DIY chalkboard

Chalkboards are very on-trend right now. I’ve made a few chalkboard printables in my day, but up until now, I haven’t really jumped on the chalkboard bandwagon. And let me tell you why… I hate chalk dust! Not only does chalk give me a bit of the heebeejeebeez (maybe it’s nails on the chalkboard), I just know that I would have chalk dust floating all over my house!!! And besides that, I just can’t stand the thought of spending all day long drawing some cute, inspirational phrase, and then have it gone in two seconds when my kids get curious fingers and wipe it away. But, I think I found the perfect solution with chalk markers and a DIY chalkboard.  

 This project took me less than half an hour from start to finish, it was pretty cheap, and it makes a HUGE statement on my wall! I absolutely LOVE it!

{in case you’re curious, in the photo below: Moose Head, Deer Pallet, Painted Vase, Pedestal Bowl}

 You’ll need:

Empty Frame
Wood board for the back (same size as frame)
Chalkboard Vinyl
Chalk or Chalk Markers

 Start with your giant frame (or you could do this with a smaller frame). I got mine at the thrift store for a few bucks. It was actually in really good shape, so I didn’t have to do anything with it, although painting that bad boy is climbing high on my list.

If your frame comes with backing, you are all set! Mine did not. So I found this thin sheet of MDF at home depot. I think it was 1/8 inch thick- you don’t need anything crazy sturdy, but you do want it to be smooth, because the vinyl will show any bumps, blemishes, or grain in the wood.

 Then take your chalkboard vinyl, peel off the backing, and stick it right to your wood. I start by sticking on one edge of the vinyl, and then sliding my hand along the length of the vinyl, to make sure I stick it on really smooth and straight. I used 2 pieces of vinyl, side by side, to cover my board.

This chalkboard vinyl is REALLY cool. Since it’s adhesive, you could stick it right to the wall, a door, or cut little shapes or tags out of it. I saved one of my sheets so my kids can practice their handwriting. I can just see so many possibilities with it. And, you cannot beat the price at Expressions Vinyl. I always order all of my vinyl from them, because the quality is good, and so is the price!

 Then take your chalk markers and go to town. If you mess up, just wipe the vinyl off with a damp cloth, and try again. Once the marker is dry, it won’t smear or wipe off. It’ll stay put until you wipe it off! Which means no more chalk dust, and no more kids erasing letters to turn your sweet inspirational quote into a dirty word!

 And there you have it, folks. A DIY chalkboard that you can change with the seasons, although I’m kind of digging the spring look- maybe it’ll stay a while.

 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Expressions Vinyl. I received product in exchange for creating this project and writing this post. All opinions are 100% my own, and I would never recommend any product I wouldn’t use myself.