Tackling Clutter with DIY Pottery Barn-Inspired Chalkboard Hooks

Whoa.  Now that I have a preschooler, the constant stream of bags, shoes, papers and jackets in and out of this house has me going crazy.  I hate clutter and things not having a proper “place,” so getting organized has been promoted to the top of my to-do list.
The first component of my getting organized plan was creating a row of hooks to hang near our front door.  Because our garage is detached from our home, we actually use our front door on a daily basis.  So, we really needed a place to hang all of our junk when we first walk in the door.  I was mulling over several ideas for the look of my entryway hooks, and when I spotted some cute chalkboard hooks at Pottery Barn, I knew where I was headed.
At $34 a piece (on sale!), however, getting the “real thing” wasn’t going to happen.  So, I went to Lowe’s and purchased hooks for less than $4 a piece.  Then, I went to Michael’s and purchased mini picture frames and chalkboard paint for $17 total.  All in, I got all of my supplies for four chalkboard hooks for about $30, which is $4 less than one Pottery Barn hook.  Adding to my thriftiness on this project is the fact that I found an already stained base for my hooks in a pile of junk to be tossed from our basement!  Although it was dusty and dirty at first, it shined up beautifully once I used some Paste Wax on it.
Here’s what my finished row of hooks looks like (and if you’re interested in creating your own, directions are below!).  Oh yeah, and in case you’re wondering, those letters are my family members’ initials.

Okay, so if you want to make a similar row of hooks, here’s what you do.
First, paint the glass of mini picture frames with chalkboard paint that is suitable for glass.  I used Plaid’s Folk Art brand chalkboard paint and followed the instructions for painting on glass and baking in the oven to cure.
Next, figure out your hook and frame placement, and drill your holes for your hooks.  Screw them onto your board.  (Yes, I did have my husband take a picture of me using the drill!  🙂 )

Next, drill holes for your hanging apparatuses.  My husband helped me select some heavy-duty wall hanging mounts to ensure that the weight of our hooks (and bags, coats, etc.), won’t bring the whole thing down.  We drilled these holes underneath two of the picture frames so that they aren’t visible on the finished piece.
Next, use 3M command picture hanging strips to affix your frames to your baseboard.  The reason I used these strips, as opposed to nails, is twofold.  First, the frames are likely to be jostled when things are placed on the hooks.  These strips will ensure that they stay put.  Next, these strips allow me to easily remove the chalkboards to change the “art” on the front of each (for example, I may draw pumpkins at Halloween or Christmas trees at Christmas).  Also, if I ever tire of the chalkboard look, I can easily swap out these frames for other things, with no damage being done to the underlying baseboard.

Finally, hang your new row of hooks and enjoy your less chaotic foyer/mudroom/kitchen/bedroom, whatever!
These hooks are working great for us, and I love that I spent a fraction of the price than I would have at Pottery Barn to add some functionality and style to my entryway!
Thanks for taking the time to read about this project.  I’d love to know what you think about it!