Chalk Board Menu Tray Tutorial, a Pinterest Project

Who hasn't seen this gorgeous graphic on Graphics Fairy for a Menu Board? I have wanted one of these for my kitchen for a long time, but drawing/painting/freehanding anything is simply not among the talents that I possess. My printed graphic had remained untouched, until I found this tip on Pinterest. Tracing, that I can do! It's easy! I'll show you. 

Materials needed are an old tray, painted with chalk board paint and cured for several days, white chalk, and white paint pens.

To start, I rubbed the chalk all across the back of the graphic -- heavily, in multiple coats. I would show this, but chalk, on white paper, doesn't really show up.

To keep the image from sliding, I taped the graphic onto the tray, using painter's tape to avoid any peeling of the paint. 

A blue colored pencil seemed like the best thing to use for tracing, as it was the only sharpened pencil in the house. It actually helped that I could see if there were any areas I had missed. You can see where I sort of went outside the lines, oopsie! My impatience got the best of me on this step. 

A little peek -- it's working!

And ta da!

After a couple of deep breaths, I began painting over the traced image. Duh, I started at the bottom, not very smart. We'll let that dry and then start at the top.

This was so easy! The paint pen went on really smoothly. This was done with a medium-tipped Elmer's paint marker that I bought at WalMart. I bought the chalk board spray paint there, too.

20 minutes later, done! Just FYI, the "shadowing" might have gone a little better if I had run back to the store for a fine-tipped paint pen. But seriously, this was so easy that if I decide I can't live with it, I'll just paint over with more chalkboard paint and start again. 

I'm already thinking of the holiday season with this project. What a great gift for someone who loves to cook and entertain. I hope you'll give it a try!

I'm joining Judy's Fall Into Fall at DIY By Design

Yvonne's Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable

Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Honey's Potpourri Party at 2805

Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Jen's Fabulously Creative Party at Jennifer Rizzo

Donna's Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Aimee's Overflowing With Creativity at It's Overflowing

Susan's Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Brenda's Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House

p.s. Aren't these the prettiest roses for fall?! They have these every week when I go shopping at Aldi, 6 for $4. There's no reason to pass them up for that price :) You deserve it, treat yourself to some flowers today!! 

Comments

[Judy Clark]

How cute!! You really did a great job. Love the roses too.

Judy

[Dee]

That is one fabulous chalkboard.

Dee

[Melody Willoughby]

I love this and why didn't I think of that. ;)

[Honey]

Very clever! I always appreciate the inspiration you share at Potpourri Friday!

[Pamela]

Who would have thought it would be so easy. Great job you did and thanks for sharing.
*Smiles*

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

Great job, Andrea! I have this graphic saved, too, but haven't used it yet. I'll have to keep this tracing tip in mind. Never thought of using chalk on the back.

[amy]

That is gorgeous! Love the idea of doing it with a tray...I have a menu sign but it's not as cool as that, lol. Would you consider sharing here?
http://www.oneartsymama.com/2012/09/shine-on-fridays-45-and-giveaway.html

[Sherry@Back2Vintage]

Very nice work!!! Visiting from 2805!

[BethM@Under A Pile of Scrap!]

I have also admired that Menu image for some time myself! It turned out great on this tray! I have not tried the chalk tracing method, but I WILL have to give it a go now!

[Judy Ainger]

Great job and an excellent tutorial. Thanks for sharing. Just hopped over from Tweak It Tuesday and I'm now following you. Would love to have you stop by for a visit! Blessings ~ Judy @ www.vintagestreetdesigns.com