I've wanted a blackboard for a long time - helps me feel so . . . intellectually progressive. It connotes the excitement of grammar school learning, wooden yard sticks, and recess time, and dusty fingers and clothes, and tic-tac-toe, and perfect manuscript printing that all elementary teachers seem to have.
Here's how I did it:
- Paint a smooth surface any size you please with chalkboard paint. I used 1/8 inch masonite board from the lumber store. I've seen it done directly on walls too. (mine weren't smooth enough)
- Follow the instructions on the can. This one had a 'curing' time of many, many hours, we're talking overnight! which was the hardest part of this project. I wanted to begin right away, spelling, doodling, leaving messages, having the twins practice their homework . . .
- We, errrr, Jay mounted it with those thingys that hold thin, inexpensive mirrors to the wall.
Now, you can doodle, swirl and goof off freely and without any time constraints on your very own chalkboard. You can also be the eraser monitor every day if you want. Or pass on this timeless, happy chore/privelege to the children. Banging erasers still delights kids - ours anyway. Now for the golden part of this post. What you use to write on it will make all the difference for the enjoyment of the board. Crayola chalk (sorry Crayola - love your crayons, despise your chalk) will not erase very well. Their colored chalk is even worse, and their color isn't very bright or exciting to use. BUT, a brand name called Alpha makes a great, highly erasable white chalk. I came across it at Utah/Idaho school supply store in Orem, and it can be ordered online. THEY don't make colored chalk that I have been able to find but . . .
. . .these are better anyway. The colors are brilliant. This is what we learned while on a Gardner Village trip. Thanks to super sleuth Keli, who got to the bottom of what they were using in their store. Chalk Ink is to be found at a Michaels or Roberts craft store. (a bit pricey - $10 for a package of 4). Besides being clear and easy to read, they have the advantage of not wiping off and smearing as people brush past. You wipe it off with a wet wipe.
Sometimes friends and family will participate too, like this message board of well-wishes for Kyle and Mark.
Come share a message, or doodle, or idea with us any time! Oh, and the curtain rod with the hooks are for when we want to change out the school room look by covering it with a wall quilt.
