How to make your own framed chalkboard with a hand-drawn chalk monogram. This is for everyone who thinks they’re not crafty or artistic!
Welcome to the first post in an occasional series called There For The Making, Zero Dollar DIY Challenge. It will run for the rest of this year, and a huge shout out to Sarah at Flourish & Knot for both creating and hosting this challenge for us!
What I love about this challenge is that while it’s always fun to load up your shopping cart at the craft store and come home and make stuff…. The reality is we all have things lying around the house that, with a little imagination and creativity, could be made into something amazing without spending any money at all. This is a huge part of my creative philosophy: Work with what you’ve got.
So for this project, this is what I’ve got. An unused frame, some bristol board, chalkboard paint, chalk, a word processor and a printer.
Step by Step Instructions:
1. Cut bristol board to fit inside your frame.
2. Spray the bristol board with chalkboard paint until evenly coated. I used two coats to cover it.
3. When the paint has “cured” (read the directions on the can for drying times) use the side of a piece of chalk to completely cover the chalkboard. Then use a chalkboard eraser (or a rag, or paper towel) to thoroughly cover the chalkboard with chalk dust. Shake to remove any excess dust.
4. Use a word processor to create the monogram letter of your choice. I used the Century Schoolbook font. Make sure to size it according to the frame you’re using. Print your monogram.
5. On the reverse side of the printout, cover the entire back of the letter with chalk.
6. Turn the paper to the right side and position it carefully on your chalkboard. Trace the edges of the letter with a sharp pencil.
7. Remove the paper, and go over the tracing with chalk and fill in the monogram.
8. (Optional) I created a laurel wreath detail by placing a bowl over the chalkboard and tracing four parts of a circle around my monogram. I’m no artist but I managed to draw some decent looking leaves on each side of the circle sections.
9. Clean up any stray chalk marks with the chalk eraser, rag or paper towel.
10. Carefully place your chalkboard into the frame.
* that’s it *
A few easy steps, and now I have this fun framed monogram to hang as part of a gallery wall in my front hallway. (Chalk Paint Console Table Makeover here.)
Now before you head into your storage cupboard to find an unused frame…. pour yourself another cup of coffee and click through the rest of the blogger projects below. Prepare to be inspired!
We'll be back in April with a special Earth Day edition of There for the Making. The next blogger in our hop today is Dani with a pretty Gemstone Wrap Bracelet by Lifeovereasy.
All of these projects prove that we have hidden craft and DIY possibilities waiting in our homes! It IS possible to be creative without spending a dime!
All of these projects prove that we have hidden craft and DIY possibilities waiting in our homes! It IS possible to be creative without spending a dime!
There for the Making - February Challenge!
DIY Chalkboard Monogram by Personally Andrea (you are here!)