It’s no secret that Annabel Lee is one of my most favorite poems. Since the first time I heard it back in elementary school reading class… I have thought it was one of the most beautiful love poems of all time. What better time to pay homage to this classic work than the month of love.
Lately, I’ve had a thing for chalkboard art. There’s just so much you can do with it. I’m also starting to learn some calligraphy, so chalk is a perfect medium to put my skills to the test. If you mess up, you can always start over again! Even without any calligraphy skills, chalkboards are so forgiving… it’s the message that can create the art.
For this project, I wanted to create a little something for Valentine’s Day to put up in my house. I’m not really into hearts and pink candy for my own decor, so a Chalkboard Quote from Annabel Lee, my favorite love poem, in a deep red frame was just the thing!
I found this frame while out thrifting. It was just a frame.. no art, no glass.. even the backing was ripped off. Shopping tip – thrift stores charge next to nothing for these types of frames… it’s the glass that they are charging for, so if you have a project that doesn’t require glass… a find like this is a gem! Truth be told.. I was hoping to find something more ornate when I had this red frame in mind… but you rarely find exactly what you’re looking for when you’re thrifting, so lucky for me, I had picked this one up, and it worked just fine!
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What You’ll Need:
- Frame
- Red Paint
- Black Painting Wax
- Chicken Wire
- Wire Cutters
- Staples & Staple Gun
- Black Poster Board
- Scissors
- Chalk
- Chalk Pens (as desired)
- Clothespins
1. Pick out a frame in any size that fits for your project.
2. Remove any glass, artwork, or backing from the frame as needed
3. Clean the frame, and paint. I painted the frame a deep red, and added a touch of black wax in the creases to distress it a bit.
4. Once the frame is dry, roll the chicken wire across the back of the frame.
5. Using Wire Cutters, clip the chicken wire to size. It should measure just smaller than the actual frame.
6. Using your staple gun, staple the chicken wire to the frame. Note – make sure your staples are not longer than the depth of the frame!! You don’t want them coming through the other side!! Also note – the chicken wire should be completely taught, so take your time, and use as many staples as you need to ensure the chicken wire is secure!
7. Cut the black poster board to size. The poster board should be the same dimension ratio as the opening of your frame (smaller by the same amount all the way around). You need to allow space between the frame and the poster board, obviously so you can see the chicken wire, but also so the clothespins have room to secure the board to the chicken wire.
8. Plan your design…. this step depends a bit on both your comfort and skill level… If you are comfortable with calligraphy, then go crazy! I am only mildly comfortable, so I like to try out different fonts on my computer and then mimic them by hand on the poster board.
9. I like to use a chalk marker to write my message… I just think it stands out more, but if basic chalk is your preferred medium.. go for it!
10. Lastly, once the ink has completely dried, I use the side of a piece of chalk and I rub it all over the poster board, then gently wipe it away with a cloth. This gives the effect that the black poster board is actually a chalkboard! 🙂
11. I use clothespins to attach the poster to the chicken wire.
I’m in love! Thank you Mr. Poe!
And what’s even better.. I now have a red frame that I can use for future chalk art! I have no doubt that will come in handy!! Hmm… what color can I do next?
Even if Edgar Allan Poe is not your cup of tea…. this project works for any love poem or quote. If you make one of these for yourself.. please send photos.. I’d love to see what you have come up with!!
If you are a fan of Mr. Poe, you’ll definitely want to snack on these Tell Tale Heart Cupcakes while you work on this Annabel Lee Serving Tray or these Poe Christmas Ornaments!!
Thank you for sharing this…I love all of your creations.