A Huge Chalkboard and Huge Chalkboard Lettering Tutorial

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There have been a number of chalkboard projects flying around our house lately. Chalkboards aren’t exactly new, but they really are so much fun! Especially when it’s a huge chalkboard with huge chalkboard lettering going on!

A while back I was picking the kids up from school when a giant stack of window screens begged me to take them home. I heard them whistle at me as I drove by. Luckily I had my husband’s truck and I loaded up about 10 of these cast off screens. I think they surrounded an outdoor porch.

They have made their way into various projects around our house like this and this. Some have traveled on to friend’s houses to gussy up their walls. Today I decide to rip the screen out of one and make a giant chalkboard.

The chalkboard portion of this tutorial is much like the placemats I recently showed you. Start with a large piece of hard board and cut it to fit whatever frame you decide to go with. Old windows, doors, frames…all great for a new blackboard! (a cute helper makes this project even more fun)

For my chalkboards I paint them with a homemade chalky paint. There are lots of varying recipes online but I use Plaster of Paris. You could try the product I used on our chalkboard placemats if you want a different option. In my experience homemade chalkboards don’t wipe clean with an eraser like an old fashioned one, but can easily be cleaned with a slightly damp rag.

You might have seen all the gorgeously decorated chalkboards floating around online or in stores and wonder, “How do they get that perfect chalkboard lettering?” If you’re like me, my handwriting is nothing to brag about! Here is how they do it and you can to!      

It all starts on a computer! Simply type the phrase you’d like in any printable document on your computer. Use your favorite font and make it the size you need then print it.  I wanted large words, so I had to print my layout on two sheets of paper, you may need more depending on what you’re writing. 

Next take a piece of chalk and color the back side of your printed pages.

Lay or tape your printed pages onto the chalkboard.

Trace your words with a pencil.

The chalk on back acts like carbon paper and transfers the design to the chalkboard.

Next go over your outline with real chalk if this is a board you will change designs on, or try a chalk paint pin (affiliate link) if you want a permanent design.

I find using a sharp tip on my chalk (like a pencil) helps get crisp lines. You may also try getting your chalk wet before writing for a smoother writing medium.

To help style our gorgeous new chalkboard I huge some clippings from the yard casually up top and paired it with some glamourous candlestick. That’s one of the best things about chalkboards – they can dress up or down!

Remember you can use this technique with more than just words! Try your favorite farmhouse animal or cute holiday décor. Now you know how to letter your chalkboard like a pro! I’d love for you to pin this tutorial or share it with your facebook buddies!