Hello, hello... hey hello, hello! Today, I am writing to share steps for creating your own chalkboard sign(s). Last July, I had the pleasure of lettering wedding signage (shown in photo) for the first time for a friend. Prior to this experience, the only time I had ever made signs on chalkboard was while working as a part-time barista years ago in a local Starbucks. Oh, the things you discover while you're trying to figure life out! Coffee culture, hand-lettering and custom chalk menus seem to all naturally group together as a 'thing', and thankfully I left with a small appreciation for them all by the time my barista days were over.
  This past week, I got the opportunity to be a part of a project that brought together the works of a group of phenomenal businesswomen. A local baker, the one who actually did my aforementioned friend's wedding cake, saw the ceremony and reception signage, and then connected and hired me to do signs for her daughter's 7th birthday soon after. I also hand-lettered gift bag name tags and painted a few custom frames for her party. I'm so filled with joy to know the words I took the time to write last summer left such a grand impression that it led me to do more. If you're ready to make your own inspiring chalk signage, keep on reading (and/or feel free to contact me for your chalkboard signage needs)!

​Materials for this DIY:

1. Open back frame(s) (Goodwill or thrift store options work well)
2. Foam board large enough to fit frame(s)
3. Scissors, box cutter/razor, or any cutting utensil for resizing your board
4. Ruler and/or yardstick
5. Chalkboard spray paint (1, 2)*
6. Spray paint (your choice in brand and/or color; I used this)
7. ​Large, flat and covered area for workspace
8. Chalk pen(s) (your choice in brand and/or color(s))**
9. Water (in a cup or spray bottle for erasing unneeded marks)
10. Cloth, napkin, Q-tips or anything of your choice for wipeaways

*For the chalkboard spray paint, I've tried both of these brands. You can find 1 in home reno' stores, i.e. Home Depot or Lowe's and 2 in local craft stores, i.e. Michaels or A.C. Moore.)
**I used a variety of chalk pens from the Craft Smart, Chalk Ink and Bistro brands. All great!

I used the following items, but they are not required to create your chalkboard sign; completely OPTIONAL.

• Hand-lettering book for ideas and type guidance
• ​Mini chalkboard stands
• Acrylic paint (your choice in brand and/or color)​​

​Thanks so much for checking out this post and I hope it helps with whatever creative projects you might be working on! My step-by-step process is in the slideshow and photos from the party are in the gallery below. Until next time... peace! 

 As mentioned in my last post, here is a process video of my Save The Elephants design - inspired by the presentation I attended a couple of weeks ago at the Carolina Theater. Environmental Artivism... Support!

  Hello, hello! It's been one week since I've been working on the illustrations for a soon-to-be published, children's storybook. I met the author exactly three weeks ago while I was at my day-job and I'm grateful for the opportunity to give her the illustrations she desired and to do all the layout designs for her book. I'm very excited and proud of the progress I've made thus far, so I am giving you a sneak peek! I can't show you EVERYTHING, of course, but here's a glimpse of what I've been creating in my free time. Enjoy!