I was a little stumped about creating a Thanksgiving DIY project a project this year – in the past, I’ve made a gobble barnwood sign, GATHER letters, thankful chalkboard chargers and the give thanks burlap banner and greeting cards.
Since we’re going to be out of town for Thanksgiving, I didn’t want to put something very complicated together just to take it down in a few days. I also didn’t want to spend any money.
Challenge. Accepted.
I thought maybe I could create something that would work for Thanksgiving and then convert into early Christmas decor.
Enter, the Thanksgiving chalkboard word search.
I love how this came out! I know I’ve seen word searches and crosswords on Pinterest, but my inspiration actually came from seeing a book at the Dollar Tree. I thought it’d be fun to make one for Thanksgiving, and also hide some Christmas words in there so it can carry me into December.
I was concerned that it would look sloppy if I didn’t do it right. So, after I mocked up the words I wanted to include on notebook paper, I spent some time marking light chalk lines every two inches. I used this awesome Measure It! self-adhesive tape that I won in a giveaway at That’s My Letter. It’s awesome because it’s sticky AND repositional. So I was able to only use two lengths for this project. I have plenty leftover for the next project. (I was not asked to promote this, I just happened to win a pack and think it’s pretty slick.)
It looks more tedious than it actually is. I just quickly marked the horizontal lines.
Then I moved on to the vertical lines.
Then I used CHALK MARKER to put on the letters (this is important if you want to remove the lines). I actually started with the actual words I wanted to make sure were included. Then I just filled in everything else.
Once the letters were finished, I let the chalk markers dry and then I took a paper towel and lightly removed the lines. In orange chalk, I found the words and circled them.
I think this board will be making a reappearance with Christmas words soon. And I also added our names in there. Wouldn’t it be AWESOME to include all the names of your guests for a holiday party????
So many things to be thankful for this holiday season. My little chalkboard crossword is a good reminder – thankful, grateful, blessed, family, friend and TURKEY. 😉
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Corey says
I love this so much! It looks like a ton of work, but it is super cute. The idea of a chalkboard cross word puzzle is very fun and creative. I featured your post on my blog post about Thanksgiving Chalkboards. Feel free to check it out.
http://www.domestic360life.com/blog/diy-3/thanksgiving-chalkboards/
https://simplestart.zendesk.com/ says
日本・・・・・・・・言わなくても分かる空気。 チベット→ 巨龍の尾。 皇帝の足。
ナチスと大日本帝国がヨーロッパを倒して有色人種を解放したのでヒトラーはインド・東南アジア・中東で英雄視されています。
化粧も茶髪もつけまつ毛も可愛くなるけど(例外アリ)
Emily @ imperfect says
Love this, I didn’t get my act together for this week (unless cleaning my house counts? Yeah, didn’t think so…) but I”m planning on participating for the rest of the events. Love the crossword – I envy your patience!
daisy says
So clever! Hope y’all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
You are a chalkboard genius! That’s all.
Also, as soon as you told me there were Christmas words hidden I couldn’t stop looking!
Kenz @ Interiors by Kenz says
Um, this is AMAZING! I love how interactive it is. Now I want a crossword puzzle on my chalkboard door. dang it. I need to paint another chalkboard somewhere in my house STAT! This really turned out so well. Rad!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
ooh, that’s so fun and so simple! I really need to get some chalk markers!
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
You are so clever – my kids would stare at that for awhile! My favorite link party of the year! Yeah!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
What a cute little idea! That is too fun!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
Love this idea! Can you put my name in your Christmas word search puzzle? Humor me. 🙂
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
I LOVE this idea! Including your guests names is such a sweet idea too. Great way to kick off this series 🙂
Rachel says
Such a neat idea! Love that it’s holiday-themed without being ‘in your face.’ And awesome that you can carry it over into Christmas, too!
Katja @ Shift Ctrl Art says
This is such a great idea. I totally agree. Your guests would have such a great time searching for their names. Definitely a conversation starter 🙂
Emily @ DavenportDIY says
This is great- so fun! So, I have never used a chalk marker before. Does it come off? I’m guessing not with an eraser like regular chalk?
Erin @ His & Hers says
It’s so cute! Definitely not sloppy. Great idea to put on the letters in something that wouldn’t wipe off so you could get rid of the lines!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
I was so wondering what that sneak peak was. This is so cool. I had no clue!
So fun!
Kristen says
What a fun project – and such a great way to keep guests entertained!
Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says
I love crosswords and my son is such a puzzle person, he is just now starting to love them, too, now that he has officially has learned all of his letters and is beginning to read! Great idea!
Amy says
You guys are awesome – all of you. And I especially love this idea! So cute!!
Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says
That’s awesome!!! A really fun way to use chalkboard. i really think I need a chalk marker in my life.
Kristi says
Your chalkboards are going to a whole different level, Kim! Love it! And I believe you must have the patience of a saint to do this.
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
Such a cute idea Kim! Where can I find chalk MARKERS?! There was so much orange chalk dust in my house from the last board I did that Rocco’s paws are um, festive? Hahaha
cassie says
i am totally impressed by all the measuring and straight lines. blown away! it looks awesome!
Cindy @Made2Style says
This is awesome! I love the idea of putting guests name in there and having them find it and also keeping it for Christmas! I found ornament and tree! HA
xo
Heather says
Well that is the greatest thing ever!
michelle@decorandthedog says
This is so fun! I can’t wait to find “Michelle” in there! 🙂
Kat says
So clever!!!! Nice job!