Friday, May 1, 2009

Chalkboard paint.

I love chalkboard paint, it can turn just about anything into a message board or drawing center.

Lauryn's jar.

This is a really fun paint to use on the wall in a child’s room or on a piece of furniture.The rowdies painted a storage chest I have in my studio and spend a lot of time drawing pictures and leaving messages there. We love chalkboard paint so much we decided to try it out on a few other projects.

Taylor and Lauryn in the studio.

Old shoe boxes and jars are wonderful storage items, if you paint them with chalkboard paint you can list almost everything you put into them…and if you change your mind, just erase and start your stash list all over again.

A few things to keep in mind when you paint on these surfaces.

1. You will need at least 2 coats, and it is best to let it dry for at least an hour before writing on it.(I sometimes put a coat of gesso on first as a primer).

2. Since you are crafting with the rowdies remember to have an old hair dryer ready so they can dry between coats…they adore this step in any painting project.

3. Brush on each coat in a different direction for a smoother coverage.

4. Wax paper is better than newspaper as a surface to paint on …Lyndsey turned her freshly painted box lid over on newspaper and it stuck…big time!!!

5. You may use bristle brushes, this paint does wash out with water. I prefer inexpensive foam brushes that can be thrown away.

Lyndsey's box top.

The coolest project we came up with is applying the chalkboard paint to denim.

Denim patch. Approx 5 1/2''h x 4"w

I cut up a pair of my old jeans; we made a pin out of one scrap and a big patch from the other.

Denim pin with gesso.

A coat of gesso was applied to the small denim piece used for the pin.
When dry we applied 2 coats of chalkboard paint, letting each coat dry. Since the pin is a small area we used chalk pencils which you can purchase at any craft store, they come in a variety of colors.

Denim pin. Approx. 2''h x 1 1/2"w

Attach a safety pin to the material and it becomes a really cute pin. This piece was sprayed with a matte acrylic spray so the chalk would not rub off. Be careful with the spray so the picture is not too diluted.



Denim pin with matte spray.

The big patch was not coated with gesso, we applied 3 coats of chalkboard paint. This piece is large enough to use regular chalk.


Big patch drawing!!

This is a great way to leave yourself a message or even use as a name tag. If you decide to try this project with the grandkids leave me a comment about how you decided to use it. I would love to hear from other Rowdy Grandmas!!

11 comments:

Dancing B*a*g Lady said...

The denim pin is my favorite. Its amazing what you can come up with.

Beverly Mahone said...

I am learning so much from your blog posts. These are wonderful ideas and gives me something to try with my grandson.

Eileen Williams said...

Besides being a rowdy grandma, you sure seem like a FUN one!!! What creative things you come up with--I'm sure your grandchildren just love spending time with you!

Pam Archer said...

I am learning so much from you. I enjoy all kinds of crafts, too.

I recently painted terra cotta plant saucers to use as chargers under plates. The outsides and inner edges were red and the centers were black. After I finished them, I thought I should have used chalk board paint, then I could have changed the writing or pictures on the chargers anytime I wanted to.

Carolee Hollenback said...

Always such GREAT ideas.

BTW, I nominated you for an award. You will need to stop by my blog to get it!

http://workinginjammies.blogspot.com/

Mrs Cullen said...

hey, nice blog.

i am a member of Rat - Info and I got the link to your blog from there.

cute rat.

check out http://mustloverats.blogspot.com to see more pics of my lil fellas

Military Momz said...

Going to be printing these out because I love your ideas!!! AND... I am finally going to have a grandbaby!!! WOO HOO

I am going to be a first time Granny, WOO HOO. I am so excited!!Giveaway on my blog at www.militarymomz.blogspot.com. Post a comment on the boy name and girl name you like best out of the ones listed.

Kelly Stewart said...

You/ve got the best ideas,and creativity!! Fun stuff..

Cheryl said...

Great ideas! I keep talking about using the chalkboard paint but have never gotten around to it. This could be the inspiration I need!
I hope your 'rowdies' realize how lucky they are to have such a creative Grandma with such a cool studio. It looks like they do.
Cheryl
http://1craftymomand2ornerykids.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Love your blackboard painted items, especially the pins--very creative. We painted an empty wall in our pantry with the stuff, and I gave my niece a mirror in a wide, flat, blackboard-painted wooden frame. And a box of chalk, of course.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing chalkboard painting projects with me...makes me want to cover my whole house with the stuff. Or at least have a chalkboard wall with a "to do" list for my husband!!