As I mentioned yesterday, one of my favorite wedding sign ideas is using cute chalkboards made out of fun, antique frames and other things.  Today I’ll show you how to make them!  Chalkboards can be used for lots of wedding signs, from table numbers, to dinner or bar menus, to directional signage. 

Top, from right to left, Seating Chart, Table Name, Bottom from left to right, Vintage frame Chalkboard, Menu.

You will need:

✤ Chalkboard Paint, available in various colors in most paint departments.  I used the Rust-o-leum brand (see the chalkboards in my home below).

1. ✤Chalkboard Surface, which can be anything from the glass in a nice frame, to an old 2’ x 4’ sitting in the garage.  I made the middle chalkboard below using a fifty cent wood cut available at Michaels.  To decide what size chalkboard to make, I suggest you think about what you’ll be using it for.  Seating assignments require large amounts of space depending on your guest count.  If you can’t afford a really large frame, buy three frames and write the A-F’s, the G-N’s and the O-Z’s on their own boards.  Bar and dinner menus can be written on smaller frames, while table numbers require the smallest of frames.  Aaron Brothers has a great buy one get one for 1 cent sale twice a year, and thrift store have lots of great frames and old pictures waiting to be painted over!
   

2. ✤Newspaper to catch any drips
   

3. ✤Paint roller, sized for your chalkboard surface
   

4. ✤Shallow paint tray
   

Directions:

✤ Prep the surface on which you will be creating the chalkboard.  If you’re using wood, you may want to sand down the rough edges.

1. ✤Lay some newspaper down in an open area outside.  Your paint will dry fastest if it’s in a sunny spot, so find a good place to begin your project where you won’t need to clean up too quickly.  Lie your chalkboard surfaces on top of the newspaper at least 4 inches away from one another.
   

2. ✤Give the can of chalkboard paint a good shake before opening it.  You’ll want to make sure the paint is all a consistent color.
   

3. ✤Pour the paint into a shallow paint tray and place the foamy roller into the paint, covering the roller with the paint.
   

4. ✤Firmly roll the paint roller over the surface, covered it entirely.  Let dry completely.  Each mix of paint will be different, so check paint can for timing assistance.
   

5. ✤Repeat three times, or as recommended by the can.
   

6. ✤Leave your project out to dry for a week.  It sounds like forever, but you’ll want to make sure your paint is totally day before writing on it!
   

7. ✤After a week, take a piece of chalk and use the long side to rub the whole surface.  Leave the chalk on the surface for two days, then wash off with a wet rag.  This will ensure that whatever you write on the chalkboard the first time won’t be stuck there forever!
   

8. ✤Your chalkboard is now ready to be used!  If you’ve got great handwriting, buys some chalk and get going.  You can also hire a calligraphy genius like Laura Hooper to help you complete the look!
   

I have a few chalkboards in my home & office! 

The chalkboard on the left I made using an awesome frame I got at Ikea.  I painted the frame white and turned the glass into a chalkboard surface.  The middle chalkboard I made using a cheap wood cut available at Michaels.  I placed a couple of these around the house for my Halloween party, they read things like, “Boo,” “R.I.P.” and “Beware.”  The leftmost chalkboard I made from an old mirror I had from Ikea that I never used.  Now it helps remind me what I should be blogging about!