Christmas Card Display Frame with Chicken Wire and Chalkboard

Difficulty

Beginner Projects

DIY wood frame with chicken wire, clothespin clips and chalkboard. Clip Christmas cards or photos! Free plans by ana-white.com

Have you ordered your Christmas cards yet?

I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail, and save every single one! That doesn't make me a hoarder, does it?

This year, I wanted to display all the beautiful cards in our home - and not on the fridge. So ....

I made me this to display them on the side of the fridge!

It's just 1x2s - 5 to be exact, and some chicken wire and a scrap piece of chalkboard - just nailed and glued together.

This thing is huge! Let's hope I get enough cards this year to fill it!

I can't even imagine what it would cost to buy this frame it is so big. But I can tell you what it cost me - fifteen bucks in materials! And I just nailed and glued the whole thing together - it's not like you are sitting on it or storing tons of weight in it - so no need to overbuild. It took me about an hour to build and finish.

Make sure you check out the video for more building tips and tricks

And the plans follow (if this is the homepage click READ MORE below).

Happy Holidays!

XO Ana + Family

Dimensions

Dimensions shown above for plans. Modified in video 3" less in width.

Preparation

Shopping List

5 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

5 feet of 24" wide chicken wire

chalkboard 24" x 20" or you can make your own with 1/4" plywood and chalkboard paint

1/2 staples for attaching chicken wire

picture hanging kit (I used a sawtooth hanger)

Common Materials

1 1/4 inch finish nails

2 inch finish nails

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

Cut List

INNER FRAME

2 - 1x2 @ 72"

3 - 1x2 @ 21"

OUTERFRAME

2 - 1x2 @ 24"

2 - 1x2 @ 73-1/2"

CHALKBOARD

24" x 20"

cut chicken wire to fit

Cutting Instructions

Cut outer frame boards to fit.

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Build inner frame with either 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, or 2" nails and wood glue. Adjust inner frame for square.

Step 2

Measure and cut top and bottom pieces for outerframe. Attach to top and bottom, with 3/8" gap on both sides (centering inner frame on outer frame).

Step 3

Measure and cut sides for outer frame. Attach with 1-1/4" nails and glue to inner frame with outer frame centered on inner frame.

Step 4

Attach chicken wire with staples. Glue and place chalkboard in top frame. Top frame can be additionally attached with 7/8" or shorter staples or brad nails.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Wall Projects