My Very First Hand Lettered Chalkboard
Hi everyone! I had a very exciting day yesterday–I attempted some hand lettering on a chalkboard for the first time. I’ve had a chalkboard poster hanging in my kitchen, but have wanted a real one for a while now. I especially wanted to make a Christmas chalkboard and am so glad I had the time to work on one. The weathered, barn board frame I used for the poster continues to be a vintage favorite of mine, so I decided to use it for this project, too.
I found the graphic, by Toe Fish Art, on Pinterest.
First thing I created my chalkboard by painting the back of my chalkboard-style poster with chalkboard spray paint. I gave it one coat, and then promptly ran out of paint. I decided one coat would have to do.
Then I seasoned it by rubbing the entire surface with the side of a piece of chalk.
Then I erased the chalk and my “board” was ready to be transformed. (It looks more chalky than it did in real life. We had a couple of really dark days in a row, so my lighting wasn’t great.) Okay, can I just tell you, chalkboards are messy, and unless making perfect chalkboards is your super power, it ain’t gonna happen. Get ready for imperfection. Man. I finally realized I just had to wing it and relax.
Things went better after that, but you may notice that my star (where I began the process) has some issues(!). I found that using a make-up sponge for minor little touch ups here and there seemed to work wonders. It picked up the chalk without leaving streaks behind. I’m sure you can tell that I didn’t use any of the popular graphic transfer methods. I just copied it freehand, primarily because I knew it would go much faster that way. I’m a perfectionist about some things, but this wasn’t one of them.
I had a little sprig of holly left over from a beautiful Trader Joe bouquet.
It makes me happy to express something real and meaningful about the season that we are celebrating. How do you keep the true spirit of Christmas in your home? It certainly is a challenge, but one worth wrestling with, I think.
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I love it, Diana…it turned out beautifully! I am loving playing with chalkboards this year, too!
It looks beautiful!
Tania
Beautiful job Diana. Looks great.
Kris
You know how I feel about chalkboards! You did good! Now, the sky’s the limit!!! xoKathleen
You hand letter quite well!
I think it looks great Diana! I prefer things to be done by hand. In my mind imperfect is much more perfect than perfect. Love the frame too.
Handmade is so special, and this is wonderful! Love the fonts and that sprig of holly. A beautiful Christmas piece!
I think it looks wonderful Diana. Love the meaningful saying too.
Happy Christmas.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
You did a great job. Once I got what I wanted on my chalkboard I left it. I figured I would never get it to look right again. Seeing how you winged it is making me rethink the picture I have on mine.
Hello Diana! Your chalkboard is wonderful and you did a beautiful job!
JoanMarie
You did a great job on it! My poor chalkboard in the kitchen is hanging there with the menu on it from about 3 months ago! I had to move it and it got forgotton. I need to revive it now with a wonderful inspirational saying for the season. Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m impressed! So much better than my novice attempts. I love it!
Love the message, it looks perfect to me. Thanks, Dianna for sharing at VIParty.
I missed a few days of Blogging and I’m so glad you were featured on Bella Rosa, so I could catch up. Seriously when you open your gmail and blogger and it has hundreds of posts…. This is beautiful Diana, and you did a great job. Oh, Come All Ye Faithful was my Dad’s favorite Christmas Carol. Love this! Sandi —and Happy New YEar!