (3)
  • September 2017 (4)
  • August 2017 (9)
  • July 2017 (7)
  • June 2017 (8)
  • May 2017 (9)
  • April 2017 (7)
  • March 2017 (1)
  • February 2017 (5)
  • January 2017 (5)
  • December 2016 (1)
  • November 2016 (1)
  • October 2016 (1)
  • September 2016 (3)
  • August 2016 (7)
  • July 2016 (3)
  • June 2016 (4)
  • May 2016 (5)
  • April 2016 (6)
  • March 2016 (7)
  • February 2016 (6)
  • January 2016 (9)
  • December 2015 (12)
  • November 2015 (11)
  • October 2015 (7)
  • September 2015 (3)
  • August 2015 (3)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • June 2015 (6)
  • May 2015 (1)
  • April 2015 (8)
  • March 2015 (10)
  • February 2015 (8)
  • January 2015 (7)
  • December 2014 (9)
  • November 2014 (7)
  • October 2014 (7)
  • September 2014 (3)
  • August 2014 (2)
  • July 2014 (5)
  • June 2014 (5)
  • May 2014 (4)
  • April 2014 (12)
  • March 2014 (7)
  • February 2014 (1)
  • January 2014 (3)
  • December 2013 (7)
  • November 2013 (4)
  • October 2013 (6)
  • September 2013 (6)
  • August 2013 (6)
  • July 2013 (7)
  • June 2013 (11)
  • May 2013 (8)
  • April 2013 (7)
  • March 2013 (9)
  • February 2013 (10)
  • January 2013 (6)
  • December 2012 (5)
  • November 2012 (2)
  • October 2012 (2)
  • September 2012 (2)
  • August 2012 (5)
  • July 2012 (6)
  • June 2012 (3)

Tags

Addiction Antiques and Collectibles Blogging Books Chalk Paint Chalk Painted Furniture Christianity Christmas Coastal Style Crafts DIY Drop cloth projects Entertaining Faith Fall Decor Flowers Food Freedom Freedom Friday Freedom Session French Country Friendship Furniture Painting Gardening God's grace Home Decor Home Decorating Hospitality Inspiration Junking Lakeside living Marriage My Home My Story old junk transformations Prayer Recipes Recovery Redemption Shopping southern living Spring Summer thrifting Tutorial

Fistbump Media, LLC

Copyright © 2022 · All Rights Reserved · Designed by Blogger Boutique for Old Things New Blog