Chalkboard Sign with Dollar Store Stencil Tutorial

Today’s the day I’ll be showing you how I made the Harvest chalkboard sign that was featured in the Autumn Tablescape.  I made that sign weeks ago from a kit I purchased from A Maker’s Studio.  I watched a video of Amy Howard creating the sign as I followed along at home.  I had ample supplies left over, so I made a second sign to document the process.

While the signs are a little different, the technique is the same.  Here’s what you’ll need:

Supply List

• a piece of unpainted lumber (mine is 2 ft L x 9 1/4″ W ) or an unpainted wooden tray (the kit tray is 20″ L  x 15″ W)
• painter’s tape
• foam paintbrush
• letter stencils (I found mine at the Dollar Store)
• clean cotton rags
• A Maker’s Studio Rescue Restore Paint in Little Black Dress and Bella’s Blush
• A Maker’s Studio Gel Stain in Hazel Mahogany
• A Maker’s Studio Chalkart in Summer Melon
• stencil paintbrush (mine is from Waverly)

Step 1.

Tape off with painter’s tape the area where you will apply the black paint.  I measured a one inch border all around.

Step 2.

Using the foam paintbrush, paint the raw wood with one coat of Rescue Restore Paint in Little Black Dress.  Let paint dry completely, about half an hour.  Rinse the foam brush with water until it runs clear.

Step 3.

Make a glaze by mixing 2 teaspoons Rescue Restore Paint in Bella’s Blush with 1 teaspoon of water.

Step 4.

With the clean foam brush, paint a coat of the glaze over the black paint.

Step 5.

Working quickly, dab the white paint in a circular motion with a clean rag.

Step 6.

Go over the paint again with the rag, but this time rub off all of the paint.  There should be a cloudy look left behind by the white paint.  Remove painter’s tape.

Step 7.

Put painter’s tape along the inside edges of where the chalkboard meets the raw wood.

Step 8.

Dip a clean rag into the Gel Stain, and rub the stain into the raw wood border and all around the sides.  Remove painter’s tape.

 

Step 9.

Position stencils where you’d like them on the chalkboard.  I used a ruler to get the spacing somewhat even, but it’s not exact.  Secure in place with the painter’s tape.

Step 10.

Dip the stencil paintbrush into the Chalkart Paint, then dab the brush onto a piece of cardboard to offload some of the paint.

Step 11.

 Dab the paint onto the stencils.  If you have an oops, the paint comes right off with a damp rag or Q-tip.  Remove the stencils.

And you’re done…in eleven easy steps!

The best part?  Because I used Chalkart Paint instead of chalk, the stencil won’t smudge or rub off.  But I can easily remove it with water and start over with a new design.

Another cool thing?  The Rescue Restore Paint I used to create the chalkboard wasn’t chalkboard paint!  It is regular paint that can be used to paint just about anything.  And it has no VOC’s, is water based and smells great.

When I’ve used chalkboard paint in the past, I’ve always seasoned the completed chalkboard by covering the entire surface with  chalk, then wiping it off.  Instead, the glaze that was applied seasoned the chalkboard and gave it an aged, vintage look.  You may have noticed that the first chalkboard has a more cloudy look than the second.  I used more water in the glaze the second time, which produced a more subtle sheen.

If you’d like to make your own chalkboard or try A Maker’s Studio products, you can order them online.  Some of my new blog friends have become Makers, and you can purchase the supplies through their websites.

Lynne – myfamilythyme.com

Tracy – tresrefurbished.com

Ann – thisplaceibelong.com

Carol – blueskyathome.com

Kim – huntandhost.net

 

I plan to use the first chalkboard as wall art (with a different stencil) in my daughter’s room.  Speaking of which, I’ll be back to work on the ballerina bedroom next week.  I’ve got painting and sewing projects in the works, so stop on by!

I hope you have a great weekend 🙂

Rebecca