how to create a fall chalkboard

Tis the season to eating lots of carbs and decorating for the holidays. In this blog, you will learn how to create a fall chalkboard, since Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

STEP 1: GATHER MATERIALS

Cottage Chic Chalk Marker Set By Craft Smart®

• Chalkboard
• ​Chalk or chalkboard markers
• Damp paper towel
• Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser
• Nails or Command Strips
• Bubble level
• Ruler (if needed)

I have one chalkboard in my condo that I change throughout the year. Pre-framed chalkboards can be found in lots of arts and crafts stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby) or home stores (HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx). 

For the writing instrument, I love using chalkboard markers. Chalkboard markers have an easy-to-use writing tip, dries quickly and comes in LOTS of colors. With this project, I used Craft Smart thin tip markers in fall colors from Michaels Stores.

STEP 2: CLEAN THE CHALKBOARD

From previous experience, chalkboard markers are very difficult to erase off chalkboards, especially if it sits for a long period of time. Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser is a great tool to remove the marker, with a wet paper towel to remove the leftover residue. Use those muscles and erase that chalk! Magic Erasers can be found in most grocery stores or arts and crafts stores.

If the chalkboard is brand new, make sure to clean off the surface with a damp paper towel.

STEP 2: draw YOUR FALL FRAME

Before starting to design the fall chalkboard, look for existing inspiration. Social media is a great tool to view all types of decorations. Here is what I searched for on Pinterest, Instagram and Google to find my inspiration for this chalkboard:

• Fall chalkboard #fallchalkboard 
• Thanksgiving chalkboard #thanksgivingchalkboard
• Thanksgiving sign Pinterest
• Fall quote #fallquote
• More...

Now that you are inspired, create the frame before any other design. This is to decrease the chance of damage to the other calligraphy. ​A frame is an add-on to fill the black empty space around the main text, and to feature more detail. 

Draw out the first section of the frame. Next, measure the length and width to mirror it on the other side. 

STEP 3: WRITE YOUR TEXT

Choose the font and color for the large calligraphy. For this Thanksgiving chalkboard, fall colors were chosen to match the season: brick red, buttercream and pale yellow. The neutral colors highlighted the brick red and added contrast to the dark color.

To write the main text, my current technique is to freehand. For beginners, decide on the font style.  Find the center of the chalkboard and measure the length and width of the desired text design. Mark these measurements with original chalk to use as a guide.  After, decorate the chalkboard with calligraphy. One may write the calligraphy freehand or use paper print outs to trace. Print individual letters to cut them out. Use original chalk to trace them and rewrite with desired color chalk markers.

STEP 4: hang your finished sign

The chalkboard I use is supported by large Command strips, since we live in a rental (oh the joys of a rental!). With the bubble level, ensure the frame is straight and velcro the finished chalkboard to the wall. Otherwise, nail the chalkboard to the wall.

STEP 5: post it on social media

Show off your chalkboard to the world and use those hashtags!