When I went shopping the other day, I saw super cute chalkboard clothes pins. I thought I could use them for all sorts of things from labeling bins in my classroom to labeling/clipping student's writing on the wall. I turned over the box and boy were they expensive. I thought I could make these easily at home and so this project began. I had chalkboard paint at home that I had purchased a couple months back from Joann Fabric and Craft Store. If you haven't purchased this item yet, I advice you to go out and get some. This chalkboard paint comes in handy for many DIY projects. Don't forget to use a coupon when purchasing it.
Materials:
Plaid FolkArt Chalkboard Paint
Basswood 1/16" x 3" x 24"
Clothes pins
Ruler
*Box cutter
Paint Brush or Sponge brush
Pencil
*Hot Glue Gun & Glue
*Please be careful when using this tool. If needed, ask an adult assistance.
Step 1: Measure down the piece of wood 1 1/2" using the ruler and make a small dot with the pencil. The width of the wood will stay 3". Do this on both sides and draw a line to connect the dots. With the box cutter you will cut on the line you created. You will be making 1 1/2" x 3" rectangles.
Step 2: You have 3 choices during this step.
1st choice: You could paint the entire piece of wood you just cut out with chalkboard paint. Follow the instructions of the chalkboard paint you purchased (instructions will vary by product).
2nd choice: You can free hand a smaller rectangle with the chalkboard paint to leave a border as seen in the photo above. Follow the instructions of the chalkboard paint you purchased (instructions will vary by product).
3rd choice: You can create a smaller rectangle using tape to create a clean border. Using tape, place it around the edge of the wood to create a rectangle. Paint the inside of the none taped area. Follow the instructions of the chalkboard paint you purchased (instructions will vary by product).
Step 3: After letting the paint dry, plug in the hot glue gun and wait for it to heat up. Once your glue gun is ready, place glue on the clothes pin were you would like the chalkboard wood to lay. Place chalkboard wood onto the clothes pin.
Let it dry and you are all set to use them!
I'm planning to use them on my writing wall to showcase my student's writing for this upcoming school year. I'm going to write their name on the chalkboard area. I haven't decided if I'm going to put a tack on the back to hang them or use ribbon.
Lots of love,
Katie
