Decorated Chalkboard Gift Idea
A few months ago I spotted several different sizes of mini chalkboards at my local craft store and knew I had to find a use for them. After thinking about it for a bit I decided to try my hand at adding a little decorative border to the boards using Sharpie brand Paint Pens. They were incredibly easy to make and the results were really cute. I used one as a gift already and have others set aside for use as photo props and impromptu art frames.
If you want to give this project a go, here's what you'll need:
- Mini Chalkboards (the ones I used ranged in size from about 5x7 to 7x10). If you can't find them in your local craft store they can also be purchased affordably right here.
- Acrylic paint or stain for the wood frame (optional). I left mine bare.
- Sharpie brand paint pens in desired colors (found at your local craft store). I used white, but there are a lot of options to choose from. Be sure to choose the water based variety - not oil based.
- Chalk (optional). A nice add-on for gift giving purposes.
Creating your board:
Follow the manufacturer's directions for prepping your pen. Using only a little bit of pressure (you don't want the ink to leak out) begin applying your design. I chose a simple border of tiny dots for one side and a decorative looped design on the other. Don't worry about making it "perfect." The charm of this project lies in its imperfections. Allow the ink to dry completely, and you're done!
Additional ideas:
- These boards could be used in a charming way at a handmade wedding. Be creative!
- Use your paint pens to write a permanent message or quote on your board (i.e. Please remove your shoes, or any other sentiment you'd like). The ink really pops against the black of the board.
- Using hot glue, add small wooden clothespins to the wood frame to create a message center for writing notes and clipping ideas.
- For gift giving - tie your board up with a pretty ribbon...be sure to include some chalk.
Enjoy! xo Ez
22 Lovely Comments | Email Article | found in D.I.Y. + Projects, Gift Giving / Wrapping Ideas, Tutorials Print Article | Share This | 
| by Ez Tuesday, November 23, 2010 
Reader Comments (22)
What an excellent idea for photo props! I'll have to think on that. Thanks for sharing!
This is an adorable and fantastic idea!! I love the idea of giving it as a gift. Maybe for a new mom that is decorating the baby's nursery with unique things!
Simply clever!!
wonderful idea!
I just Love this! It is so perfectly simple and yet so creative...I can think of a few peeps on my list who would love to receive one of these! Thank you, Ez, xo Laura
Great idea! Re-tweeting!
what a cute idea! I really love the simple handdrawn borders - so charming! :)
Such a simple yet perfect idea!
OMG I had no idea Sharpie had white pens. I am sprinting to the office supply store tomorrow AM. Great idea, Ez. Merci : )
Really really great idea.
This is really nice. A wonderful combination of cute, simple and inexpensive. Thank you for the idea!
what a great idea. I want to put a chalkboard in my future new kitchen & this looks really nice. thanks
Love this idea, Ez! I happened to pick up one of those chalk boards a few months ago at a craft store because I just thought it was so dang cute...didn't know what I was going to do with it, but now I'm inspired!
great idea.
The mini bowls are from Fog linen, right? So cute.
Another fabulously simple idea! My daughter is almost 5 and loves drawing...I think this would be the perfect gift to make for her! If only I could find some vintage chalkboards...
So adorable--and inspiring. Something I'd like to make myself.
love this!
Love this idea! We are going to try this out for sure!
I love this ideas, as I just came across one of these in my stash and wanted to use it to do something for my son's room! I think using it as a frame and changing out the art would be just the thing!
Fabulous! These would make great teacher gifts too! Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm a teacher! I would love this as a gift. Haha. Actually, I'm thinking of some way these could be incorporated into my upcoming wedding. I'll let you know. lol :)
LOVE this cute little idea!!! can't wait to try some of my own designs and ideas!
Such a great website!