So chalkboards are all the rage, huh?
I know … I’m really onto something here.
Anyhow, I got a lot of comments on the different chalkboards Shannon and I made for Henry’s party so I thought I’d share some things I learned.
Use a template.
Shannon designed the chalkboard art above in Photoshop. I printed it as an engineering print at Staples and then traced it onto the chalkboard with a pencil. Actually, I only did half of it before losing my mind and then Shannon finished it with her good handwriting. Half credit is still credit. C’s get degrees.
Moving on.
Use water.
Why did no one tell me this before I started these chalkboards? Dip your chalk in water and you’ll get a really nice crisp line.
Use pens.
If you need a really crisp line, use your chalkboard pen.
You don’t have to have a real chalkboard.
My eyes were opened to the possibilities of faux chalkboards when I read this post at Perfectly Imperfect. So I started making chalkboards everywhere I wanted. Go read about Jenn’s faux chalkboard system and see her gorgeous artwork. Mine are quick and simple. But, I love the look and it was so simple and temporary.
Would you believe that the big Henry artwork was faux? Yep. Just black posterboard over an old window.
It’s not perfectly, but I traced the same design Greg created for the invitations.
Just a few tips I’ve learned. Obviously no chalkboard expert here.
Faux chalkboards = pure genius
Great tips! I didn’t know the water tip and the faux idea. They are turned out so cute =)
I never knew you could get a better line by dipping chalk in water. You have taught me so much already!!
I’m surprised you didn’t finish the chalkboard. Blows my mind. 😛 Looks great. I didn’t know the water and chalk thing. Doctorate mind blown.
ooo i didnt know that sneaky tip about dipping it in water. TRYING IT RIGHT NOW!
I was wondering how you did that!! Awesome!! 🙂
Those turned out so well! I’m probably hoping on the blackboard train soon, maybe. I’m so afraid of the nails on the chalkboard sound.
I’ve been slow to get on the chalkboard bandwagon but these are so cute! And the water is a great tip! I’d never have thought of that!
I’ve also heard that using one of those small $.99 pencil sharpeners to sharpen a piece of chalk helps to get great lines too!
I didn’t know the water trick! Thanks! xo Kristin
I love the chalk board look. I am actually posting about a chalk board that I just made today on my blog. Great minds . . . :o) And I am with you. My chalk art won’t be winning any handwriting awards, but that is all in the charm. Right?