Easy Fall Chalkboard DIY

5 Materials
$16
2 Hours
Easy
I love finding new ways to spruce up my decor....and admittedly, fall is probably my favorite season to decorate for. And it's not just because my birthday is in October ;) I love the changing leaves, pumpkins, cooler weather (hello sweatshirts- I've missed you!) hot chocolate, pumpkin spice scented candles, bonfires...and that cozy feeling that always seems to accompany fall.
So for my fall decor this year, I wanted to make a chalkboard sign out of an old cutting board.  I thought it would be awesome to find some thrifted cutting board and make all my Pinterest dreams come true.  But sometimes the stars don't align, and no matter how many times you stalk the thrift stores shelves...no perfect old cutting board appears.  Bummer!  But as I was about to scrap my fall DIY plan, I happened to stop into Big Lots, and low and behold in the kitchen section- I saw my cutting board!!  It was practically perfect, and actually a cheese board.  Same difference though :)  It was the right height and had a handle...and the best part??  It was only $12 dollars!!!  And while it wasn't a thrift store steal...it was totally what I was looking for.
Supplies needed:


Wood cutting/cheese board
Measuring tape
Masking tape
Chalkboard paint
Small paint roller/or brush
Chalk
Chalk pen
Paper with printed wording/graphic (optional)
First I removed all the stickers and glue residue from the cutting board.  If your cutting board is rough or has a poly/shiny surface- you will need to sand it smooth before you start.
Then I measured out the area where I wanted my chalkboard to be on the board, and taped it off.  I measured about 1 inch in from the edges all the way around the board for mine.
Then I used a mini roller to apply the chalkboard paint, because I wanted a smooth surface.
Paint the first coat and let it dry for 1 hour, before applying the second one.  Then you need to let the paint cure for 24 hours, before using it.
After the chalkboard paint dries, remove the masking tape.
Once your chalkboard paint has cured, and before you write anything on it- you want to "season" it.  This will help you erase your board cleanly when you want to change the wording/art.  Take a piece of chalk (I just used some sidewalk chalk from my kids stash) and using the side of the chalk, rub it all over the chalkboard.
Then use a damp paper towel or cloth to remove the chalk.  There will some residue left, but that's okay.
Then you can print out the saying and font you want to put on your chalkboard.  I just created this saying in Word and printed it out to copy.
Then use your chalk pen to copy and/or write your script on the chalkboard.
**Chalk pen tip: let your lettering dry, and then go over it a second time to create crisp, bright designs.
Once you are finished, you can display your beautiful chalkboard sign, in all it's fall glory!
This project was really easy to make, and I love that it can be used over and over again- no matter the season.  Just erase it and start over....the possibilities are endless!
Resources for this project:
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Jordan|featherbrained~fancy
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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