Kate starts 4K exactly two weeks from today, and we’re getting in the back to school spirit with these DIY Decorative Chalkboards. They’re perfect for “First Day of School” pictures, welcome signs for your favorite teacher’s classroom, or to hang in the homework area of your home. And – unlike watching your only child start her first day of school (#sobchoke) – these are easy!
For decorative chalkboards framed with #2 pencils, I used a plain 12×12″ chalkboard from JoAnn Fabrics, a package of pencils, wood glue, and a compound miter saw (optional*).
Simply apply wood glue to one side of a pencil and adhere to your frame! I didn’t want the black #2 stamp showing for my frame, so that’s the side I glued down. Press glued side of the pencil into the frame for a few seconds to secure and then move on to your next pencil. Keep your project flat for at least an hour after all of your pencils have been applied to ensure that the pencils do not shift or slide while your project dries completely.
You’re never too old for #2 pencils! Use them to make pencil-trimmed decorative chalkboards.
I wanted my pencil border to go all the way around the chalkboard frame, so I used a compound miter saw to trim my pencils when needed. Glue your full-size pencils to the side of your frame first, starting at the corner. Then line up your next pencil and make a mark where it needs to be cut. I marked both pencils at the same time so their cut lines would be even.
*Don’t have a miter saw? You can make a version of this project without doing any cutting! Center full-sized pencils on each side of the frame for balanced look, or change it up and stagger them all the way around. You’ll end up with some of your original frame still showing, but still get that fun pencil look!
For the taller chalkboard, I simply applied two different kinds of washi tape onto the frame:
Easier than your ABCs!
In my next post I’ll share with you some tips for how to do perfect chalkboard lettering that looks so good people will think you majored in it in college. Stay tuned!
Like this project? See more in my DIY Gallery!
This may seem like a silly question but what the heck is 4K? Also, very cute! Love these signs.
Thank you so much, Michelle! 4K is what we call “4 year old kindergarten” here. I think it’s also called Pre-K.
Michelle…unless it’s different here in New Orleans, it’s prek4. My twins’ had their first day last Thursday. *tears*
Aww…how’d they do, Nicolle? Or better question – how did YOU do? Big hugs to you!
Thank you, Nicolle! I figured it was kind of like 4 yr old kindergarten but wanted to be sure. So cute and fun and also sad. I have a couple years before those types of tears.
Yes, I was about to ask the same question! In New England we call it Pre-K!
Oh yes, sorry all! 4K is what we call “4 year old kindergarten” here.
Yeah, here we call it JK or junior kindergarten – which of course means the 5 year old is called SK or Senior Kindergarten.
Oh how interesting, Rebecca! I hadn’t heard those names for it before. Where are you from?