Decorating with Chalk

Chalk goods such as chalkboards and chalkboard paint are available at hobby stores to make the trendiest crafts for home décor. There are more chalk decorating ideas each day as creative crafters think of new ways to use the items available.

One: Decorative Wooden Storage Crates

Supplies needed:

• Wooden crates
• Chalkboard paint – any color
• Sandpaper
• Foam brushes
• Newspapers
• Varnish
• Painter’s tape
• Scissors
• Chalk – any color

The uses for chalk and chalk goods expanded as soon as chalkboard paint was available at craft stores. It is easy to find different sizes of wood crates to hold small or large items. Cover a table with newspapers first to prevent damage before using sandpaper to smooth the rough edges on the wood of the crates. Cut strips of painter’s tape to cover both ends of a crate before varnishing the other sides to protect the surface. After the varnish dries, remove the painter’s tape and apply chalkboard paint to these surfaces. When the chalkboard paint is dry, it is possible to write a label on the surface with chalk to assist with organizing children’s toys and books.

Two: Food Serving Tray

Supplies needed:

• Large and sturdy wood picture frame with wide edges
• Varnish
• Chalkboard paint – any color
• Two metal cabinet handles (gripping type)
• Screws
• Sandpaper
• Plywood to fit inside picture frame
• Metal staples
• Staple gun
• Sandpaper
• Foam brushes
• Chalk
• Newspapers

Chalk decorating ideas are popular for embellishing items designed for serving food, and crafters have also found unique uses for chalk to create an interesting décor in restaurants. A large wooden picture frame with wide edges is required for this serving tray, and if it has glass, then a crafter can remove it to use in another project. Protect a tabletop with newspapers before using sandpaper to smooth the wood on the frame before applying varnish with a foam brush. Prepare the plywood by smoothing it with sandpaper before painting one side with varnish and the other side with chalkboard paint. Use screws to attach one metal handle to the frame on each end with the grips facing upward. Place the plywood inside the frame so that the chalkboard paint side is on the top before using metal staples and a staple gun to fasten it securely. It is easy to write a menu on the chalkboard painted surface of the serving tray and carry it with the handles.