I am a fan of chalkboards.  You can frequently find them sprinkled around my house.   They include a vintage kids chalkboard, a large picture frame chalkboard and lots of small chalkboards.  For some time now, I have been wanting a chalkboard  sign for Pinecone Cottage.  So I want to show you how to make a garden chalkboard from an old tray.

I found this tray several years ago at a thrift store.  I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to change it into a chalkboard.  Pssst don’t tell my husband because he kind of liked that nautical theme.

You can certainly buy a chalkboard sign for your garden shed but there are so many unique things that you can use to make chalkboard signs out of.  And trays are so easy to find at yard sales and thrift stores.

How to make a Garden Chalkboard from a tray…

Supplies:

A Tray, old and used from a thrift store or your kitchen

Chalkboard Paint

Foam Paintbrush

Painter’s Tape

Step 1:

Wash and dry your tray to make sure no food residue remains.  Tape off the rim of your tray to prevent paint accidents.  I am leaving the white color of my tray rim and handles but you could certainly paint the rim a different color if yours is unattractive.

Step 2:

When it comes to paint for your chalkboard there are lots of options.  You can find chalkboard spray paint or craft paint.  I am using a chalkboard craft paint that I purchased at the craft store and a foam brush.  Paint a first coat of chalkboard paint on your tray.  Be sure to paint in one direction.  Allow the paint to dry.

Step 3:

Add a second layer of paint going in the same direction.  Allow to dry.  Add a third and final layer of paint.  This time paint in the opposite direction.  Allow to dry for 24 hours before using.  (Note:  The paint container specifies 2 coats but I like to add the third or even 4th coat for thick coverage).  After the paint dries, carefully remove the painter’s tape.   Use a sharp cutting tool to separate the paint from the tape if necessary.

Step 4:

Once your chalkboard is completely dry you will need to season the board.  The best way to do this is with the side of a piece of chalk.  Just rub it all across the surface of the board.  Then use a rag to wipe it off.  Your board should be ready to go.

Step 5:

Now the fun part.  Creating your sign for the garden.  Coming up with a garden saying can be as simple as ‘Welcome to my Garden’ or you might want something fancier.  I curated a variety of garden sign ideas below if you are having problems deciding.

Supplies you might need for your garden chalkboard sign…

• Regular chalk in white and colors
• Chalkboard Pen
• Ruler
• Stencils
• Pencil Sharpener
• Magic Eraser and Q-Tips for fine cleanup
• Rag or Chalkboard Eraser

Really all a garden chalkboard sign needs is chalk and a great saying, but if you are creating artwork then the other items can be useful.