DIY Christmas Chalkboard Sign

$15
Easy
I am always looking for inexpensive ways to decorate our home for Christmas. This year was no exception!
I was looking to make a large sign to place over my mantel this year. Something that was inexpensive and that I could do myself. With little skill when it comes to lettering, I discounted a hand painted wood sign even though that is really what I was thinking of.
I had to find a plan B! When looking around the house for ideas, I came across this large, old, red picture frame and I had an aha moment! If I could find a big enough chalkboard for a reasonable price I could make an easy chalkboard sign. Well, as luck would have it, there is no such thing as an inexpensive large chalkboard when you need one in a hurry.
I happened to have a piece of white foam board nearby and sure enough it was the perfect fit. But, it was white. A quick trip to Michael's armed with a 40% off coupon and $6.00 later I had the beginnings of a chalkboard. Some cedar, boxwood, weeping cypress and dried hydrangeas from the garden created a swag to embellish the frame, which I wired on with a bit of florist wire. A plaid bow made from some leftover ribbon finishes it off.
I gave the black foam board a light spray with a can of chalkboard paint I had on hand, and let it dry fro a few hours before taping it to the back of the frame! I had to cut off only about 2 inches from the side of the foam board for a perfect fit.
I seasoned the chalkboard by rubbing the side of a piece of chalk all over the board and then erasing it lightly. It gives the appearance of a well used chalkboard!
You could embellish the board with any word, phrase, verse or hymn that you like, but after found the word 'Believe" to be extremely meaningful and inspiration for me this year. And, because I have zero penmanship skills, I enlisted the help of my friend Leslie to write the word for me. I added some swirls and stars which I had seen done before and gave me the feeling like the word just sparkled!
And here it sits on my mantel with two vintage lanterns from a ship that my grandfather was once Captain! I couldn't be more pleased now that every time I enter into my living room i am reminded there are so many reasons to 'Believe"!
Red Cottage Chronicles
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Kym Kym on Dec 03, 2021

    Thanks for sharing your personal story along with the sign! I am going to ask a silly question, but where do you get the foam board?

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