I've got a thing for blackboards/chalkboards/whatever it is the kids are calling them these days. (Do they even use blackboards in the classroom anymore? Or have they moved on to whiteboards? Are kids still even IN classrooms today? Or is everything done via the internet?)
Oh, I digress. Back to the subject at hand.
Blackboards are the symbols of our youth, of a simpler (and a tiny bit more old-fashioned) time. But they're also quite cool to look at, draw on, and incorporate into non-scholastic parts of your life. Here are some blackboard facts, ideas, and lovely goodies to get you started.
Did you know...
...that there is such a thing as chalkboard paint? And that it’s the coolest thing ever?
Yeah, I pretty much NEED this in my kitchen.
Painting a wall (or part of a wall) with chalkboard paint is one of the most fabulous things I’ve ever seen. I can imagine, with tons of use and erasing, that the chalk dust would be a mess to clean up. Let’s set that aside for a moment while I talk through my fantasy. The finished look, however, is both parts dramatic and totally useful, especially in a spot like the kitchen where you can use your wall for grocery lists, dinner menus, messages, and as a general place to keep the kids busy while you try to get a meal cooked.
Use different shades of paint to create a big giant wall calendar.
Feeling really ambitious? Mix different colors of chalkboard paint and create squares for different days of the week, members of your household, or lists.
Painting one side of a door is a great way to scratch the blackboard itch.
Feeling shy? Just paint a single square of your wall, the back of a door, or the inside of a kitchen cabinet. You can still get the great blackboard look without a huge hassle or commitment.
Hate the color of your fridge? Slather it with chalkboard paint. I prefer black, but this looks absolutely great!
Go here to read up on the details of Benjamin Moore’s great chalkboard paint.
Don’t need a full gallon of chalkboard paint? Planning on using it for smaller projects? Try chalkboard paint in a spray version. Just be sure to use it outside or in areas where there is no danger of it getting on other things that you don’t want instantly turned into a writeable surface.
Krylon Chalkboard paint works on wood, metal, plastic, or glass.
Not only does Michael’s carry chalkboard spray paint, but tons of things to spray it on.
Not only does Michael’s carry chalkboard spray paint, but tons of things to spray it on.
Chalkboard sheets are TRUE genius.
For the REALLY non-committal, have no fear. These vinyl chalkboard sheets can be adhered to a wall easily and – the best part – are removeable and repositional!
Don’t let the “whiteboards” reference fool you. This small, woman-owned company carries a great selection of chalkboards, including super-cool restaurant-style easels.
The portability of these easels makes for easy decorating.
Did you know...
...that there is a huge trend with turning all sorts of things into “blackboards”? Now that people see that they can be used to make the cutest accessories for entertaining, help to keep you organized, and even as style statements, chalkboards are the new design craze.
Innovative blackboard coasters.
“Blackboard” oilcloth is actually a fabric, but it can be written on with chalk and then wiped clean. This makes it a fantastic, versatile craft medium with a ton of different uses, like for these coasters (above).
Imagine the reaction of the recipient of this lovely notecard?
Even simple paper can be turned into mini-blackboards. Simply swipe them with a brush (or spray) of paint, let them dry, and you’ll have yourself a surface you can turn into a card, stationery, or gift tags.
Yep – those are chalkboard napkin rings. Which I would promptly steal from the host’s home.
Anything you can personalize makes for great entertaining goodies. And it’s even better when you can simply erase and use them again for your next set of guests. These blackboard napkin rings may be a little pricey, but you’ll be able to use them over and over again.
Storage bins and boxes painted with chalkboard paint make an easy and cool-looking way to stay organized, and give you the flexibility to re-name them as the contents change.
Chalkboard jewelry? Absolutely. Paired against silver or white gold, the black color looks great and is, at the very least, a definite conversation-starter.
...the original blackboards were made from sheets of thin, dark-colored slate stone? You can steal this idea today with a trip to your local garden center. Use the slate as a platter for hors d’oeuvres and write the names of what you’re serving.
Your piece of slate can also be used to create a perfectly-sized message board. Simply drill two holes at the top, slip a heavy piece of twine through, and viola! Hang it anywhere you need to be reminded of anything or where you simply want to pen a cheery greeting.
Swing by here to grab a piece of slate. Just don’t tell them what you’re doing with it.
Swing by here to grab a piece of slate. Just don’t tell them what you’re doing with it.
Did you know...
...that chalkboards are art? Meggan Gould’s “Blackboards” series contain photographs that are both stunning and a bit haunting, and the simplicity of (and lack of people in) these shots really puts these normally overlooked pieces of - equipment, really, in a whole new light.
You’ll either see this as a horrible flashback to your youth or a really cool piece of art.
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