A Simple Way to Bring Creativity into Your Home

Image by Jennifer Scott-McLaughlin

A few months ago I opened a home design magazine and was delighted to see that the featured interior had kitchen cabinets that doubled as chalkboards! How fabulous! Grocery list? it's written right there on the cabinet door!

Now, for some people this may be too out there - too much like graffitti in the safety of your own house. I understand completely, but why not take a step back, and hang chalkboard as you would a piece of art, only instead of some famous artist making the work - YOU do it. Draw a masterpiece in chalk! Hey, if you don't like it, you can always erase it, right?

I truly believe that the most overlooked of the artistic media, is the simple chalk board. Here you have, literally, a blank slate on which to create. Who says it has to be used solely for academic purposes? What better way to introduce a little abstract art into your world, than hang a chalk board & doodle all over it?!?

If Dustin Hoffman can do it in I Heart Huckabees, why can't you?

Until we moved, we had, hanging in our dining room, a 4' x 6' black board - made by yours truly for less than $30 -(I'll tell you how in a minute). The idea was that each week (or month) I would either add to or erase and redraw the design to my fancy. It's an easy, inexpensive, & fun way to bring art into your world - especially if you can't afford the stuff hanging in the galleries. (oh, and by the way, there are actually some artists that now use this as their medium, see image above for case in point.)

Now for the How To's:

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CHALK BOARD

MATERIALS

Luan or 1/4" smooth plywood cut to your desired size
Fine grit sand paper
chalkboard paint - this is usually found in the paint section of Lowe's, Home Depot, or even Wal-Mart. You'll find it in either a quart-sized or spray can, & it comes in black or green.
Paint roller and tray (if using the quart sized)
Chalk


INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sand your wood until it is smooth. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove sawdust.
   
2. Follow the directions on the Chalkboard paint for application
   
3. once paint is dry, you'll need to condition the board by rubbing chalk all over it. This fills in all the little microscopic holes in the paint and makes an even smoother, accepting surface.
   
4. clean the board with a damp rag, and begin drawing.
   Try using colored chalk for a greater variety & if you want to get really fancy, try putting it in a frame (no glass, of course)