Now, use a pencil to trace above and below the line of your horizontal cross-pieces to use as a guide as you glue your pieces in place.
three.
Apply a small amount of glue within these lines, as shown, and use the adhesive to adhere your cross-pieces on top of your vertical picket pieces.
four.
Allow the glue to dry slightly, and then use finishing nails to secure the board together. I used two nails per vertical picket section along the top and bottom edge of the cross-piece. (These finishing nails will compensate for any warps in your pickets that prevent the glue from adhering thoroughly.)
Whew – the construction portion of the project is complete!
five.
Now, apply a coat of primer to your pallet, and allow it to dry completely before applying 1-2 coats of paint. Let everything dry thoroughly.
six.
Once your pallet is dry, place 1 tablespoon of tile grout in a plastic cup, and use a stir stick to carefully break up and clumps in the grout. Now, add 1/2 cup of paint to the cup, and use your stir stick to mix thoroughly. Apply this chalk paint to the section in the middle of your pallet between the two horizontal pieces, making sure the entire surface of this section is thoroughly covered with the paint. (You will most likely need at least 2 coats of the chalk paint.) If you run out of the chalk paint as you work, make more of the paint/grout mixture, 1/2 cup at a time.
seven.
Once your paint has thoroughly dried, season the chalkboard portion of the pallet by rubbing a piece of chalk over the entirety of its surface and then gently wiping it away with a barely-wet piece of cloth.
All finished!
This pallet would also make a really fun photo backdrop, and I think it would be the perfect way to punch up front porch decor. What a fun way to greet guests with a personalized chalk message!
- You can use this same basic method for creating a pallet with conventional, straight pieces of wood, too.
- I opted to lean my pallet against the wall to display it instead of hanging it directly on the wall, but you could also add hangers to the back to display it if you prefer.
- Sidewalk chalk is perfect for both seasoning and writing on your board.
If you enjoyed this post, I would love for you to post it to Pinterest! Do so easily by clicking the link below.
Be sure to also check out the tutorial for how I created the No-Sew Fabric Medallions for this display!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Trish says
I am in LOVE with this project. I might need to go get all the materials and start on my own tonight 🙂
claudia b says
OMG I so need to do this – I want a picket fence on our front yard but it’s not high on the list, but THIS I can totally do, and the turquoise, I love it!!!
Abbey D. says
This idea is wonderful. I think your blog is my go to blog for “bright and happy” ideas. You always use such amazing pops of color and all your ideas are so well executed. Love it!
Kellie says
You are just so clever. I always wait in anticipation for what type of project you’ll post next. Great job and many thanks for sharing 🙂
Leanne says
What a sweet mantel. So bright and cheerful. I love it! Have a great weekend!
Mandy says
SOOOO cute!!!!
Beverly {Flamingo Toes} says
Love this so much Amy!! The picket fence is darling and thanks for the chalk paint recipe! I’ve been wanting to do this!
Heidi @ Decor & More says
Love this cheery project, Amy!! Thanks for sharing ~ love how easy peasy it is!
xo Heidi
Sue says
So cute and I LOVE the color! Pinned!
Sugarr2518 says
I love the fence!! It is really just so cute:) The color is just so bright and cheery!
Michelle says
Oh my Amy!! This is fabulous, love how bright and cheery this is, the colour is perfect the whole thing is perfect for spring.
Courtney says
I’m with Abbey D. PS is definitely my go-to blog for bright and happy too! I just shared this project with hubs and he loves it just as much as I do!
kristaf says
So gorgeous! I’m trying to recreate this as a prop for my daughters 6 month pictures. I used a magnetic primer and made the flowers magnets. You will definitely be getting all the credit when I post the finished product!!
Copycat Queen says
I love this project so much and want to make it as a backdrop for a couple of parties coming up but I’ve been ALL over town and can’t find these pickets anywhere. I wonder if they’re only available in certain parts of the country? None at Home Depot, Lowes or a independently owned lumber store. So sad 🙁
kristaf says
Here’s a link to my copy cat version of your gorgeous creation! Thank you so much for this amazing project!
http://thecraftynavywife.blogspot.com/2012/04/magnetic-chalboard-pocket-fence.html
Britni@Hubby Made Me says
I love this!! The colors are amazing! It’s officially on my list of future projects 🙂
Mark says
Love this, thanks for posting Amy! Pinned it to our Handmade Home Decor board.
Amy @ Positively Splendid says
Thank you, Mark!