Wait, what??? Fake a chalkboard? What is there to fake, it’s just a chalkboard right? I’ll explain.
But first, tell me, what have you been up to; Any new creations? What creative chaos are you concocting in your home? Tell me in the comment section below.
Honestly, I would love to hear all about it. And for those of you taking a creative break, don’t think you are off the hook. You are still required to comment but you are challenged to make it rhyme! Kidding. You don’t have to come up with a rhyme but it sure wouldn’t hurt.
As for me, I’ve been up to a several things. Easter is coming so I got out the Easter chalkboard art I made last year.
I thought you might like it for yourself so I created a link for you to download it for your personal use. You can have it printed or use it as computer screen wallpaper. It is super cute as a computer screen background!
For personal use only
The process I use to make chalkboard signs has changed over time.
I use to made a standard chalkboard, then draw on my design with chalk and that would be that.
Below is one I did when we first moved into this house a year ago. I used sheet metal, chalkboard paint and chalk markers to make it.
I saw the design on a t-shirt, and being the only girl in the house, I thought the boys would really appreciate it.
Shockingly, I didn’t get a whole lot of love back over this. I don’t know what is wrong with these kids.
After going through the process of drawing out different chalk designs on several occasions, I came to the conclusion that;
A) Chalk is a pain. Not only is it a dusty mess but the picture often doesn’t come out as vibrant as I would like it. Chalk markers are a better but they come with problems of their own too.
B) Yes you can erase the chalkboard, which would seem like a cool thing, but in truth who wants to erase something you just worked so hard to create?
After all, you never know when your crazy house is going to need the reminder and you have to whip out the sign again! (Oh lordy, I think I just heard the sound of collective eye rolling coming from my family room.)
Here is an example of another early sign done with regular chalk. As you can see, my first couple were not so fabulous. It took a few to get the hang of it. See how the color is a little on the dull side? The whole time I was drawing it, I kept thinking how much easier this would be if I could just get out a paint brush and paint this on.
That is when I decided it would be better to use regular white acrylic paint, painted on black mat board.
I paint the mat board with black chalkboard paint then add my design with a paint marker or a paint brush. The end result looks like a chalkboard but the lettering is much brighter and the sign is reusable.
I change out the different designs with each season.
It is just mat board so it is not very heavy and easily stores away in the off season.
Sometimes I paint on the back too and just flip the board over when I need a change.
Here is the one I created last month when I needed a change. I am about to take it down and switch it out again.
The great thing is because it is actually paint, I can bring it back next year.
This new way worked out great when I was forced persuaded to make some signs for my big sister’s farm wedding last summer. (Just joking Big D.
I was happy to help even if you are “the boss”) Don’t worry she doesn’t read this blog.
All jokes aside she really is an awesome amazing sister just like EACH and EVERY one of my family members. Isn’t that right MOM. (Mom does read the blog)
My Basic Process to Faking Chalkboard Art
To start, you will need black mat board.
I grab a large piece and use a ruler and utility knife to cut it to the size of my frame
After cutting my mat board, I roll on black chalkboard paint.
Next I either sketch my design or create one on my computer and print it out.
When I print it, I do so one page at a time and then tape the pages together to make one big page. Honestly, creating the type on the computer and then transferring it to the board takes way less time than trying to hand letter.
This way is so easy that I rarely go through the headache of trying to get the spacing and lettering just right by hand.
Now I transfer the printed design to my mat board using graphite paper .
A Note on Transfer Methods
You can use a variety of transferring methods.
There is the rub chalk or pencil on the back and then turn it over and trace the design on the front.
The chalk on the back will leave a outline on on your canvas or mat board. This is good in a pinch or for a chalkboard you want to erase right after.
The down side is sometimes the transfer marks are hit and miss and the chalk is messy.
Projector…..If you have a projector this works fairly well.
The up side is you can enlarge your design to fit your canvas.
The down side is you need a slightly dark room to see the projected design and sometimes the projector slightly distorts the picture if you don’t have it lined up just right.
And heaven forbid the canvas or projector gets bumped while transferring and you have to start all over. That’s loads of fun. In my experience, the solution is to throw out a few carefully placed expletives while starting over.
Oh yes, it helps.
My favorite method is graphite transfer paper. You just place the paper under your design and trace away. It leaves a bright mark and it is super easy to use. It doesn’t erase super well so I don’t recommend it for a traditional chalk board.
Chalkboard Design Transferred and Ready to Paint
After I have my design traced and ready to paint I often outline it with a paint marker.
Fill in with Paint
Now fill in with paint. Sometimes I do the whole thing with a paint marker.
I used a brush for the love sign because with a fat paintbrush I could cover the letters quicker.
The leaves were easier to paint on with a brush too.
The Young Life sign was all paint maker. (If you are not a big painter but want to try to make your own sign, I recommend starting with a simple design like the love sign. The letters are fat so there is not a lot of fine detail work.)
Now you are basically done. You can leave it as is or rub chalk all over it to really make it look like a chalkboard. With the long edge of the chalk cover the picture and then take a rag and wipe it off. It will look like a blackboard.
And you are done!
The YoungLife sign was last weekend’s project. It was a favor for an old friend who works with Young Life. If you are not familiar with Young life, it is a Christian outreach ministry for high school kids. She said she really needed a chalkboard welcome sign and apparently, another mutual friend threw out my name as someone who might help. Of course my first thought was, who is this friend? We need to have a talk. No, actually I just said yes, I’ll make you a sign.
It’s not that I really wanted to make yet another sign. I just didn’t want to have that conversation with God. You know the one the goes something like this, “No God I really just don’t feel like making one more sign.” “Yes, I know I have made several for myself personally. Yes, I know it is for a good cause but I have to draw the line somewhere.”
Yeah telling God that “for a good cause” is where you draw the line didn’t seem like a good plan.
So I quickly said sure, I can make you a sign. Then I promptly started and knocked the project out 2 weeks early. Ha! I wish. Of course I waited till the very last minute. Under much self-induced stress, I whipped out a sign 12 hours before her banquet started. shhhh no one has to know. That will be our secret!
I hope this helps with your future sign making. Don’t get discouraged if your first try isn’t perfect. As you can see from my rooster that my first couple attempts were not so hot either. The more you do, the better you get at it.
Don’t forget to leave a comment below
Happy Creating,
Check out these great sites I will be linking up to….(here)
and ♥ Home stories atoz ♥ Stringtown home ♥ Savvy Southern Style
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Megan says
Oh, yeah….and my FIRST chalkboard project is for my mom – she asked me to make her an 11 x 14 painting that looks like a chalkboard sign, to my dad for Valentine’s Day – wants it to say “Bless your Heart” and I can only assume it is some inside joke between the two of them, though, being from the South, I can only imagine…anyway, because I normally paint on canvases, I went to Hobby Lobby last night and purchased a black canvas to use black Chalk paint and a white paint marker and the graphite transfer paper I mentioned in the first post. I am unsure what foam backing is, but wanted to let you know canvases can be repainted – any acrylic pours I do not like or that I have messed up on, I “scrape” them while still wet, and even if they aren’t wet, I can still gesso the canvas and start new. You could do that with these chalkboards, as well, I would assume. If you try it, I would be curious to see your creativity!
Megan says
Just wanted to tell you with the graphite transfer paper, if you use a kneaded eraser, you should have no problem erasing any smudges/marks. I get my graphite transfer paper from Hobby Lobby, the brand is the master’s touch in a black and clear sealed packet for the 9×13″ size and come 4 sheets in a packet.
Kim M. Tappa says
Your blog was fun to read and you provided very good tips. My art has usually been a bit different than chalkboard, so I am seeking tips for a beer-themed wedding with chalkboard decor. I’ve already found thrift store trays and glassware which I have sprayed with chalkboard paint. Now the fun begins for creating clever signs. Thanks and good luck with your endeavors!
Kristi L Jones says
Great tutorial. Do you have a favorite paint pen to use for these?
CGinAZ says
Late to this party, but feeling arty. Funny bunny, Honey.
judy todd says
well, I think you are a hoot!! I love your ideas and tutorial! Keepnit up Chicky!
Cindy says
Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Beverly says
Your signs look amazing! Thanks for giving such great details on how you achieve the look! We’re happy to have you partying at Snickerdoodle Sunday. I’ll be featuring your post at tomorrow’s party. See you there!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Beverly!!!!
Carol Lander says
I am so impressed with your chalkboard talent. I love chalk anything and your writing is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing at Your Inspired Design Link Party #28.
Terry Moore says
Jenny, you are so right about chalk. I made some really nice faux chalkboards for my son’s wedding but the step you gave, I didn’t coat the black foam core with chalkpaint. It worked out fine. Your’s looks so wonderful. Love the one you gave us. Thanks
Jennifer says
Thank you. I used mat board that was meant for backing pictures. Did your foam core hold up to paint? I fear with foam core would be the thin paper that is glued to the foam would bubble and wrinkle if it got too wet.
I forgot to mention that another reason I base coat with chalk paint is you can go back with the black paint and correct any little mistakes if you need to.
Thank you Terry for your kind words. Have a wonderful Easter
Holly McCall {mccallmanor} says
Thanks for all of the steps shown! I love all of your signs!
mpbrittis@gmail.com says
You created something so beautiful and stylish. So excited you shared this at Dream Create and inspire. Hope you can stop by and visit! http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com Have a great weekend enjoy the Easter weekend Maria
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Maria. Wishing you a fabulous Easter as well!
Terri Wilder says
Great tutorial. Love your designs!
Sabine says
Thank you for your tips. I’ll try to do it for sure.
nikkifrankhamilton says
Jenny, this is a really great idea. I have seen printables that you can download that simulate a chalkboard, but think of all of the black ink. My cartridge would be out after a single print! I take these files to the printshop and use their ink! Lol Well worth the price of the copy!
Using the chalkboard paint on the mat board is brilliant.
I also love graphite paper for transferring, there are graphite papers that erase with water, and I use those when I paint quite often. It’s my favorite transfer method. It takes a while to trace over your template but once that’s done it goes quickly from there.
I love the signs that you have created, for the wedding and for the Younglife event. The bunny is adorable, thanks!
But even more I love your conversation with God. It cracks me up. How many times have I had the same conversation about other things. LOL, but God I don’t wanna…
Angela says
Great tutorial! Thanks for posting this on Make it Work Wednesday!
Sarah says
Just finished writing a chalkboard bunny a friend sent me as a gift. Yes, it isn’t as easy as it seems, and I was an elementary teacher for 30 years. Ha! Thanks for the tips.
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
How cool are these! I’ve made a lot of chalkboards but haven’t done any chalkboard drawing. I do have some chalk markers. Will have to give it a try. Love the idea of being able to change them out. Thanks for sharing and for the super cute printables.
Jennifer says
Thank you Linda. Happy Easter – Jenny
sherrygcoles@msn.com says
Your instructions are great, Thanks! I found one of these projectors at the thrift store. I was so excited. Now, I will be able to do this.
Jennifer says
Oh wow Sherry. That is a deal! I love thrift stores. I am sure you will enjoy the projector. I hope I get to see some of the creations that come from it!! Have a great week & Happy Easter – Jenny
Mary-The Boondocks Blog says
Wow what a very cool method Jennifer. I will definitely pin this for future reference!
Jennifer says
Oh Thank you Mary! Happy Easter to you and your family -Jenny
MyHusbandHasTooManyHobbies says
Popping over from Brag About It to thank you for linking up with us! FB share, pinned and tweeted 🙂 Happy Easter!
~Laurie
Jennifer says
Thank you Laurie. Wishing you and your family a very happy Easter
Catherine says
Jenny, you are amazing..both inside and out. I love your blog, your dogs, your friendship and your sarcastic lip. And that’s my attempt at rhyming. Love you!
Jennifer says
Haha you are awesome Catherine ❤ I Love you too. Even if you are just saying that because I am picking up your dog while you are living large on vacation
Stacey says
I absolutely love your bunny. 🙂 It’s so sweet of you to make it shareable. Please join us at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We start early but it’s worth it. 🙂
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Stacey! Happy Easter -Jenny
Kim says
Wow, the are beautiful!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Kim
Christine @ www.rustic-refined.com says
Loving this idea! Sharing it thru G+ and twitter.
Have a good day!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Christine 🙂
Kim says
You are funny! I have a projector, but lately I’ve been lazy and just make them on a photo editor and print them out. Great idea using acrylic paint. I love the chicken sign! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on FB! Have a great week!
Kim
Jennifer says
Thank you Kim for stopping by. And you are kind to say I am funny. I keep telling my family how lucky they are but they refuse to acknowledge their good fortune. They are in denial! Have a great week -Jenny
Jonni says
Love your work!
Kacey says
This is so clever, and the bunny is so adorable! I’d love to try this out one day 🙂
Jennifer says
Thank you Kacey!!!
twochicksandamom/Donna says
Great tutorial–very talented! Visiting from Totally Terrific Tuesday.
Carol says
Thanks for this great idea! It’s true that erasing something that you worked so hard on makes no sense! I like your way better!
lynn says
Jenny, what a fantastic post! I’m right with you about not wanting to put all the effort into something that could accidentally, or purposefully, be erased! UGH! I am so using your matboard idea. But you’ve got some crazy mad skills (that Chicken one!!! Fantastic!), so I can only hope that mine turn out half as good. But you have inspired me to give this a try…now I just need to come up with some good ideas.
Thanks for the inspiration and wishing you a beautiful Spring Monday!
Hugs, Lynn
Jennifer says
Thank you Lynn. ❤️. You are one talented lady so I am pretty sure you will do just fine 😉
Thank you for stopping by!
Scott Penton says
This is amazing. I didn’t know you could do that with paint. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jennifer says
Thank you for stopping by Scott.
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Super interesting! I could see (correction: I know) they would erase whatever beautiful chalk creation I would make so I like your un-erasable faux chalk art better. Visiting from Mad Skills party.
Jennifer says
Oh so true in this house! And the older they get the riskier it gets 😉
MyHusbandHasTooManyHobbies says
Jenny, First let me say, I love your chalkboards! The black foam board is genius! I also fake chalkboards, but have used chalkboard vinyl on whatever surface I had handy. Thanks for sharing your tips with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday! As far as projects . . . well, spring flowers are next on my list 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful week!
Jennifer says
Thanks for the love Laurie. Oooooo spring flowers !! One of my favorite things. 🙂
Sheila Elliott says
I love this. Saving to try sometime. Sheila
Jennifer says
Thank you Sheila!! 🙂
Rita C at Panoply says
Okay, this is brilliant – for all the reasons you state. Chalkboards are way too messy for my ocd self, and when I see people painting entire walls with grocery lists, art, etc., all I can think about it the constant dust. Pinning is winning (lame rhyme attempt, but my only creativity posted this week was an Easter tablescape) – thank you for sharing, and all the tips! That bunny is so handsome! And, btw, you speak sarcasm fluently! I love it. Visitng from Dwellings…..
Rita C at Panoply
Jennifer says
Hahaha. I love your rhyme, thanks for the effort. I love chalk walls too but like you, I start to envision sweeping up chalk dust daily and suddenly that good feeling is gone. lol Your table scape was lovely. I really like how you paired the yellow dishes with the cabbage leaf dish. Its a sunny happy table and I want to steal that big bunny dish. 🙂 Have a great week- Jenny
Meghan says
Clever
Jennifer says
Thank you Meghan!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
Very cute! I don’t do much with chalkboards but I love your way of doing it!
Jennifer says
Thank you Lisa 🙂