Chalkboard Sign on a Clipboard: A Quick & Cute Teacher Gift

Teachers are busy getting their classrooms together, kids are picking out new backpacks, & I imagine alot of parents are getting really excited....because it's almost time for school to start again! 

Now, I don't have kids yet, but I do know a few teachers (including my awesome Kindergarten teaching sister!) & I know they are working their tales off to get everything ready for the big day.  So why not start things off right with a little back to school gift for your children's teacher?

For the next few days, I'll be showing y'all some simple, fun ideas that you (& your kiddos too) can make for the teachers in your lives!  Bonus: Each one can be made in just a few minutes.

I love, love, love this clipboard turned chalkboard! While I think it's absolutely fantastic for your child's teacher, I also think it would be great hanging up in your house or office, & would be great as a little something to let your favorite people know you're thinking about them.  The possibilities are endless.  Really, you can combine any quote with any washi tape with any combo of ribbons & have a million different signs.  And if you use chalk or a washable chalk marker?  Man, you could have a new look every week!


Let's get started with what you need to create this masterpiece.

Supplies:

Clipboard  Go for old-school & plain. Think dollar stores, discount stores, the one already in your office...

Chalkboard Paint

Foam brush, or regular paint brush

Painter's tape

Chalk or chalk pen  Tip: I've found great $1 chalk pens at the Target Dollar Spot.  They make writing & getting the look you want so much easier than a piece of chalk.

Washi tape

Ribbon  I used about 10 pieces maybe 3" long each.  This would be a great use for scrap ribbon!

Start by measuring out your chalkboard area and marking it off with painter's tape.  I decided to use two pieces of tape as my width, since it was an easy measurement & would allow for room for the ribbon & tape at the bottom.

Next, paint your clipboard according to the directions on your paint.  Be sure to read the instructions on your bottle of chalkboard paint.  For mine, you need to put on at least 2 coats & you need to wait at least 2 hours between coats.

The hard part's done!  Now all you have to do is put on the washi tape.

Tie on your ribbons.

And write in your quote.  My favorite tip when it comes to getting creative with writing is to use your computer as a guide.  There are a ton of free, really fun fonts that you can download to your favorite document program (Microsoft Word, Pages, etc.).  After I've found the font I want, I type out exactly what I want my sign, tag, etc. to say & either print it out or just keep it up on my screen & try to mimic the letters as closely as I can.  It's an easy way to get a more custom, polished look to your letters.  But remember, as you can see from my version, it's not perfect, it's handmade.  And that's one of the most awesome things about this really cute, easy to make teacher gift.  You can't just pick it up at a store!