Artworks: DIY Chalkboard Tag Notebooks

A few weeks ago, we had our very first kiddo book club with a group of friends. Our core group included kids ranging from rising pre-K to rising-1st graders, but a few younger siblings were included, too. To help keep everyone focused (or occupied) during our discussion, we made these super cute chalkboard tag notebooks.

Here's the deal -- you'll need:

- hardcover cardboard notebook (we bought some cute bold graphic patterned ones from Target -- they were under $2 each);
- chalkboard paint (a little can like this will do);
- painter's tape; and
- a foam craft brush

If you want a super clean tag and/or are trying to cover up something on the front of the notebook (we were doing both), have a parent help you outline your painting area with the painter's tape. If you want to do it free form, you likely don't need any help.

Paint thin coats (we did 5 coats) of the chalkboard paint with your craft brush -- allowing each coat to dry sufficiently in between.

Once dry, carefully peel off tape, prime it a bit by rubbing with chalk, and write your name!

Paint It, Black: Magnetic Chalkboard Paint

We really didn't get to participate in most of this project (except for the fact that we had our little grubby hands all over that pantry and kitchen wall necessitating the repainting in the first place), but we have been all over it since mom painted our pantry and a little bit of the kitchen with magnetic chalkboard paint.  This stuff really works!  The manufacturers recommend 1 gallon on a 100 square foot surface (slightly smaller than the area mom painted).  Mom did two coats and used about 1/2 the gallon.  It covered well, but she thinks another coat might amp up the magnetism just a bit.  We'll see.

Mom also used the wall to craft up a little art display solution.  She bought some inexpensive matted pictures at Ikea, tossed the pic, superglued some magnets on the back of the mat and BOOM instant magnetic frame for our artwork.  That way she can change out our ever growing art and display just a few things at a time.

AND it was all done in time for Kane's big pirate birthday party (more to come on that soon).  We love it!