DIY Chalkboard Backpack Station | i should be mopping the floor
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DIY Chalkboard Backpack Station

This post for a DIY Backpack Station was sponsored by coupons.com. All ideas and opinions are mine.

Need a fun back to school projectA DIY Chalkboard Backpack Station is the perfect way to keep kids' school bags and important notes all in one spot.

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
I've been so excited to show you guys one of the latest projects in our kitchen redo. This DIY Chalkboard Backpack Station is going to make things so much less fussy when school time rolls around. It's so nice to not have back packs on my kitchen chairs anymore!


DIY Backpack Station

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
I've been wanting something like this in the breakfast area for-evahhhh. The boys do their homework at our kitchen table. And, as you can see from the below photo, their backpacks were kept on the backs of their chairs. While logistically this worked for us, aesthetically...this mom was not so happy.

How to Create this Backpack Station

Supplies

  • 5MM 4x8 Underlayment (cut to your size needs)
  • 1x6" boards (for the framing)
  • Liquid Nails
  • Wood Screws
  • Wall Anchors
  • Drywall Screws
  • Chalkboard Paint
  • Paint for frame
  • Coat/Hat Hooks

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial

Directions

  • We started with 5MM 4x8 Underlayment. We discovered this underlayment when we did the $30 board and batten job in our younger son's room
  • We cut it to the size we wanted with a circular saw and mounted it to the wall with anchors and dry wall screws. 
  • We sunk the screws as much as we could since we'd be covering them with a frame.
  • I used two coats of chalkboard paint on the underlayment. Since it was to be framed, I didn't have to do the edges very well (obviously).

As I mentioned, this is in the midst of a kitchen redo and I was also updating the paint in the kitchen (to date, this is the only wall completely painted...LOL). I painted the new color on the outside of the board, so I wouldn't have to painstakingly cut in around the frame later. Then I used regular chalkboard paint to paint the inside area.

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
  • We used a compound miter saw to build a frame with mitered corners. 
  • We used the 1"x6" boards for this.

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
  • I painted and distressed the frame pieces.
DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
  • We used both liquid nails and wood screws to put the frame in place.
  • We always go for overkill in the attaching process.
  • There will be nothing falling off a wall in this house. Nothing.
DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
  • Then we attached them to the underlayment board. 
  • I intentionally did not fill the mitered corners on this piece, as I've done on others in the past. I wanted to keep the look of the rough frame...old and chippy and imperfect. 
  • I did, however, fill the sunk-in screws. Nothing like a shiny screw-head to scream "this is really new...just meant to look old".

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
  • We attached the hooks to the bottom board. 
  • Since we used anchors to put the board into the wall and then everything else mounted onto that...I'm pretty sure these could hold ten full backpacks per hook. 

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
I seasoned the chalkboard well before we put the board to use. See my tutorial for How to Prime a Chalkboard.

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
Happiness is neat and tidy bags all in a row (and not on chair backs). My boys literally did a double take when I started pulling out backpacks and lunch boxes and hanging them up. We had a bit of an Awww Freak Out moment. Then I started writing dates on the board and had one in tears and the other burying his head in a pillow. Good times.

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial
I added a flirty little banner to the corner. Feel free to print one of these for yourself. They were Friday's Free Printable here.

DIY Chalkboard Frame and Backpack Station Tutorial

Looking for More Chalkboard Fun?

I love chalk-anything...from printable chalk designs to hand-lettering on chalkboards. I have lots of tutorials and freebies for you listed below (from both my site here and some of my blogger friends): 

















93 comments:

  1. Great DIY idea! I especially love the rustic, distressed look of the frame.

    http://www.yesylovely.blogspot.com

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  2. Oh my...you are going to love having this for their bags and best of all...it looks outstanding!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  3. Love this project! I plan to do the same thing in our laundry room. I can't stand having bags strewn all around the house!

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  4. Kristi, I love this! My first thought was where did she get that giant chalkboard!? :) This would be perfect by our backdoor... may need to make this soon while my husband can still help! ;) I always love your ideas! :)

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  5. Got the perfect place for this project! Thanks!

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  6. Got the perfect place for this project! Thanks!

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  7. Fun giveaway! Code NUPV201 would give me 50% off from JoAnn's! :)

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  8. Turned out all kinds of fabulous, Kristi! Love it!! xo

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  9. Zrvr202 what a great idea!

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  10. Cute and functional project! I'm sure it will make life easier (and a little more organized) especially when school starts! And 50% off an item at JoAnn's(NUPV201) sounds good to me :-)

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  11. I am trying to come up with a backpack solution for my house. Tired of tripping over them because the kids leave them on the floor by the doors. (Yes, doors--one goes out the back, the other out the front.) Wish I had the wall space to do what you've done.

    I'd use the 50% off printable coupon at Joann's since I never shop online there, just at the store.

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  12. What a cute and useful project! I love the banner!
    jbsothornton@comcast.net

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  13. Code AE138 for me... thanks for the opportunity!

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  14. I'd use the Save 50% off One Regular-Priced Item coupon code!

    stephanie ann

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  15. I want to do this.. for my new its so perfect.. never forget anything that is going on in school
    NUPV201 50 % off any one regular priced item.

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  16. I would use the 50% off coupon code.

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  17. Great project! The Free Shipping code will come in handy for JoAnn.com for sure! I had no idea Coupon.com was such a great resource! Thank you!

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  18. The 50% off coupon code for JoAnn's. I'm always finding stuff there!

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  19. I love joann coupons. I like the 50% off item!

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  20. I would use code NUPV201 to get 50% off a regular priced item from JoAnn's! :)

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  21. I absolutely love this idea! Perfect for what I'm wanting in our new home!

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  22. I would use code NUPV201 for the 50% off a regular priced item from JoAnn's!

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  23. I'd use the 50% off coupon (NUPV201). Love the backpack station--think I will work on cleaning out the front hall to take advantage of the hooks we already have there!

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  24. Such a cute and stylish project! Looking for the perfect spot to start my own.

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  25. How awesome is that! Cute and functional. I love it Kristi!

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  26. i would use the 50% off coupon 42132015522107710508
    Thanks for an opportunity to WIn..I <3 Home Depo

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  27. I would use the 50% code to purchase craft supplies for my daughter's class to use.

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  28. This is so cute - the distressed paint is perfect and you're such a good chalk artist!

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  29. The 50% off of one item code is NUPV201! I'd definitely choose the Home Depot gift card though. Thanks for the chance to win1

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  30. This is perfect for my 3 boys! May have to redo our homework corner!

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  31. This is perfect for my 3 boys! May have to redo our homework corner!

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  32. You have stolen my heart, Kristi! This is GORGEOUS! I love that you now have a designated spot for backpacks and that paint job is beautiful!! Pinning : )

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  33. I would use coupon code AE138 to get stuff to make new magnets for our magnet boards. We need stronger ones to hold all of that paperwork that is going to be coming home again soon. *sigh*

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  34. I would use coupon code AE138. Looove your back pack station!

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  35. I'd use the AE138 40% off code! Love coupons to Joanns!

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  36. I love this! I wish I had a place to put something like this. Thank you for the chalk paint tutorial! I would use code NUPV201 for the 50% off a regular priced item from JoAnn's.

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  37. NUPV201 50% off reg priced item

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  38. This is so neat! I love the red under the aqua blue, such a neat color combination!

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  39. I adore this project Kristi! The chippy blue is so awesome!!!! Pinning:)

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  40. This is darling, Kristi! I love how you painted the wall, and then put the frame on top of it. and I really like the idea of using a quote by the backpacks. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  41. I'd use the 50% off regular priced item coupon!

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  42. I'd use the 50% off one item coupon.

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  43. I would use the "Save 50% off One Regular-Priced Item" coupon. Burlap, Burlap, Burlap. I'm always buying burlap for projects.

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  44. I would definitely use the Save 50% off One Regular-Priced Item code :)

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  45. Super Cute! Have been wanting to do a chalkboard wall!!

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  46. The AE138 to Save 40% off One Regular-Priced Item sounds good to me!

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  47. I would use nupv201 50% off. I have so many options whichever I would choose.

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  48. I'd definitely use the 50% off One Regular-Priced item coupon! I'm thinking another Chalkboard NEEDS to put pu in my house..... somewhere.... :o) Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  49. very inspriring!! i know where the backpacks are going to be very soon, and i tell ya, it's not gonna be on the bench in the hallway or on the floor! :) thanks so much for posting this tutorial!!!

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  50. I'd use the 50% off one regular priced item...love using coupons

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  51. Just printed the 50% off any one regular priced item from JoAnn's, I've been hoping to find some chalkboard markers to use it on! LOVE this project!

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  52. Super cute, but I think I'd make it less shabby chic & more bright colors.

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  53. I love the 50% off an item: NUPV201 !

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  54. I love this idea!! Such a neat focal point and functional to...what could be better then that?!?! I really like the distressed frame. My kids would enjoy using this which would save me some time from having to clean up after them and with 6 little kids my time is precious! Thank you for an opportunity to win such a great prize!

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    1. NUPV201 is the perfect code for my needs! 50% off 1 regular priced item!

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  55. NUPV201 50% off reg priced item!!

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  56. Holy cow, you have no idea how much I love this idea. Now I'm brainstorming where to put it!

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  57. NUPV201 is a great code!! I am always taking in 40% off but I love 50% when I find them!!! I love this idea, I have been wanting to make some sort of backpack/coat place for awhile now!

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  58. I love the rustic look with the distressed painting. I also love that you made the hooks low enough for children to reach.

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  59. freakin' love this! now i just need a wall big enough. hmmmm. :]

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    1. Anddddd NUPV201 is the code for me! 50% off 1 regular priced item! :]

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  60. This is just fabulous Kristi - I totally want one!

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  61. love this idea! thanks for sharing

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  62. Save 50% off One Regular-Priced Item

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  63. 40% off all items.

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  64. This is so cute! Love the chalk board art! Great job!

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  65. I love this. I am always looking for a way to make things look nicer. Cute is so much better than chaos. haha

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  66. I love your website! I could use 200 from Joann's as I'm always shopping there.

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  67. I love your website! I could use 200 from Joann's as I'm always shopping there.

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  68. this could be the BEST project i have ever seen! LOVE it TOTALLY making it {or at least helping my husband to make it}

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  69. I'd use the 50% off one item coupon!

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  70. i love chalkboards, my husbands mocks me because I like them so much

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  71. I'd definitely use the 50% off coupon NUPV201, what a good deal!

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  72. Awesome project! I didn't know using the side of chalk would help with ghost images! =)

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  73. p.s. I would use the sewing one I think...

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  74. free shipping with $50 purchase!!!

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  75. I love the project. I should definitely try something like that. I would use coupon code nupv201, 50% one item, to help with an entryway back pack/shoe bench type thing.

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  76. oh my goodness, Kristi this is FABULOUS! Love it!

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  77. I loved your backpack station so much, I had to create one for our house! Here's my version: http://www.pigskinsandpigtails.com/2013/08/back-to-school-countdown/

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  78. Ahhh this seriously saved my sanity. Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous idea!!!

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  79. Ahhh this seriously saved my sanity. Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous idea!!!

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