Designer Crafts Connection: Back-to-School Framed Chalkboard

August 05, 2012

I can hardly believe it's been two months since my last post. Between working with the fabulous Colleen Baxter and Viva Décor in Portland, Oregon and the the Craft and Hobby Convention in Chicago, my summer has just gotten away from me.

I don't have any little ones going back to school, but this time of year always reminds me of buying school supplies, the anticipation of seeing my friends again after the summer break and fall football games.

The Designer Crafts Connection theme for this month is using school supplies to create a project. Nothing says new school year to me as much as new pencils and fresh box of Crayolas. Take advantage of the sales (Crayolas were four 24-packs for $1 at one local store!) and tax-free weekends to stock up on these items. Use this cute, quick and easy chalkboard to write a message for your budding scholar. It can be used on a small easel for a desktop or wired with a hanger to display in a locker.

Be sure to click on the Designer Crafts Connection button at left to hop through the designers' blogs and see more great projects created on this same theme.

Supplies

Darice Framed Chalkboard, 11” x 8 ½”

Dixon Pencils, 24 pack

Crayola Crayons

Alleene’s White Tacky Glue

Midwest Products Easy Cutter

Black woven cord

Black craft paint

Directions

1. Lightly sand frame edges to remove any rough spots and paint with black craft paint. Note: it will be easier if you tape off the chalkboard edges to prevent the paint from coming in contact with the chalkboard.

2. Cut pencils with Easy Cutter and arrange on frame. When you’re satisfied, adhere with Tacky Glue.

Note: If you prefer the look of mitered corners, the Easy Cutter has several settings so you can adjust the setting to get a nice 45° angle for your corners. It also cuts wood up to ½” thick.

3. Add black cording around inside of frame.

4. Tie three crayons together with black cord and adhere to each side of frame.

5. Add your message in chalk and give it to your favorite student.

Note: I received product from Midwest Products.