A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel


Happy Wednesday Friends! One of the best things about thrifting is the challenge it offers to repurpose vintage finds as functional decor with character. Today I'm sharing my latest project...


Repurpose a vintage movie reel as a retro chalkboard frame


Remember this fabulous find from a few weeks ago?  I was instantly drawn to it when I had my version of a Field of Dreams moment in the store.  "If you buy it, inspiration will come." Ever have one of those?  I considered a funky chalkboard and since Ginger Grand celebrated his fifth birthday this month, I wanted something special to commemorate this fun age. I decided to create a retro chalkboard frame which would allow space for photos plus instant captions.  


Vintage movie reel BEFORE repurpose as chalkboard frame

I started by giving the reel a coat of chalk paint. Once it dried, I gave it a light distressing with fine grit sandpaper.  Next, I used the reel to trace the shape onto 4 pieces of cardboard. 


A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Use reel to trace cardboard backing






I used the cardboard for photo backings and mini chalkboards.  Here's how:


A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com  Tutorial

I attached 4" x 6" photos to two of the cardboard shapes with photo adhesive squares. I chose vertical shots for the side sections but horizontal shots could be used for the top and bottom. For the chalkboard sections, I used chalkboard stick on paper. Magnetic chalkboard sheets are also an option, but are a little more expensive.   I wrote my captions on the chalkboard pieces, then attached all four sections to the reel with stick on magnet strips.  When placed right at the edges as pictured, the magnets hold securely without being visible. {See the links for supplies at the bottom of the post.} 


A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Tutorial


I thought vintage song lyrics were fitting for the photo captions.  Are you familiar with the song You Oughta Be in Pictures? It's from the Ziegfield Follies of 1934 which I've never seen but somehow I knew the song. Truth be told, I think it may have been used in a commercial jingle! I smile each time I walk by my "new" frame featuring my Little Star. 



A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Thank you for pinning!



A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com

Remember to come back tomorrow to link your vintage treasures and repurposed projects at Vintage Charm!



A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame: Repurposed Vintage Movie Reel mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Vintage Charm button reminder





A Reel-y Retro Chalkboard Frame mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Click here to see where I party!




MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR FEATURING THIS POST:


Scrapality.com







vintage wed featured link



Talk of the Town featured button






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Would you like to comment?

  1. Absolutely adorable and so creative! I would have grabbed that reel too, not knowing what I'd do with it!

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  2. That's just the perfect reuse for the reel. Makes your little "star" shine!

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  3. Great idea! Your reel frame is adorable. Pinning in case I come across one.

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  4. What a sweet idea, Cecilia! It turned out great!

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  5. WOW! This is a fabulous idea! I've stashed some of these reels away but honestly never would have thought to do this! And your grand is adorable! xo Kathleen

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  6. That is absolutely adorable! I love it - and I have so many of these laying around the house. Thanks for sharing this idea!

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  7. So cute and clever! I love this!! Now I want to find a vintage reel!!

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  8. What a fantastic idea Cecilia! I have some of my parents old movie reels....you have so inspired me!!! Thank you!!

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  9. Now that is a really cool idea!!

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  10. So clever! I need to find one of these reels asap! Thanks for the idea! ;o)

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  11. I remember when you got that...what a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing :)

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  12. Super creative, Cecilia! And what adorable photos. Great project!

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  13. Cecilia ... I just knew you would come up with something special with that reel. Very creative and also another something special, is Ginger Grand. Already five years old ... oh my goodness.

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  14. What a great idea! I have one of these on a bookshelf and I could definitely make this. Pinned! Thank you so much for sharing at Inspiration Thursday! So happy you stopped by.

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  15. What a brilliant idea! I love how you transformed your vintage find into a fun photo frame, starring your Ginger Grand! 'Tis so funky!

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  16. So creative. I don't see these reels often, but now I know what to scoop them up for if I do.

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  17. GIRL! I just *love* how this turned out...thanks for linking up at Talk of the Town!!

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  18. What a great idea, Cecelia! Love your creativity with this project. The chalk sections are a fun touch. I have an old reel much like this one, but would not have thought to put photos in it. I'm thinking of making a wreath with mine. Good job on this! :) Catherine

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  19. What a fun way to use old film reels.

    Thanks for sharing at SYC.

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  20. Hi Cecilia - I really loved this movie reel project and wish I could find one now for our media room that I have yet to get any art for. Add a project to my list! Thanks for sharing at the Vintage Wednesday linkup- I had to feature it of course :) http://bygonevintage.com/vintage-wednesday-linkup-party-12/

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  21. Cecilia, this is so awesome!! Love, love this movie reel turned picture frame!! Very creative!!

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