DIY Chalkboard tutorial using foam boards

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DIY chalkboard tutorial.  Who doesn’t love a Chalkboard at Home these days? I think, we all have chalkboard in our spaces in one way or another.

For kids to play on.  For us to get organized.  Or just because we love it. I wanted to make a chalkboard for my living space for a while now.  And I came up with one made from foam boards! Why?

DIY Chalkboard tutorial using foam boards

DIY-chalkboard-from-foam-board-dollar-store-project

I actually came up with this idea because it’s light weighted. I am a strong believer that “Precaution is better than Cure”.

So, if a wooden chalkboard happens to fall on my toddler anyway, it can hurt him. But a foam board is safe to have around a house with kids. Now this board is so easy to move around. If sometimes my son wants to keep it in his lap, and draw. I can just simply take it of the wall. It is great for traveling as well. I do not have to care about it hurting my son.

And I also enjoy writing beautiful quotes on it.  So, it can also be used as a decorative board. I love how it does not look very cheap.  You can not tell it’s foam boards.  Seriously! And it’s pretty neat on the sides too.

diy chalkboard tutorial

Foam Boards to DIY Chalkboard tutorial

Let’s start the tutorial, shall we?

DIY Chalkboard supplies needed

  •  Foam Boards
  • Cardboard (cut according to the width and length you want)
  • Good strength glue, Elmer’s Tacky Glue will do
  • Cardstock and scissors
  • Chalkboard paint and sponge brush
  • Ribbon or lace of your choice
  • Stencil and acrylic paint (I used Delta- Turquoise)
  • Very Strong Glue like E-6000 and ring hangers (to mount the board)

DIY chalkboard tutorial

Make DIY Chalkboard

Cut the cardboard (I actually used the pampers box which was about to be thrown in the garbage) to the board’s size you have in mind. I wanted it to be lean to fit in my intended space. Make sure your foam boards are the same size as well. Now glue two sheets of cardboard and foam boards together using tacky glue. While it dries cut strips of cardstock. Measured to the length and width of the board.  Now fold the strips using the bone for neatness. And glue it on the board using the tacky glue again.

You wouldn’t believe yourself that it’s foam board and not a wooden board when you are done.

dollar store chalkboard

Now after the above was done. And everything was going perfectly as planned. A disaster happened! That was sticking the cardstock of the board’s size on the top and chalkboard paint on it.

Which actually made it all wavy because I didn’t layer the glue evenly below the card stock.  It looked ugly.  I shared this just in case someone comes with that idea.  So they know it’s not going to work.  I was not very happy knowing that it didn’t work . But then it quickly hit me.  Wait a minute!

craft fail

So, I then glued foam boards using my tacky glue on top.  And painted two good coats of chalkboard waiting between each to dry. I left it overnight to dry.

dollar store chalkboard

This is what I got in the morning.  So far so good.

DIY chalkboard tutorial

Now for the creative part. I used the flower stencil and turquoise paint to make a border on my board. So, finally it matches my turquoise living room decor.

You can see my gallery wall reveal.

how to stencil paint

I thought that stenciling such a small design will be hard and untidy.

So, I traced the design all around.  And free hand painted it with a brush.how to diy chalkboard

Finally, stick the ribbon around the sides.  Do not cut it at the edges.  Instead continue with one piece all around.dollar store chalkboard

The sides look neat and decent.  These results make me happy.

handmade DIY chalkboard tutorial

Then I glued Ring Hanger using E-6000. I did not screw it in, the glue is tough enough to take care.

hanging frame

Foam boards crafts chalkboard

And here’s the final result.

The chalkboard is such a great feature in my place. I love to write sayings and quotes on it.  It’s fun and inspirational in a way too. And my son loves to doddle on it too.

spring DIY chalkboard tutorial

Just like I love this saying by “Robin Williams”.

Which I decided to write on the board for my Spring Party.
Find the complete SPRING Party with Free Printables.

You will also like:

DIY Chalkboards

Dollar store organizer

Printing on fabric

Looking for more great ideas?

Check out tutorials in the category ORGANIZATION.

Are you on pinterest?

You will also enjoy the Do It- Chalkboard and We love- Organizing Boards.

These are updated regularly whenever I find unique ideas.

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Hi, I’m Hani

I’m a mom of 2 decorating and soulfully designing our home. I love to share crafts and simple ideas for home and garden.

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  1. Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says:

    Hi Hani, just wanted to let you know that we are featuring this brilliant idea of yours over at Dollar Store Crafts this evening! http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/05/make-a-chalkboard-from-foam-core/

  2. Mary Sullivan Frasier says:

    I love this! 1) Super economical 2)Great way to incorporate function into your decor and 3)No bruised toddlers! Yay! What's not to love? :~)

    I've been trying to convince hubbs that we should paint a couple of the raised panels on our pantry door with chalkboard paint (it's a pocket door) and he just thinks I'm nuts! I'm working on him… LOL

    Really nice job, Hani! I can't wait to see the big living room reveal! ~Mary

  3. Rachel {BubblyNatureCreations.com} says:

    This is such a great idea!!! I love how it turned out!!! Thanks for sharing.. I am posting to facebook and pinterest now!

  4. Laurie says:

    Love this chalkboard. I never would have thought of using foam board. I'm visiting from Truly Lovely's Fancy This Friday and am now following you.
    http://www.laurieslittlebitsofcreativity.com/

  5. Annmarie Pipa says:

    wow! I love this! very good use of the Dollar stores!!!
    thank you for the great idea!
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

  6. Debra Kapellakis says:

    That is a pretty chalk board.

  7. Kerstie says:

    AEWSOME! I like the boarder very much.

  8. Shannah @ Just Us Four says:

    This is a great project! Would you consider linking this up at my Pinworthy Projects Party?

  9. Amanda says:

    This is such a great idea, looks awesome!

  10. Our Pinteresting Family says:

    What a fantastic idea! I love the use of foam board here. Megan

  11. Etcetorize says:

    Smart idea! That's the wonderful thing about chalkboard paint..absolutely anything can become a chalkboard. Thanks for linking up at Etcetorize~

  12. Rachel says:

    I love the stencil you did around the edge. Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
    Rachel
    adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com

  13. Hubba says:

    What a cute idea! I love it especailly the edges. I'm a new follower, feel free to follow me back at http://www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

  14. Alison @ Oopsey Daisy says:

    SO smart to use foam board Hani! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

  15. Printabelle says:

    Great idea! I'd love for you to add it on my link party at: http://printabelle.com/?p=3188 Thanks!

  16. Melanie says:

    dollar store projects are my favorite…such a challenge!
    Found you over at Lil Luna!

    I'd love for you to come link this up at my Tuesday Time Out Party – open all week! There's a $50 Amazon card up for grabs this week too!

    Tuesday Time Out Linky Party

    Smiles,
    Melanie

    Reasons To Skip The Housework {The Blog}
    Tinker B Boutique {The Shop}

  17. Alexis @ we like to learn as we go says:

    This turned out awesome! I love that you used foam boards. I'm pinning this to make one for my daughter soon! I would love for you to link it up to my link party. I know my readers would love it too!
    http://weliketolearnaswego.blogspot.com/2012/05/what-i-learned-wednesday-9.html

  18. Betsy Pool says:

    Nice job! It's really frugal and awesome that you used foam boards. I don't have a chalkboard in my house yet. Maybe I can now!! Thanks for this inspiring idea.

    I'm glad you linked this up at Romance on a Dime. I already pinned this!

  19. Printabelle says:

    Thanks for linking up! I love this idea!

  20. DebbieDoesCreations says:

    You can't even tell that it is foam board. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Toot Your Horn Tuesday. Hope you have a great weekend friend!

  21. Kelly @ Here Comes the Sun says:

    I love chalkboards and am addicted to chalkboard paint! Thanks so much for sharing at Fabulous Friday.

  22. Polkadot-pretties says:

    Great project!!!

    Thanking you for linking up to my craft, create and inspire linky party…..

    I hope you will stop by and link up another fabulous project, this weeks party is now live.

    Claire x

    Www. Polkadot-Pretties.blogspot.com

  23. ToSewWith Love says:

    what a pretty project. thanks for sharing. we are featuring it today. drop by the blog to grab your featured button (if you fancy so ^^) have a fab weekend!

    hugs,
    Lelanie

  24. In Reply to Shiloh's Query: Yes, it's lightweight but like I said you don't feel any difference writing on it. It's tough and sturdy.. I love writing on it. 🙂

  25. Shiloh says:

    What a fantastic lightweight chalkboard! Do you think that it feels the same when you write on it? Or does the foam board get a little squishy?

  26. Mandy says:

    Love the way your stenciled chalkboard turned out. Thank you for sharing all the “party goods” at Project Queen's Link Party.

  27. Christine says:

    Hani!! This is GREAT!!!! I love that you also mention what ''failed''.

    Thanks so much for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

  28. Angie Ramirez says:

    Awesome.. I need to get me so chalkboard paint.. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing at Create & Inspire, Hani!

    Angie

  29. Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy says:

    Thank you so much for linking up your chalkboard! I've featured your post, so head on over and grab a brag button!
    http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/05/tuesday-confessional-features-1.html
    Thanks!
    ~Macy

  30. gail@My Repurposed Life says:

    Nice tutorial! I love any kind of chalkboard. Yours turned out very pretty. I like the ribbon on the sides. 🙂
    visiting from the weekend wrapup party.
    gail

  31. Lisa says:

    turned out great! Thanks for the idea!

  32. Ashly says:

    Can anyone help me?? I tried to make a chalkboard out of foam board but it didn’t really turn out… 🙁 I used an all-purpose primer my foam board, then used 3 coats of chalkboard spray paint (maybe they weren’t thick enough?) and then “primed” my chalkboard using the side of a piece of chalk. The problems began when I went to write on it for the first time… The chalk barely showed up, I had to write over and over to get the letters to faintly show : / the worst part is that it seems to have indented my foam board a bit… I bought pretty cheap chalk from Meijer so maybe that’s part of the problem? Did I not get a good enough coat of chalkboard paint on my foam board?? If anyone has any suggestions I would be very grateful!!

    Thanks!
    Ashly

    1. Hani Shabbir says:

      Hi Ashley, you did everything perfectly fine except for using the good quality chalks. The cheap ones don’t have a good result on most of the surfaces, and are ideal for use on roadside for kids to play with! I find crayola chalks the best. I hope that helps.

  33. The.Restless.Worker says:

    Such a great idea! I have a small obsession with chalkboard paint 🙂

  34. Meari says:

    I am thinking about using your idea for wedding decor. Am I understanding correctly that you applied the chalkboard paint to the foam core and not the cardboard?

    1. Hani says:

      Yes that’s right! I used foam board and applied chalkboard paint to it. If instead of using chalks you use chalk pens then you will not end up with pressed foam in long term. This is great for budget-management for events.

  35. Meari says:

    Thanks for getting back to me. I used black foam board and chalk markers for a sign at my wedding. It turned out beautifully.

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