Stavros’ birthday is six months away, but I have already been making party plans and working on the theme! I know… Crazy!!! Anyway, the party is going to have an art theme with rainbow colors! Fun, right?! Well, the theme is actually pretty common, so naturally, I need to add some flair! While brainstorming party ideas, I decided to incorporate my chalkboard obsession into the party. So, as a party favor, I am making each party guest a chalkboard canvas with a pouch to store chalk and chalkboard markers! I already made one chalkboard canvas to test it out and I am thrilled with the outcome! I love this project because it can be used over-and-over, rather than be thrown away and forgotten like most party favors! I decided to share my chalkboard canvas with you so you can make your own! JSYK: this project is surprisingly fast, easy and inexpensive!… All good things! I hope you enjoy it!
Chalkboard Canvas–Things You’ll Need
- Canvas–your choice of size (I used 18″x22″)
- Chalkboard Paint
- Paint Brush or Foam Roller
- Glue Gun and Glue Stick
- Fabric–your choice of pattern (I cut mine to 22″x17″)
- Scissors
- Thumb Tacks–(8-10 tacks)
- Iron (to smooth any wrinkles in fabric)
Let’s Get Started!!!
First, if your canvas is not primed, it might be a good idea to prime it. (Something to keep in mind is that priming will stiffen the canvas, possibly resulting in a better writing surface.) If you are priming, allow the primer to dry. Then, apply your chalkboard paint as evenly as possible on the surface and sides of the canvas. You will use more paint with a roller, but your result will likely be more even with this technique. (Personally, however, I am fond of a paint brush.) Be sure to allow ample time for your chalkboard paint to dry on the canvas–overnight is a good option for drying time!
Sidenote:
- It is important to always prep a chalkboard before using it. To prep your chalkboard canvas: simply take a piece of chalk, lay it on its side and cover the entire surface with chalk. When done, wipe clean. Doing this to any chalkboard prevents permanent ghost marks from being left behind. Doing this periodically (after washing with a damp cloth) doesn’t hurt!
- If you’re interested, making your own chalkboard paint is surprisingly easy!… Simply add one cup of latex-based flat finish paint (ANY COLOR) to two tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Easy! (This amount of DIY chalkboard paint should cover about a 4′x4′ area.)
Now you’re ready to apply your artist’s pouch! Place your pre-cut fabric to your desired location–make sure it’s straight and your desired size. Also, be sure to cut your fabric slightly wider than the width of your canvas so you can wrap the fabric on the sides and bottom. The pattern on the fabric should be facing the canvas (you’ll want to iron out any wrinkles first). Fold about a 2″ flap at the top and bottom, facing you. Add a strip of hot glue to the width of the canvas, where you want the top of the pouch to be, and firmly press your fabric to the canvas.
Next, fold your remaining fabric up to meet the affixed fabric, leaving about a 1″ difference in height.
Turn your canvas over. Fold the sides and corners as if wrapping a present and use your glue gun to secure your fabric to the canvas. I added thumb tacks as an added way to secure the fabric. I used a few on the back, along the wood frame, and I also applied one on each side of the pouch on the front of the canvas.
That’s it! You’re done. Now, feel free to add ribbon on the side of your canvas or along the pouch if you’d like! I added a chalkboard label (which I made myself) with my son’s name and pom poms! More ideas to add some excitement to your canvas (as if any is needed), could be buttons, flowers, stickers or even vinyl decals…. Go crazy!
