Asked on Jan 26, 2015

Chalkboard windowpane, looks great, but...

Angela A
by Angela A
I found a gorgeous windowpane at an antique's store down the road. Absolutely loved it and knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. Which I did, and I LOVE the end result. My problem? Well, there's really only one way to say this: My handwriting SUCKS! (sorry). I'm a leftie, and well I dont know if that's why, or if I was just bad at handwriting in school all together, but there you have it. Does anyone know of any good sites I can go to and print stencils off of that are easy to use, or what would be the easiest way to draw/write on my window now? HELP! I want to use it, but I also want the actual writing/drawing to be as cute as the window itself!
  11 answers
  • ..If you have access to a way to copy handwriting onto vinyl ( adhesive - backed) , getting some examples off the Internet may help. Not to tout my handwriting- nor impune yours- I do have what most have said as ' very fancy handwriting'...which has come in handy. I hope your project turns out as you wish for it to !
  • Angela A Angela A on Jan 26, 2015
    In her day, my mother had gorgeous handwriting too, I used to try to copy it....to no avail...:-( (don't worry, I just envy you guys with blessed with beautiful handwriting) :-) I've even thought of taking a calligraphy class to see if that may help!
  • Carole Carole on Jan 26, 2015
    Don't know about stencils but I sympathise with you. My handwriting sucks too and sometimes even I can't read what I wrote! I think my problem is a write too fast and don't form my letters neatly. I much prefer typing!
    • Angela A Angela A on Jan 27, 2015
      @Carole I am right there with you @Carole .... I'd rather type anyday than write! I want to make signs but I need to figure a way to make the writing pretty... :\
  • Beth W Beth W on Jan 27, 2015
    I got some nice lettering stencils at Michael's- use the 40% off coupon. You will have to sharpen your chalk-hope it works for you!
    • Angela A Angela A on Jan 27, 2015
      @Beth W Ohhhh, thank you @Beth W .... I love using the Michael's coupons! I will look for those! Thanks!!
  • Niki Hart Niki Hart on Jan 27, 2015
    Print off the desired thing you want to write, and use an exacto knife to cut out the letters somewhat, then write through the "stencil" and embellish after you remove the make shift stencil.
  • Angela A Angela A on Jan 27, 2015
    Also wondering if you can use sidewalk chalk on the chalkboard paint, does anyone know? thanks!
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Jan 27, 2015
    Hi Angela- I use a method called "reverse chalking" I print up whatever I want to write on plain copy paper, then rub chalk all over the reverse side. Place the paper on the wood and then trace over the design with a pencil. The chalk will show up (faintly) on the wood. You can then trace over it with a paint pen or, if you have a steady hand, then a small artists brush. OR, you can get lots of nice stencils with words on them at Michaels-I just found one with all French Typography-quite inexpensive!
  • Carol Main Carol Main on Jan 27, 2015
    Hobby Lobby has lots of stencils as well. You could use Microsoft office on a computer, insert word art, using whatever font you wish, then do the chalk idea, that Sue@Country Design Home suggested. Good Luck.
  • Colleen Colleen on Jan 30, 2015
    I've used the same the same process as Sue@CountryDesignHome, with success. You don't even have to rub the back of the paper with chalk...if you've 'primed' your chalkboard with chalk already, just lay your paper down and trace over the letters. The pressure from the pencil lifts the chalk off the board and leaves the outline of your letters. Then you can outline the lettering with a fine point chalk marker (can find these at Michael's) and shade in with chalk.
  • Janinne P Janinne P on Jan 31, 2015
    I think you should just "borrow" a friend with nice handwriting! Instead of buying something. :-)
  • Dch243428 Dch243428 on Feb 01, 2015
    I use a chalk pen and that helps. You have to practice a bit with it to get the results you want but it does come out much better than trying to do it with a stick of chalk.