How To Create Your Own Unique Chalkboard Ornament

Have you ever seen an item in a craft store and think "That's kind of ugly, but with a little help...."? No? Well, it happens to me all the time. Last year, while shopping a Christmas clearance aisle, I stumbled across one of these so-called (by me) ugly ducklings and brought it home to give it an update for Christmas 2016. Are you curious? Let's take a look.

A group of friends and I get together once a month and create something according to a theme or challenge. November's theme is Christmas ornaments. The challenge is to create an ornament using junk or update an old one. I'd say this one qualifies as updating an old one. 

Okay, I'm sure someone likes this oversized, monogrammed wooden Christmas "ornament." I certainly don't mean to offend anyone, but it just doesn't match my decorating style. The close up photo is deceiving. The piece is over 17 inches tall. I got it for $5.00 and put it away until a week ago, knowing that I would spiff it up at some point in the future. Yes, spiff is a word.

I was going to paint the front side, but then I had an epiphany: why not paint the blank back side instead? Hello! That would be so much easier coverage-wise, not having to worry about covering up the red paint on the front. So that's what I did.

First, I sanded the wood surface so the paint would adhere better. Then I wiped off the dust and painted it with one coat of black spray primer followed by two coats of chalkboard spray paint. What, you really didn't see that one coming?

Here's what it looked like after the primer. You can still see marks left by the sandpaper, but that's ok. The chalkboard paint will cover that up.

Here she is after two coats of chalkboard paint.

I know you're supposed to "season" the new chalkboard surface before using it, but then you lose the nice, clean black background forever. So I skipped that step with this one. I will say that I had a hard time trying to figure out what Christmas saying (and font) I wanted to use. I ended up with Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas, in Maphylla font).

I knew I wanted the saying to impart the reason for the season. And this certainly does, don't you think? How did I do it? Just check out my reverse chalk transfer method to find out. I used that method for the words Joyeux Noel. 

I typed the words in WORD, applied the font and sized them to fit my ornament. Then I followed the reverse chalk transfer method.

For the deer head I used a stencil I picked up at Hobby Lobby for $1.99! (I'm sure it will be getting more use as we get closer to Christmas. It was a very well spent $1.99!) 

How to Draw a Basic Wreath

As for the laurel wreath, I free handed it, very carefully. However, I was not without wreath-drawing help. I came across a great blog post that explained how to draw a wreath at Drawn To DIY. 

As for the holly, I just googled "how to draw holly" and a TON of tutorials came up. As you can see, I'm a real budding Picasso. 

If I can do it, anyone can do it. You don't have to be a natural talent when there are shortcuts and simple ways to get the end result you want.

 

So what do you think?

I think reindeer are going to be featured prominently throughout my house this Christmas. This is only the beginning!

I hope you enjoyed reading
 How To Create Your Own Unique Chalkboard Ornament

Thanks for spending time with me today!

Make sure you stop by the links at the end of this post to see more upcycled Christmas ornament and decor ideas! 

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       Kathleen  

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