Hello my beautiful friends! Do you remember that every other month we have a Lifestyle of Love hop? Well today is the day and we are sharing how we use chalkboards. It’s one of those staples every person should have if they adore farmhouse style decor like I do. You’ll want to stop by and see the other posts below for some great inspiration. And if you’ve hopped over from Lora’s blog, welcome! Didn’t you just love her collection?! Let’s start with my four fun ways to decorate with chalkboards.
FOUR FUN WAYS TO DECORATE WITH CHALKBOARDS!
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Have you ever tried to do something that looks so easy but ends up taking way longer than you thought possible? That’s me with writing on chalkboards. Back when I was in elementary school I would daydream about being a teacher just so I could write on the blackboard (and sometimes green board) all the time. I wanted one of those adjustable silver chalk holders and have a team of bad boys at my command to clean the erasers for me. I wanted to write like Ms. Septima Green. The teacher with the most beautiful penmanship. Even on the chalkboard.
Fun Chalkboard Idea #1 – AS A WELCOME SIGN!
Every once in a while we were allowed to work problems on the board. I was the girl that was always raising her hand for that! Certainly not for the praise of getting the math problem correct. Nope. Math was not my thing. All I wanted to do was write on the board, then do a little erasing so the edges of the numbers were crisp and clean.
As you can see, all that practice did me no good whatsoever. But, even though I have no artistic flare, I keep on trying. I will write on my chalkboards and be happy. Let me show you how I use them. And hopefully you’ll stick around to the end and not laugh your way to the bathroom.
Fun Chalkboard Idea #1
This first idea is easy and perfect for fall. You could ask a friend to write it for you or maybe buy a stencil set if you lack the expertise. Or you could keep plugging away like me. I found this little board at the craft store and have seen them at most dollar stores. You could hang a sign like this on a door handle, cabinet knob, wreath, etc.
Fun Chalkboard Idea #2
Yep, that’s another super cute chalkboard with terrible handwriting! And that is after several attempts. The first two were so slanted that you needed to turn your head 45 degrees to even read it! I usually keep Bible verses on it. You know for when you want to leave a subtle hint to family members without saying it to their face.
Can you tell after a little practice, I’m getting better?! LOL! I was all fancy with this one. It was obviously a hot cocoa station post for Christmas. If you’d like to see that post, click here. It was a Pinterest Challenge too so you’ll see lots of other great inspo for hot cocoa bars.
Fun Chalkboard Idea #3
A girl can only take so much ridiculousness and small broken chalk pieces in her life so I finally got the chalkboard pens/markers and wowza what a difference! The only negative thing I can say about them is they don’t erase as well as regular chalk. A couple of times it took lots of water and good ol’ elbow grease to get it off. You can still see a little bit in the background on one of the signs but I had put it on pretty thick. Overall, I’d highly recommend the pens. Plus, they even come in colors!
I used these chalkboard pens and to get the black chalkboard wall, I used Rustoleum Chalkboard Paint (not to be confused with chalk paint) and painted the section on the wall above an antique tea cart we use as a coffee bar. I say we, but I only use it for decorating. The Mister is the coffee drinker.
So for the next couple of chalkboard ideas below, I apologize for the photos. I hesitated even sharing them because they are older. I mean really old. Like before the chalk pens and before I had a better camera. So squish your eyes together as you look and remember, it’s about the ideas, not the terrible photography! LOL. But seriously.
Fun Chalkboard Idea #4
See that black frame on the wall in the background? Turn an ugly thrift store painting into a (sort of) work of art with chalkboard paint. I used the same can of paint and drew on a chandelier. It’s cuter in person and since I worked on it for hours it will be there for decades! Not kidding.
Bonus idea #5! Drag out that same can of paint (it was only a quart size but goodness it goes a loooooong way) and paint over an old silver plated serving tray for a cute sign. I’ve also used a plastic tray from the dollar store in the same way. This one has moved to another part of the house and has the guest wi-fi code written on it now.
After my four fun ways (plus the extra) to decorate with chalkboards, does it inspire you to get one? Do you already have one and use it for something I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments. Now it’s time to see more exciting ideas from my friends. I know you’ll love them! Up first is Debra at Common Ground.
I love all your ideas for chalkboards, Cindy. The Hot Cocoa, Christmas board is wonderful!! I guess I just need to practice. Aren’t there transfers that can help guide you on more elaborate designs? That’s more my ability. Thanks for putting the Hop together. I always enjoy the topics and the inspiration!
Author
Thank you Debra. I haven’t looked into transfers but you are right, they would help so much more! I think I’ll check into that! 🙂
All very cute ideas! Bible verses huh? Great idea! I especially love the bonus #5 chalkboard. I already have everything to make mine but just not to that point yet. Still haven’t decided what I want to hang it with yet either. I want something unique…lol! That’s just me!
Author
Unique is always good Shirley! Best wishes and I hope you get it done soon! Just think of all the things you could put on it. 🙂
I love real and it made me more bold, my writing is not the best it takes me forever. I’m dragging out those chalkboards and trying. I loved what you had for decorating, thanks and have a blessed day!
Author
Awe, thank you Marlene. If I tried it and it looked
okaydecent, you can do it too! Hope you have a wonderful week.I love the idea of putting the guest wifi on one…but we never have guests because I can’t seem to get my house clean:( Love all the ideas; once again you picked a great subject matter!
Author
LOL Lora, if I waited for my house to be clean, we’d never have guests either! I’m sure they’re coming to see you and not the house anyway. Well wait. I take that back. In YOUR case, they’re probably coming to see all the treasures. But think of it this way. We don’t care what a junk yard or antique store looks like. We want to be there anyway!
This was a fun hop that you hosted – I love using mini chalkboards and found some cute ideas in this hop – Your boards are adorable!
Author
Thanks so much Patti. I felt a little embarrassed about a couple of them but oh well. Glad you found some cute ideas!
You can remove the shadow left behind by chalk markers with a Magic Eraser. Clean the chalkboard first with a damp paper towel and then rub with your Magic Eraser. Then wipe again with a damp, clean paper towel. You may have to do it more than once. I have used this method lots of time on my vintage frame glass that I painted with chalkboard paint.
Author
Sandra, thank you so much for the genius tip! I know we’ll all appreciate this. Magic Erasers are handy for so many things but I never thought to use it for such a thing. 🙂
HI Cindy! Your little chalkboards are darling! You know what? When I graduated high school I decided never to write in cursive again and to this day I don’t! I print! LOL I’ve never had a little chalk board but you’ve inspired me to maybe get one!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Author
I love hearing you’ve been inspired Shelia. Thank you and I do hope you get one. It’s been fun changing the around.
Your chalkboard ideas are great! My favorite is the chalkboard wall above your coffee station. I had a silver chalk holder when I taught and I LOVED writing on the board!
Author
I’m jealous Paula that you had a chalk holder! I think I’d still love being a teacher with a dry erase board too. Do you remember back in the good ol’ days when the permanent markers smelled soooo good?! Way better than white out. LOL. I was usually at the back of the room since my last name was Williams but when I’d walk by the ginormous flip paper board on an easel, I loved that marker smell. HA!
I love all these ideas but the first one really caught my eye. I have a similar basket and chalkboard! I for one like looking at old photos. It shows how much one improves in their skills. You are getting better and more amazing!
Author
Awe, thank you Laura. That is so sweet of you to say. I really appreciate it. Especially now that tomorrow (my birthday) I’m feeling extra old. Thanks for the visit!
These ideas are all so fantastic, Cindy! Your seasonal drink bars always give me so much inspiration and I’m crazy for how you welcome friends, family, and neighbors on the porch too. I definitely need to try that on our porch this Fall. Thanks so much for putting this hop together. I love to see what you guys are up to. This is such a fabulous group of ladies. Hugs, loved and pinned, CoCo
Author
Well I am the hostess with the mostess you know. LOL! I do love having people over but the day-before-house-cleaning is terrible so it’s not all that often. 😉 Thanks CoCo!
Cindy,
Great tips and I’m sharing on Sunday’s Dirt Road adventures. Thanks for the inspiration
Author
You are so sweet Rachel, thank you! I love those posts. Hope you have a great weekend.