Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards

Transforming old picture frames into handy dry erase memo boards is a fun and easy project! With a little face lift, any picture frame can become an awesome way to make notes or lists in your kitchen, your office, the mudroom or just about anywhere. These memo boards are easy to make and customize and also make great gifts!

DIY Dry Erase Memo Boards

Picture frames make great dry erase boards! You can write on the glass with dry erase markers or chalk markers and easily wipe them off to use again and again! They are a great addition wherever you need a place to make some notes or write a list. Use one in your kitchen to make a grocery list or plan your menu. Use one in your office to keep track of your to-do list. You can even create a habit tracker to track how much water you drink or how many workouts you’ve done!

You can upcycle picture frames you already have or look for an awesome find at your local thrift store! Look for the right size, shape and material for your decor and then have fun customizing it!

How to Make Your Own Memo Board

Once you find a frame that you love, the fun really begins! You can update both the frame and the frame backing if you choose. The backing is the really fun part which you can customize with colors, patterns or words you love!!

Look around your house for things you can use to decorate the backing or make a stop at your favorite craft store to pick some supplies. Here are some ideas for things you can use to customize your frame:

Fabric
Scrapbook paper
Wrapping paper
A greeting card
Stencils and chalk paste that can be used on paper or fabric

The possibilities of what you can use are endless! There’s no right or wrong decision, and you can easily change things up whenever you want to!

Supplies required

You don’t need many supplies to make a diy dry erase memo board! Here’s a list including some optional things for you to consider:

A frame (size, color, and material of your choice)
Paint / wax / gilding wax to update the frame (optional)
Paper / Fabric / Stencil of your choice for the backing
Chalk paste and squeegee if using a stencil
Scissors to cut your paper or fabric to fit your frame
Embellishments of your choice (optional)
Glue if using embellishments (optional)
Surface wax and applicator/rag (optional)
Dry erase marker or chalk marker
Velcro if attaching marker to the back of the frame (optional)

Three picture frames on a craft table for the blog post "Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards".

A close-up of a dark picture frame with a pattern, a stencil, floral scrapbook paper and a jar of gold chalk paste for the blog post "Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards".

A close-up of a bistro cafe stencil, a piece of black cardstock, a white piece of paper and a teal microfiber cloth on a craft mat for the blog post "Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards".

Project Steps

Transforming a picture frame into a dry erase memo board is an easy project and so much fun!

Disassemble the frame
Clean both the picture frame and the glass
Paint the frame if desired and set aside to dry
Cut your fabric or paper to fit the frame
Stencil the paper or fabric if desired
Reassemble the frame

Two hands chalking a bistro cafe stencil in white chalk paste on a craft mat for the blog post "Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards".

Dry Erase Memo Board Examples

Below are two examples of thrifted picture frames turned into memo boards. These were created using paper and Chalk Couture stencils and chalk paste.

Butterfly Memo Board

This Butterfly Memo Board was made from a thrifted 5 x 7 frame and upcycled using:

Dixie Bell Gold Gilding Wax to highlight the pattern on the frame
Canvas Sheet for the backing
Dark watercolor paper and floral scrapbook paper
French Garden Chalk Couture Stencil (if you’re new to Chalk Couture, check out the Stencil Guide for all the details about these mesh stencils.)
Nominee Chalkology Paste (the Chalk Couture Paste & Ink Guide is a great place to find all the details about these dreamy products.)

A dark picture frame with a piece of watercolor paper with a stenciled gold buttery and floral paper on a kitchen counter with a cold chalk marker for the blog post "Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards".

Bistro Cafe Memo Board

This Bistro Cafe Memo Board was made from a thrifted 8 x 10 frame and upcycled using:

A piece of Black Cardstock Paper
Bistro Cafe Chalk Couture Stencil
Bright White Chalkology Paste
Embellishments: gear, watch face, flower (see how to make embellishments from hot glue for ideas on how to make your own embellishments)

Pro Tip: Use a little bit of surface wax on your paper to protect it from the adhesive on the stencil.

You can see the paper pulled up a little bit on the Bistro Memo Board, but it adds to the vintage charm of the stencil design.

A white frame with a black insert with a white stenciled design that reads "Bistro Cafe Paris" with a fork, knife and spoon stacked over each other for the blog post "Transform Old Picture Frames into Handy Dry Erase Memo Boards".

Transforming old picture frames into memo boards is a super fun and easy craft and a great way to add a personalized touch to your home! The possibilities on how you can customize your dry erase memo boards are only limited by your imagination! Have some fun and make a memo board for yourself or to give as a gift!

I can’t wait to see what you create!

Sustainably yours,

Luana