Painting is a universally loved children’s activity and chalkboard art is too. So why not combine them both? Chalkboard paint will get kids thinking outside the box and teach them how to change the texture of a surface – and usability of an object – in minutes. For these kids DIY projects, all they need is blackboard paint, a brush and these ideas.
Transform Clipboards into a Wall Calendar
The average clipboard may have been designed to hold onto paper, but it can do so much more. Grab one clipboard for every month of the year (12 all up) and encourage kids to get creative with chalkboard paint: this DIY project turns the clipboards into an interactive wall calendar that they can scribble on, decorate and track important dates, like birthdays and school excursions.
Other ideas include using these chalkboards for their studies (create one for each class to keep track of assignments, due dates, excursion notes), a message board (for reminders, chores list or just fun notes of love) or even try using one for each day of the week (to keep track of their extra curricular activities, playdates and parties).
Step 1
Cover the metal clips on the clipboards with masking tape.
Step 2
Get the kids to give their clipboards one even coat of chalkboard paint and allow to dry before adding a second coat, painting right up and just over the masking tape.
Step 3
Remove the masking tape to reveal the shiny metal clip and paint that neatly covers the board completely. (Encourage kids to really focus as they paint around the masking tape as when they peel it off they will see exactly how close they are to the metal clip.)
Step 4
Use a paint pen to create a border or edge design, as well as writing the name of a different month at the top of each of the 12 clipboards.
Step 5
Display the clipboards on the wall using the handy pull-out hook at the top (slip it over a nail) or attach with generous balls of Blu Tack on the back. Have chalk handy for adding doodles and birthday reminders.
What You'll Need
- Keji A4 MDF Clipboards
- Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 48 Pack OR Kadink Chalk Bucket 15 Pack
- Educational Colours Blackboard Paint 500mL
- PPS Masking Tape 24mm x 50M
- Uni POSCA PC 5M Paint Marker Assorted 8 Pack
- Kadink Paintbrush Set Assorted 15 Pack
Give a Play Table a New Look
If your kids have a table they use for drawing and craft, adding a coat of chalkboard paint will make it do double duty. Here are some ideas: children can sit and play noughts and crosses, do their adding and subtracting or just doodle little drawings with a simple stick of chalk, and it only takes the quickest wipe to clean. Then, if they want to use their markers and pencils, they can just lay their paper over the top, no packing away needed.
Step 1
Take a kids’ table and, if needed, give it a light sand using some sandpaper or a scouring brush to smooth over any nicks and make sure it’s not too glossy. Wipe clean.
Step 2
Get the kids to give the tabletop one light coat of blackboard paint. Allow to completely dry before they add the second coat. Using a roller brush will give a smooth, even finish.
Step 3
Customise children's stools by adding a circle or panel where they can write their name to label the seat. Cut out a circular hole in cardboard as a stencil, then tape it down onto the stool before rolling the paint over the top.
Step 4
Remove the stencil and use a permanent paint marker to label the stools with each child’s name.
Step 5
Add any hardware back onto the table and give the kids chalk so they can decorate their new play table!
What You'll Need
- Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 48 Pack OR Kadink Chalk Bucket 15 Pack
- Uni POSCA PC 5M Paint Marker Assorted 8 Pack
- Educational Colours Blackboard Paint 500mL
- Quill Canvas Board 250gsm White
Add a Lunchtime Surprise
Kids love secret messages and what better spot to create a DIY message board than the bottom of their lunch box? The message could be a menu card for you to let them know what has been packed for lunch or somewhere to write reminders like ‘put this in the recycling bin’ and ‘don’t forget to refill your water bottle.’ They may have their own ideas and want to write their lunch wish list or add their own messages back to you. You can always give it another coat of chalkboard paint when you need to start again too. This is a fun and unique project to open the lines of communication up between parent and child.
Step 1
Take a lunch box and place it over a piece of cardboard. Using a pencil trace the bottom of the lunch box.
Step 2
Cut out the shape and measure inside the bottom of the lunchbox to ensure it fits snugly.
Step 3
Coat the piece of board in blackboard paint and leave to dry.
Step 4
Using a paint marker or chalk stick, write lunch notes, encouraging messages or reminders onto the message board.
Step 5
Place it inside the box and stack it with their days snacks and lunch. You could add a piece of chalk to their pencil case, as they may want to make notes of their own, tick things off a list, or write a message back.
What You'll Need
- Decor Pumped Fresh Lunch Box 6 Pack
- Studymate Soft Grip Scissors 6”/152mm
- Quill Canvas Board 600gsm White
- Columbia Cadet Hexagonal Graphite Pencils HB 8 Pack
- Uni POSCA PC 5M Paint Marker Assorted 8 Pack
- Educational Colours Blackboard Paint
- Kadink Paintbrush Set Assorted 15 Pack
SEE ALSO: 13 Clever Craft Projects for Kids to Make At Home
Make a Cardboard Crown and Wand
Whether it’s a crown, wand or both, adding chalkboard paint to a classic kids’ DIY project favourite will add hours of extra fun. Kids can decorate both wand and crown again and again as they change up their make-believe play ideas.
Step 1
Draw a crown directly onto a piece of white cardboard. If children want even, neat points they can use a ruler to assist them.
Step 2
Cut out the crown, following along the lines with scissors.
Step 3
Roll chalkboard paint directly over the cardboard crown. Once dry, coat the other side also, so it can be used for decorating at another time.
Step 4
Decorate the crown using chalk, adhesive gems, ribbons and/or string. You can use Steps 3 & 4 to decorate papier-mâché wands.
Step 5
Measure the crown around the head and then tape the ends together to fit snugly.
What You'll Need
- Quill Canvas Board 250gsm White
- Educational Colours Spaghetti String Red
- Studymate Soft Grip Scissors 6”/152mm
- Uni POSCA PC 5M Paint Marker Assorted 8 Pack
- Kadink Paintbrush Set Assorted 15 Pack
- Columbia Cadet Hexagonal Graphite Pencils HB 8 Pack
- Educational Colours Blackboard Paint 500mL
- Kadink Adhesive Crystals Rainbow 247 Pack
- Little Learner Papier Mache Star Wand
- Educational Colours Spaghetti String Pale Blue
- Educational Colours Spaghetti String Pale Green
- Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk 48 Pack OR Kadink Chalk Bucket 15 Pack
Create a Clock for Easy Education
Learning about time is essential but for many kids it can be tricky to master. By having them create their own clock from foam board and chalkboard paint, they’ll be making an educational tool they can use for years to come. As they get to know the time well, they can chalk in their daily schedule like playtime, homework time, bed time and more.
Step 1
Trace a circle onto a piece of foam board using a large bowl, the bottom of a bucket… or an old clock.
Step 2
Cut out the circle with a box cutter with help from an adult, carefully following along the line for a nice, smooth edge.
Step 3
Coat the circle in one smooth layer of blackboard paint and allow to dry.
Step 4
Use a permanent paint marker or chalk to add clock numbers around the outer edge.
Step 5
Add hands at different times, make notes and decorate.