Monday, October 10, 2011

DIY Chalkboard Signs

As you all know, I've been making preparations for my first craft show this November. I'm starting from square one, so I'm slowly gathering up the basics like a table, sign, backdrop, and money box. Now I'm trying to pull it all together with some eye-catching and inexpensive elements to make my booth look extra pretty. 

When I go to craft shows it's always frustrating when I can't see through the crowds what the person is selling and how much it costs. The Jingle Bash is known for its crowds and I want to make sure more than just the people standing in front of my table can see my goods. I love chalkboards and thought some mini versions would be a cute solution. However, the ones I spotted at Hobby Lobby cost about $6 each and were way too small! No thank you. Right next to them were these $2 birch plywood rectangles and you could say I had a lightbulb moment. With just a little spray paint, chalkboard paint, and tape, I have my own chalkboard signs that are the perfect color and size for my table! See how I made them...
You will need:
- A plywood rectangle (mine is 6 x 12 in) 
- Spray paint
- Chalkboard paint
- Painter's tape
Take some newspapers outside, spread out your supplies and spray the edges of the plywood with spray paint. You don't have to worry so much about the middle because it will be covered with the chalkboard paint. Allow to dry according to the instructions on your can of spray paint.

Apply the painters tape to all four edges of the plywood. If you want to be extra precise, add additional tape to cover the entire edge (over to the back side) so the chalkboard paint won't show up on the edges. Spray the chalkboard paint over the sign. Allow to dry according to the instructions on your can of chalkboard paint. Once it is dry, remove the painter's tape.

To prep the chalkboard, rub the side of a piece of chalk over its entire surface and erase it with a felt eraser. Now the chalkboard sign is ready for you to write whatever you want!
I'm so excited about using these for my display! Maybe you can use this DIY for your next craft show or any time you need a custom chalkboard sign! :)

29 comments:

  1. Thats so cute, and it perfect for craft shows! Good job :)

    http://runningwithagluegun.blogspot.com/

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  2. Love them! I also discovered my love for spray paint last week; can you believe I had never used it before?!

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  3. ooh good idea! the wonders of chalkboard paint are neverending

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  4. Love this. I have to get some of these made for my next craft fair! :)

    I'd love for you to join my link party:
    http://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/2011/10/pinteresting-linky-party-week-eight.html

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  5. Very nice! Going to pass the tip on to a friend :-)

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  6. Thank you for this marvellous idea and the "how to"!

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  7. Such a great solution! You're cowls look amazing! I especially love the yellow one! I bet your booth is going to look fantastic! :)

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  8. These look great! what a pretty idea for a display(:

    Have a lovely day Meredith!

    Carmila Ponycat

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  9. I've been wanting a little chalkboard for this photo experiments and such and I think this is AMAZING. I'd love to try it on a wall of my room. :)
    Thanks!

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  10. What an excellent idea! Thanks, Meredith!

    I just found your blog yesterday and it's my new favorite!

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  11. amazing! I'll try this sometime soon and put it in my kitchen, so lovely :)

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  12. Cute! I love the green edge. Great job. xo, rv

    http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/

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  13. very cute! i am going to try and make some of these.

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  14. this blog most definitely have my fav DIY projects!

    -grace

    http://herumbrella.com

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  15. well that's simple! they turned out cute!

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  16. Only yesterday I was looking online to buy little chalkboards for my market stall!! Now I know what to do instead.... thanks!

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  17. i may have to try this. (i say this with all diy projects though.. :P )
    looks easy enough for me to do. ;)

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  18. This is awesome! I definitely keep this in mind if I end up doing any market stalls :) will be good t see your finished booth when it's all set up! :)

    Kc

    http://a-sparkley-silver-lining.blogspot.com

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  19. Such a great idea! I haven't tried chalk paint yet, but I haven't a feeling I will soon.

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  20. I just recently found your blog and I love it! You seem really genuine and are very true to yourself :) I also love the idea of "blogging for confidence". We'll see if I can muster up some challenges for myself! Have a lovely one!
    -Chelsey

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  21. So simple! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  22. We are about to do our first stall, what a wonderfully inspired idea, Thanks so much for sharing x

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  23. Wow! This is awesome - what a great tutorial!

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  24. What lovely displays! I love chalkboards for signs. They're just so perfect! And these are seriously adorable. <3

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  25. will the wonders of chalkboard paint never cease?

    Im trying to convince my partner to paint my kitchen cupboards in chalkboard paint so I can label everything.
    H's not really taking to the idea

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  26. This is such a cute idea! I have a couple big craft shows coming up, and I may have to use this idea!
    -Nicole
    Knit, Nicole, Knit!

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  27. I LOVE this idea, so cute. Now I need to find something to use signs for! :)

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