Who doesn’t love chalkboards? I do, and I don’t appear to be alone so I thought I would share 15 beginner chalkboard tips I have learned along the way.
If you want to lure me into your shop or restaurant, all you have to do is put a sandwich chalkboard with some beautiful lettering and chances are I’m in…bait set!
I am sure you have seen some of the truly amazing chalkboard artists work out there too. GORGEOUS, right?
I don’t come close to that professional skill level, BUT I am learning while I go and thought you might like to get some of the tips I am picking up along the way.
Now, before we start on the tips remember art is subjective. It doesn’t have to be “perfect”. We each will have our own handwriting and style and that’s what makes it unique and fun!
Are you ready to start?
(And be sure to look for the giveaway!!)
Apparently I am in need of more chalk myself. #stubbychalk
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
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- Chalkboard
- Chalk (white and/or assorted colors)
- Sharpener
- Tshirt rag or lint-free microfiber towel
- Cup of water
- Q-Tip
- Optional– Ruler
BEFORE YOU START WRITING ON YOUR CHALKBOARD:
- Condition/Season Board – If your chalkboard is new, you will want to season the board before you start lettering. If you don’t, the design won’t fully get erased when you go to change out your board. Here’s what you need to do…take a piece of regular chalk and rub it all over the board. When the board is completely covered, take your cloth and wipe it down. Some of the chalk dust will remain and that’s what you want.
- CHALK CHOICES – You may have seen chalkboard markers, in fact, I used it on this project here…Updating a Thrift Store Painting. Although these do provide crisp lines, they can be more challenging to work with and some are permanent so be careful when you make a purchase. But, here’s the deal…you really just need regular chalk. A good brand can be helpful, like Crayola, as some of the off brands are a little inconsistent.
- GET A SHARPENER – Did you know you can sharpen chalk just like a pencil? Yep, just make sure it has a side for the fat pencils. GAME CHANGER!
- SKETCH IT OUT – Although I am not a perfectionist, by sketching it out the design on paper first, you can save your chalkboard from constant erasing, which can start to wear out the paint. Try and sketch to scale so you will be able to get the center (see no.6).
- GOOGLE IDEAS – I often will google a certain phrase or concept and then take a few different ideas and blend them together. When you are starting out, this can be a good way to get some practice and ideas on utilizing borders and other design elements.
- CENTER – Finding the center of the board, and your design. You can divide the design in quarters and that way you will know what goes in each section.
CHALKBOARD DESIGN
- STENCILS – Don’t want to freehand it? There are a ton of stencils out there or you can create your own with a Silhouette or Cricut. Here’s one we did with stencils, DIY Slate Chalkboard Sign From an Old Wall Hanging
- MIX & MATCH – I’m sure you have seen chalkboard art generally has a mix of fonts and even colors. Don’t be afraid to try to mix and match to get the design you are looking for.
- WET CHALK – I really didn’t think this would work when I first heard it, but it does. Wet chalk provides the crisper lines than dry chalk. Here’s what I do: I dip the point of the chalk in water and then lightly wipe it on my cloth microfiber towel or t-shirt rag. When it goes on it will be faint, but I PROMISE it will darken!!!!!!
- Q-TIPS – Q-tips are so helpful in cleaning up a design after it’s all said and done. Get the q-tip slightly wet and erase little “errors”, as needed.
- TRANSFER – You can take a printed piece of paper and do a transfer onto your chalkboard. On the back of your drawing, lay a piece of chalk on its side and then rub the back of the paper so it is covered with chalk. Flip it over and place the drawing (chalk side down) where you want it to go on your chalkboard. Lightly, draw over the image with a soft-tipped pencil. The pressure from the pencil will transfer chalk onto the chalkboard. When you remove the paper you will see a faint copy of the drawing. Go over the lines with chalk to bring your image to life.
- ADD COLOR LAST – Color chalk really gives an image a little extra kick. Just keep in mind that you will want to add it last. And you will be using wet chalk again so the white will dull until it’s dry again.
CLEAN AND SET
- SEAL IT – If you used regular chalk and would like to set the design onto the chalkboard for an event so it won’t smudge, you can spray regular hairspray in an aerosol can lightly over the design.
- CLEANING – When using regular chalk, just start with a damp towel and cloth to clean it for a new design. When extra strength cleaning is required try a magic eraser. You can also try Windex wet wipes for erasing chalk pens.
- REPAINT IT – When your chalkboard starts to fade, you can repaint it with regular chalkboard paint.
Alright, are you ready to become a chalk artist? We would love to see your creations over on ourFacebook page where each Wednesday we have a share day.
BONUSES
Told ya, I am not a perfectionist but it works for me!
Here are a few more posts we think you will enjoy:
- DIY Upcycled Chalkboard
- How to Make: Home Decor Rope Beehive
- DIY Magnetic Chalkboard, pictured above
Thrifty Style Team
Here’s a link to our Quick Black Bean Tostada Recipe
Each month we participate in a monthly thrifty challenge with some amazing bloggers. This month EACH blogger is offering their own giveaway as a thank you to all of you who follow along with our thrifty shenanigans. Our giveaway is this chalkboard menu board that we found, where else, a thrift store. On the back, there is even a place to hold your napkins. It will be hard to give it away but sharing is caring.
To enter this giveaway (each item is one entry):
- Leave a comment telling us what’s on your menu for tonight.
- Visit our Facebook page and comment on any post leaving #thriftystyle so we can find your comment.
- Visit our Instagram page. Like and comment on recent post again using the #thriftystyle in your comment.
- Follow on Pinterest and/or pin this image:
Final Giveaway details: Must be 18+ years old to enter. Shipping available only to US residents only…sorry! Winner will be selected on January 31st, 2020. Be sure to check your email and/or social media for the winner. The winner will have 48 hrs to respond or another winner will be selected.
Now, let’s see what the other Thrifty Style Team members are giving away, shall we?
THRIFTY STYLE TEAM HUGE HOME DECOR GIVEAWAY
Redhead Can Decorate – Butcher Block Cheese Board Giveaway
What Meegan Makes – Thrifty Style Team Giveaway
Bliss Ranch – Fake Porcelain Tags
Unskinny Boppy – Leather Leaf Earrings
Friday night is homemade pizza night!
Yum. WE’ll be right over.
What on my menu for this evening is sewing? We are on a special eating plan (no white flour or sugar) to lose weight, but more importantly to get blood sugar and blood pressure back in line and NOT take any of these meds. We did it a few months ago and have veered in the wrong direction over the holidays. So only a protein and vegetable for dinner, eat before 6:00 PM and fasting until morning.
It’s easy to get off track over holidays…here’s to a successful reset. What will you be sewing?
Thanks for the great chalkboard tips! I have a medium sized chalkboard in my breakfast room for our weekly menu. One of my goals this year is to “spice” it up with some chalk art. Looking forward to upping my game. 🙂
That’s awesome. Chalk art would be a fun addition.
I’m not sure yet – hopefully a call for pizza!
Pizza is always good
Its homemade soup from the freezer…in the crock pot! Yum…it will smell so good when we all come home from work.
That sounds wonderful.
Love chalkboards for decorations too! I am giving a bridal shower and chalkboards add the extra little decoration that I need!
They’re pretty awesome. Chalkboards are great for shower decor
Tonight we’re having pork loin with potatoes and onions in the crock-pot. I love cooking in the crock-pot during the work week. Makes eating after work quick and delicious!
That sounds wonderful.
Love chalkboard!!! We are having an Italian night with spaghetti and salad plus fettuccini I think 🙂
Yum! Sounds great.
Tonight’s menu: High Protein Kidney Bean Salad.
I have never heard of that.
We will be having lasagna and garlic bread. Love your chalkboard ideas so much fun.
Be right over!
French Onion Soup
Menu tonight
Dolly recently posted…JELL-O Double Layer Chocolate Pie
Yum. that sounds nice.
So cute!! To be honest, tonight will likely be a takeout night! I’m exhausted from working this week after a long Christmas break.
Take out is sometimes necessary
Love chalkboards. So much of your own personality goes in to what you decide to write on them!
Yes. So true!
I’m thinking spaghetti or baked pasta for dinner!! Thank you for all od the hard work you put in to spark our creativity!!
Both would be winners in my book. And you’re welcome 🙂
Both would be winners in my book
Today we are having a hearty Hamburg tomato soup with mirepoix base. Yum!
Oh yum! That does sound hearty
Tonight is homemade personal pizzas. We all have different tastes, so for me it’s bacon and garlic, onion for my fiance, plain muzz for my oldest son and Buffalo seasoned for my youngest. Thanks for the chalkboard tips!
Personal pizzas are a great idea.
Tonight’s dinner is a roast pork loin
Love a good roast.
Tonight’s menu is pierogies and sour cream ! Yummy !
That sounds good
Homemade broccoli/cheese soup!
Oooohhh. Yum.
The menu tonight is rotisserie chicken from the store with potato or macaroni salad. We always have fresh vegetables with dip to go with our meals.
Great idea!
Tonight’s dinner was take out pepperoni pizza and a salad. Today ended the first week back to school, and my sweet class, after Christmas break. Getting back into the swing of things is tough that first week.
Take out is sometimes much needed! Lol.
It’s breakfast for dinner tonight:
Buttermilk pancakes with molasses instead of maple syrup. A few scrambled eggs on the side with oven baked bacon rounds it all out.
Can you guess, I’m from the south:)
Love chalkboard paint. I use it often.
Love breakfast for dinner. That sounds soo good
We’re having fried rice with chop suey for our dinner. I will make enough that we will be able to have it for dinner tonight and also on Tuesday.
Robin C., Ashtabula, OH
That sounds amazing
We’re having pizza tonight!
LOVE pizza.
Dinner is past, but we had taco salad.
Yum
We are having my dad’s hamburger goulash like he made for my family when I was a kid also rice and cornbread muffins. I am 63 and this is comfort food from my childhood.
Yum. That sounds great….with all these Ideas I’m getting some great menu options too…lol
Having Beef Stroganoff tonight.
I’m a follower on Pinterest and also Pinned; but sorry, I don’t do facebook.
Thank you for this great giveaway opportunity
Yum. That sounds great. No worries! Thanks for Pinning.
Since it is raining here today,
Fried pork chops, mashed potatoes, green peas and rolls
Yum, that sounds amazing
Great post! We are having kale and sausage soup with little gnocchi. I make it in my Instant Pot and it’s so easy! -Heather
YUM! That sounds great.
Country style pork ribs
That sounds amazing
We’re having warm taco meat over raw spinach leaves 🙂
A chalk board would be a great place for me to put something encouraging on each day, I have a lot of health problem and most days it is hard for me to get up and get going so maybe I could put something to inspire me each day. Thanks so much for the chance to win,
YES. That is such a great idea
Tacos! Always tacos! Thanks for all the tips and tricks.
Have a fabulous week.
YUM. Loe tacos. You have a fabulous week too.
Unfortunately right I am laid up so making meals is hard but did make a hamburger casserole last night.
I’m so sorry. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Hamburger casserole sounds comforting.
Tonight was my son’s 14th birthday party. We had many of his favorites..turkey bbq sliders, crockpot mac & cheese and twice baked potatoes. It was a carb coma, but birthdays are supposed to be indulgent!
That’s always fun! Happy birthday to your boy
What a darling menu sign! We are gonna have chili tonight!
Chili sounds great.
Grilled swordfish and asparagus
Oh yum. i don’t think I’ve ever had swordfish
Tonight we are having a spaghetti dinner. I love this cute napkin holder.
I am making salsa chicken and rice.
That sounds amazing
I was going to lie and mention a fancy dinner but with GI issues my diet consists of yogurt and toast. I guess I’ll stick with sayings on my chalkboards. You give great tips!
:)…oh, I’m sorry about the GI issues.
Tonight’s menu includes a pork roast with baby carrots along with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Thank you for the chalkboard tips!! I didn’t know a lot of these!
You’re welcome. Glad you learned some new tips
This is so cute! Tonight we are having BBQ ribs, rice, corn, and a salad.
That sounds soooo good.
I commented on Instagram and followed on Pintrest too 🙂
yay!
Stir fry veggies and chicken tonight. Quick and easy, everyone loves it!
That sounds amazing
I love the chalkboard tips and I can not wait to try them. I have a small board and keep trying but it never comes up right.
THank you. It does take practice. Keep at it.
Tonight I am going to try my hand at Philly Cheese Steak Clearwater style. Wish me luck.
Oh, yum. How did they turn out.
Tonight’s dinner is whatever you can find in the fridge. We had a big pasta lunch.
Haha….sometimes those are the best.
I think we are just making sandwiches tonight. 🙂
Sometimes, those are the best dinners…nice and simple.
Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans…it’s what’s for dinner
Yum. that sounds good.
Tortilla soup and quesadillas. Yum!
Unsure just yet but it’s looking like chicken fajita baked potato =)
Tonight we are trying a new dish, Egg Roll Bowls!
Oh yum. Hope it turned out as good as it sounds.
Tonight I plan on having a salad and a veggie burger and some roasted okra.
That sounds good.
Tonight is my bowling night so we usually pick up some wings to bring home for dinner!
That sounds good.
We had chili for dinner tonight.
LOVE chili.
I had street tacos from Costco
Oh Yum. I’ve seen those there…are they good?
Left a comment on Facebook
Awesome. Thanks.
Liked and commented on Instagram-rosannepm
Thank you Roseanne. GOod luck.
Followed on Pinterest and pinned https://www.pinterest.com/pin/37928821849705797/
Thank you
Apple Dample Cake with Whipped Topping or Ice Cream. Your choice.
That sounds amazing.
Rest day today so no cooking. Left-overs (really planned-overs from yesterday for lunch and chile con queso and tortilla chips for supper.
Left-overs are always great.
I’ve always wanted to do this! I especially like the menu.
Holly recently posted…Flow Beehive Reviews: Read This Before Buying a Flow Hive
You should totally try it!
No cooking for me tonight – we’re going to Longhorn for dinner!
That sounds yummy
Left a message on Facebook – Clair Shumack
THanks. Good luck
Left a message on Instagram – leahshumack
Thank you
I pinned on Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/575686764870628249
Thank you Lee
baked chicken parm is on the table tonight! With a salad! Tks for the chalkboard tips!
Yum. Love that dish