Chalk it up to a little spare time ... okay, yeah, that was bad.

My aunt found this old frame and thought I might be able to do something with it.
Immediately thinking "chalkboard," I measured the frame's dimensions and headed to our local hardware store, Brown's Supply. Within five minutes, I had a piece of thin plywood cut to size. Total cost: $1.30.
Sanded both really well.
Used chalkboard spray paint.
I also found this at Brown's for about $5; great idea for small projects...you can put this stuff on about anything. A local artist friend recently mentioned spraying it on pumpkins...Viola! Great way to "decorate" without carving.
Taped the thin inside "layer" in preparation for the paint.
My best fried, Caroline, had mentioned wanting a turquoise chalkboard. I decided on Blue Ocean Breeze (Brown's - $5).
And so, I sprayed (did 3 coats, allowing 10 minutes or so in between each).
The next day, I pulled the tape and used a small sponge brush to paint the inside layer white. I used a fine, but stiff, tip brush as I got closer to the turquoise.
After the white dried completely, I used sandpaper to distress the entire finish.
When in a pinch, just do what works (i.e. what you happen to have at your house:)).
It worked! Almost there...
This quote is from Ann Patchett's, Truth & Beauty (I highly recommend).

Have fun! ~ Liza