Thursday, September 14, 2017

Forever and Ever Chalkboard Art Tutorial

I have a couple chalkboards in my home. I have one in the bedroom.

                            

I have one in the kitchen.

                           

I made both using old frames. The one in the kitchen has a little something extra. I used a piece of metal purchased from a hardware store, making the chalkboard magnetic, too. See how I did it here.

Recently, a sweet girl in our church asked to borrow it for her wedding. The couple was having an ice cream bar at the reception and they wanted some chalkboard art identifying the station. Because it was to be left at the reception hall the day before I worried that the chalkboard art might not make it until the reception; it might get smudged or erased as it was being set up at the facility. (My inner skeptic is alive and well.)

The following was my solution:
(Note: I am showing photos from 2 different canvases because I always forget to take pictures the first time around.)

I pulled a canvas wrapped board from my stash. You can purchase these at Michaels, A.C.Moore and the like. I buy them when on sale and keep them around for my hair-brained ideas. I painted the canvas with chalkboard paint I had on hand. This took two coats. Black acrylic paint would probably be fine for this application, too.


While that was drying I pulled out my sketch pad and went to work. I did a couple of Pinterest searches for ice cream signs and mushed my finds into one drawing on my sketch pad. I tweaked it until it was what I was happy with it. I texted a picture of my drawing over to the bride for approval.



When the green light was given I went to my copier and enlarged the print. I had about 4 pieces of paper when all was done and I taped them together. (This is where I forgot to keep taking photos.)




On the back side of the taped copies I rubbed a stick of chalk all over the areas where my design was.


I delicately placed the print, chalk side down, on the dry canvas.


With a pencil I traced the printed image leaving a chalk outline of my drawing on the blackened canvas. Up to this point this is often how I will do my chalkboards in my home. but they are meant to be erased and remade. For this project I reached for a one of my chalkboard pens that won't come off so easily.


Trace over the lines with the pen, filling in the fatter lines to resemble calligraphy. Sometimes, I have to go back over the white once it's dry to get good coverage. When the chalk pen ink was dry I did have to go back to the canvas and do a little clean up. Remember your paint pen takes some time to dry and if you rest your hand in it while writing you will make little messes on your canvas that you will have to clean up.


To erase your original chalk trace marks or chalk smudges you can use a soft paint brush and lightly brush the board after you are sure the chalk pen ink is dry. To clean up paint pen smudges a q-tip and a little water does wonders!


 In the Ice Cream piece I used a red piece of red chalk to fill in the heart and the cherry on top.


To use it with my pre-existing frame I hot-glue four magnets to the back corners. You can mount it in your own frame or just lean the board on a mantle or a shelf.


For me, the artwork can attach to my chalkboard. Finally, to protect the work, spray it with a matte sealer. I used Krylon Matte Finish. Now it won't get smudged and the happy newlyweds got to take their artwork home where they can frame it or stick it on the fridge ... Maybe it will be around when they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary!

And, my chalkboard is ready for the next thing my mind can conjure up!



Thanks for spending time with me today.  I would love to see pictures if you decide to 
make one of your own! 

Jolena



Partying On!
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24 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Joanna. I am glad you could spend some time with me.

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  2. Very clever idea Jolena. I have never seen it done this way before but it works and it looks great! I really love the effect of the chalkboard on chalkboard for the sundae sign!

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    1. Thanks, Mary! So glad you stopped by. Thank you for the party. :)

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  3. What a wonderful idea! That looks like an antique frame you're using...the one you said is normally in your kitchen. Gorgeous one to use for a wedding, and I'm sure the couple will be very pleased with your efforts and to get to take the canvas home. I sure would be if it was me.

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    1. Thank you for visiting with me and for the kind words. The couple seemed to like it and it was a blessing to be asked to help in their special day.

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  4. Great project. Your chalkboard signs look so perfect. I would definitely need to use a printed template so I appreciate the tutuorial.

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    1. If you make one of your own please come back and share a photo with me. I would love to see if others try it. Thanks for spending time with me.

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  5. WOW...I love how you made them magnetic and can switch out your signs. What a fantastic idea! I love the chalkboards but I too like using the pen especially when the artwork looks that good! I am pinning this. Great idea! Saw your post from the linky party:)

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    1. Thank you, Kathleen. I am so glad for your visit today and glad you were inspired enough to pin it! Have a great day!

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  6. Oh my golly, the magnet idea is genius! You rock! Saw this on The Scoop link party and so glad I did. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Sweet! So glad you dropped by, Cindy! Thanks for leaving me such a kind message and spending time with me today.

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  7. I love this beautiful sign that you made. Thanks for sharing at C&C with J&J.

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    1. So glad for you visit today, Julie. Thank you for the kind words!

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  8. Good morning Jolena! I'm up early before the rest of the family. Soon I'll need to get ready for church. I dropped in to look at your blog a bit more.

    Your profile description shows me you really get what this life is about. God is conforming us and remaking us and shaping us to be more like Christ. Thank you Jesus!

    Now, I want you to know that this is the best chalkboard tutorial I've ever read! I've seen all the cute little signs and just adored them. The trouble is, I knit, crochet, and sew, but I cannot draw or paint. ~smile~

    Showing how to copy the sign and how to trace it on the chalkboard makes all the difference! I thought it was all free hand drawing and writing. You opened my eyes. Suddenly things seem possible that were impossible before!

    Maybe this Autumn and Winter, as I'm healing, I'll give it a try. I'm certainly going to keep my eyes open for cute signs on Pinterest for ideas.

    Thank you!

    Laura Lane
    Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. Hi Laura,
      I hope you had a good day in the Lord. I pray your worship was sweet. Praise be to God that he is conforming us into to the image of his Son and that it is all his workmanship.

      I look forward to seeing what kind of sign you end up making. I hope you will come back here and share it with me. Maybe it's would be a good homeschool art project? However it works out I can't wait to see what you come up with.

      You were in my prayers this morning and I will keep you there.

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  9. Really cute Jolena! The ice cream one is so fun for a wedding. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  10. Both chalkboards are awesome! And I'm sure the bride and groom totally loved that ice cream bar sign! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home

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  11. What a lovely thing to do for a wedding! I love that it will last a long, long time too! Both your projects are beautiful and I'm so very glad you shared them with us at the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Hope to 'see' you again this week.

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    1. Thanks for visiting with me today, April and for the kind words.

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