as i mentioned earlier, one of my favorite things to do each year is choose a gift wrapping theme. one year it was recycled newspaper, the next was huge glittered initials for each package. last year i used kraft paper and made pretty bows, and this year i’m making ‘chalkboard’ packages! with a little black kraft paper and a few white paint markers, i think they’ve turned out to be really cute. here’s how i did it:

the first thing you’ll need is some black craft paper. i got mine right here and though i’m super happy with it, you should be warned: it’s a HUGE roll! i was so surprised when it came in the mail, i guess i didn’t take care to check out the dimensions! so anyways, we might be doing this next year, too. ;)

next you’ll need a white paint marker that will show up well on black paper. after some trial and error and visiting my local scrapbooking store, this is what i came home with:

1. tim holtz distress marker in ‘picket fence’. this one looks very ‘chalky’. it goes on clear, but quickly dries in white.

2. sakura pen-touch white. this is the one i used for almost all of the packages. it’s easy to work with and still hasn’t run dry, so one is probably plenty!

3. crayola white colored pencil. not the greatest option, but it does show up if it’s all you have.

4. painters opaque paint marker. this is another good option. the point is a bit finer than what i wanted, but would work great for detail work!

the next thing you’ll need is some good ideas! i took some time to sit down and jot down a few ideas before i got started so that i would have something to reference. really anything goes! just in case you would like to use some of the same motifs, i’ve made this a download for you to reference. just click on the image above and print!

so there you have it. my ‘chalkboard’ packages that have been so fun to make! they are simple, affordable and really cute all bundled together.

what are your packaging plans this year?

wrap up: {chalkboard} {christmas} {holiday} {packages} {paint} {paper} {pen} {white} {wrapping}

chalkboards by lindsay letters

barkboard $64

wood slice chalkboard $17

chalkboard $45

chalkboard signs (2) $65

woodcut chalkboard $26.95

this trend had me at hello. anything that combines nature, pretty lettering and chalkboards is a win-win-win in my book. perfect for notes, to-dos and reminders hanging by the door or at your workspace. interested in taking this on as a project, diy style? make sure to check out this tutorial!

wrap up: {barkboard} {chalkboard} {slice} {tree} {trend} {trunk} {wood} {woodcut}

happy monday, lovelies! to kick-start your week i’m happy to share a little coupon code for you from a very lovely shop- suzi’s farmhouse finds! all their beautiful wine crates remind me of this wine box salad garden, don’t you think? as a special gift exclusive to ghtr readers, you can use the coupon code “GHTR10“  to receive 10% off through next monday, september 19th. enjoy!

wrap up: {chalkboard} {code} {coupon} {crates} {suzi's farmhouse finds} {wine}

what’s on your list?

wrap up: {call} {chalkboard} {groceries} {to-do} {today's} {yoga}

I’ve been having a lot of fun lately experimenting with chalkboard paint. As one who loves to organize things, it’s too tempting to turn everything into a writable surface, from glass, wood, walls, paper, and more. These are some small-scale projects that can be done in a couple of hours. For all projects you must follow these steps for painting:

Paint two coats an hour apart, one layer horizontally, the other vertically. After painting the two coats, let the project dry completely for 24 hours. Lightly shade the entire dried surface with a piece of chalk, and then erase it. The chalkboard surface is now ready for use!

Bonnie has also posted in the past about creating custom DIY chalkboard colors, have you seen it?

First I made a mini desktop chalkboard, perfect for little notes or ideas. To do this project you will need:

• a picture frame
• chalkboard paint
• a paintbrush
• wood veneer, cardboard, or thick card stock

Cut the wood veneer down to fit in the picture frame. Sturdy card board or card stock will also work for this project. Follow the directions for painting above. Once veneer has been dried and conditioned with chalk, just pop it in the frame, and it’s ready to go!

Next, I went a step further and painted the inside of a cabinet. I’ve always wanted a little place to leave notes in the kitchen, especially in my baking and spice cabinet. As another wood surface, I followed the same directions for painting with chalkboard paint above.

My next favorite project has been to paint little clothespins with chalkboard paint. These are a wonderful way to organize papers, coupons, stamps, bills, invitations and RSVPs, etc. They can be perched up on a wire or string on a wall; backed with magnets for the fridge; hot glue thumbtacks on the back for cork boards; or, just left out on the desk to organize, like I do.

Out to find ways to make life simpler, Ashley is tackling life one DIY project at a time. Learning as she goes, she also spends her days writing Indie Pretty Projects and creating for her Etsy shop.

wrap up: {ashley pahl} {chalkboard} {clothespins} {craft} {diy} {indie pretty projects} {kitchen} {paint}

just in case you missed it, my diy chalkboard garden pots were featured on design*sponge yesterday!  it’s such an easy peasy, fun project, and it uses the same technique for custom color chalkboard paint that we used for our pantry door. budget friendly and finished in less than an hour, this project is an easy way to pretty up your home, patio or garden!

materials:

- terra cotta gardening pots (unglazed)
-1 cup flat latex paint in your desired color
- 2 tbs unsanded tile grout for each cup of paint (avail. at your local hardware store)
- sponge brush
- tape
- paper
- exacto knife (or scissors)
- chalk
- label template

instructions:

1. download the label template and cut each shape out into rectangles that will fit onto your pot (you can increase or decrease the label size for varying pot sizes).

2. using an exacto knife or scissors, cut the templates out from the inside to create your stencil.  tape the stencil to your garden pot along the outside edges.

3. in a cup or bowl, mix one cup flat latex paint with 2 tbs unsanded tile grout, then stir well until all of the clumps dissolve.

4. dip the sponge brush into your ‘chalkboard’ paint and begin painting inside you stencil using brush strokes from the outside in.  fill in the stencil, being careful not to get paint under the edges of the paper.  let paint dry (about 15 minutes) and apply a second coat.

5. once the second coat is dry (another 15 minutes) remove the tape and stencil to reveal your chalkboard design!

6. once fully cured ’season’ your chalkboard by rubbing the entire area with a piece of chalk and wipe clean with a damp cloth.  now you’re ready to write away!

wrap up: {chalkboard} {craft} {custom color} {diy} {garden} {paint} {patio} {pot} {project}

along with my plant frenzies, i had a little time to get crafty as well!  i ran across this article on how to paint your own chalkboard as i was organizing some of my magazines.  i had torn it out and stuck it another magazine over 3 years ago!!  i remembered how much i loved the project, and picked up the necessities on my lowes expedition.

what you need:

- flat latex paint in your desired color

- unsanded tile grout (2 tbls for each 1 cup of paint)

- a roller or brush

- 150 grit sandpaper

- painter’s tape

- chalk

how to:

- for small areas, mix one cup at a time.  stir 2 tbsp of unsanded tile grout into one cup of paint, making sure any clumps dissolve.

- apply the mixture to either a roller or brush and and begin painting your surface.  make sure to coat evenly and thoroughly (mine took about 3 coats).  then, let it dry.

- once dry, sand the surface with your 150 grit sand paper to smooth it.

- to condition, run your chalk complety over the entire surface, and wipe clean.

- enjoy your new chalkboard!

here’s my lonesome door before…

and here it is after!

oh the endless possibilities :: cabinet doors, pantry doors, wall spaces, children’s wall, office desks and more!

wrap up: {chalk} {chalkboard} {diy} {paint} {project}