Get creative with one of these chalkboard crafts! You’re going to love this collection of cute chalkboard ideas for beginners. Great projects for gifts, home decor, crafts, and more.
So I have a recent obsession – chalkboard paint. Don’t laugh at me . . . I know it’s been popular for quite a while!
And I’ve been using chalkboard paint for quite a while too, but I’ve never loved it as much as I do now, for some reason. I just love chalkboard DIY projects I guess!
The last jar had been stored away for a minute, and recently I broke it out of the stash to do a project – and that reignited my passion. does that ever happen to you?
I’m trying to figure out a bunch of ways to use chalkboard paint these days, so I put together a collection of over 30 ideas that inspire me.
I’ve also throw in a few that use “pre-chalkboarded” surfaces like fabric for good measure.
Tips for Using Chalkboard Paint
I wanted to share a few tips for using this paint if you’re a newbie. Here are five important things you should know:
- You can buy it in both brush-on and spray paint forms.
- It can be used on many surfaces: wood, terra cotta, paper mache, canvas, and most porous surfaces.
- A soft bristle brush, roller, or sponge applicator is the best way to apply.
- It is best to apply several thin coats of paint, letting it dry between coats (for 1 hour).
- Painted projects should be “conditioned” before use with real chalk (not chalk markers). Follow the instructions on the bottle.
- Most chalkboard paint can only be used with real chalk and not chalk markers. Be sure to test your paint in a corner before writing on it with the markers.
- Don’t seal your surface! You won’t be able to write on it anymore if you seal over the top.
Are you ready to see some chalkboard crafts? Grab a bottle of chalkboard paint and pick your favorite idea from the list below.
Chalkboard Crafts
Are you looking for some great chalkboard DIY projects? Check out these must try craft ideas!
Chalkboard Jar Candles
Speaking of chalkboard paint colors, this is a great example! Use it to decorate candles, jars and more.
Door Hangers
Use a clear chalkboard finish to decorate these modern DIY door hangers! Make them in any pattern and color palette to match your décor.
Dry Erase Chalkboard
Learn how to make a dry erase board and a chalkboard in one using a frame from the craft store.
Chalkboard Kitchen Sign
Perhaps even more amazing than colored chalkboard paint is the clear variety! You can turn any surface into a chalkboard, like this kitchen sign.
Chalkboard Blocks
Kids will love drawing buildings and houses on the front of these painted wood blocks. This chalkboard DIY would look so fun using various colors of paint, don’t you think? So cute!
DIY: Chalkboard Coffee Table.
I love the look of chalkboard on furniture! This is perfect for any table, and a great way to revamp a thrift store find as well.
Mason Jar Craft Storage
Label your mason jars so that you can see what is in them just by looking at the top. This would be so handy in the pantry, craft room, or bathroom.
All-Occasion Chalkboard Banner
This is a very simple sewing project that a beginner can easily do using chalk cloth. Delia also gives you useful curing instructions for the cloth before you start!
How to Turn a Mirror into a Chalkboard
Turn a vintage dresser mirror into a chalkboard for the kitchen just by painting over the glass with chalkboard paint! This project couldn't get any easier.
Portable Dollhouse
An old suitcase gets a makeover – draw the villa of your choice on the outside, and open it up when it’s time to play. I’d love to make this idea for my niece!
Chalkboard Paint Your Crockpot!
Do I love that you can paint your crockpot? Absolutely! And you can write a message on it, ie., what's inside! This is also a perfect revamp for an old find.
Chalkboard Paint Wall
If you're thinking about doing an entire chalkboard wall and want to see what it looks like, this is a great post for you. It's such a cool touch to a room!
White Chalkboard
Learn how to make a white chalkboard out of cut wood! You can have any color of paint underneath using a cool, clear chalkboard topcoat.
Chalkboard Globe
This amazing project uses a kid’s ball as the globe surface – just by adding chalkboard spray paint. Once you do that, draw anything on it that you like, including a world map.
Chalkboard Refrigerator
In five minutes your kids can draw on the front of the fridge on not get in trouble, with this special contact paper. Later you can remove it, which is nice. Chalkboard paint makes a great appliance paint if you want to use that instead of the contact paper, FYI.
Magnetic Chalkboard Canvas
Use magnetic paint and chalkboard paint on canvas to make a surface with two personalities! This DIY magnetic chalkboard is EASY to do.
Chalkboard Breadboard
Use an MDF breadboard to make this unique DIY chalk board. Perfect for writing messages for Thanksgiving and other holidays – or even every day!
Flea Market Faux Fireplace
Don't you love this faux fireplace drawn out of chalk? I can't get over how awesome it is! If you don't have handy artist around, I'm sure you could get this look with an image of fireplace logs and an overhead projector to provide a template to trace onto your chalkboard paint.
DIY Chalkboard Shoes
I’ve never had shoes that I could write on, but I think that given the opportunity, I would love it. For some reason I think this chalkboard DIY would be so fun for teachers!
Chalkboard Table Runner
All you need for this table runner is a piece of oilcloth, some chalkboard paint, and a brush! This is a great idea for the holidays - everyone can leave their mark.
Books for Décor
Turn old books into functional décor with Mod Podge chalkboard medium! Use this stack of books for notes or just as a pretty display that you can draw on.
Chalkboard Flower Pots
Use regular terra cotta pots for storage by painting them with chalkboard on the base and pretty colors on top.
DIY Wood Slice Chalkboard Ornaments
These DIY wood slice chalkboard ornaments make a great handmade Christmas gift! Not only that, but they're perfect for decorating your own tree.
Chalkboard Plate Charger
I love that not only are these chargers chalkboard, but they are also covered in maps. You can write such fun messages to your guests.
DIY Chalkboard Painted Wine Bottles
Recycle and reuse wine bottles by transforming them into table decorations/vases. DIY chalkboard painted wine bottles are easy and economical, plus perfect for parties and weddings.
Herb Pots
Milk and juice cartons become herb containers with this easy tutorial! I love the mini garden you can create in your kitchen with this idea.
Tic Tac Toe Chalkboard Butcher Block
An easy weekend project started with an old butcher block & some chalkboard paint, it turned into a game of tic tac toe! This is a cute decor idea.
Ready to get my best chalkboard painting tips? Simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video below:
What are your favorite chalkboard ideas? I’d love to know in the comments, as well as your best tips for using the paint! I’d also love for you to check out the following craft posts:
Marisa
Friday 7th of March 2014
Thanks for featuring my chalkboard lazy susan! :) What a nice surprise!