If you’re looking for an easy, inexpensive, yet impressive party favor for an art or rainbow party – or a DIY project for back-to-school, or a cute gift for any kid – I have such a great idea for you!! It’s courtesy of my amazing customer and friend, Brenda. Brenda is kind of a genius when it comes to her DIY party favors (she previously made stick hobby horses that everyone really loved), and this year she’s throwing an art theme party with rainbow colors. Her party favor: a chalkboard canvas with a built-in fabric pouch to hold chalk and chalkboard markers. And she’s sharing her tutorial with us today!
Brenda says, “I love this project because it can be used over and over, rather than be thrown away and forgotten like most party favors! I decided to share my chalkboard canvas with you so you can make your own. Just so you know, this project is surprisingly fast, easy and inexpensive… all good things! I hope you enjoy it!”
Step 1: Gather your materials
– An 18″x22″ canvas
– Chalkboard paint
– Paint primer (optional)
– Paintbrush or foam roller
– Glue gun and glue stick
– Fabric in your choice of pattern, cut to 22″x17″
– Scissors
– 8-10 thumb tacks
– Iron
Step 2: Prime and paint your canvas
First, if your canvas is not primed, it might be a good idea to prime it. (Something to keep in mind is that priming will stiffen the canvas, possibly resulting in a better writing surface.) If you are priming, allow the primer to dry. Then, apply your chalkboard paint as evenly as possible on the surface and sides of the canvas. I prefer using a paintbrush for this, as it uses up less paint, but you can also use a foam roller, which will result in a nice, even surface without brushstrokes.
Sidenote:
- It is important to always prep a chalkboard before using it. To prep your chalkboard canvas: simply take a piece of chalk, lay it on its side and cover the entire surface with chalk. When done, wipe clean. Doing this to any chalkboard prevents permanent ghost marks from being left behind. Doing this periodically (after washing with a damp cloth) doesn’t hurt!
- If you’re interested, making your own chalkboard paint is surprisingly easy!… Simply add one cup of latex-based flat finish paint (ANY COLOR) to two tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Easy! (This amount of DIY chalkboard paint should cover about a 4′x4′ area.)
Step 3: Allow your canvas to dry
After painting, be sure to allow ample time for your chalkboard paint to dry on the canvas – overnight is a good option for drying time!
Step 4: Place your fabric and secure it at the top
Now you’re ready to apply your artist’s pouch! Iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles. Place your pre-cut fabric on your desired location. Make sure it’s straight and your desired size. Also, be sure to cut your fabric slightly wider than the width of your canvas so you can wrap the fabric on the sides and bottom. The pattern on the fabric should be facing the canvas as shown. Fold about a 2″ flap at the top and bottom, facing you. Add a strip of hot glue to the width of the canvas, where you want the top of the pouch to be, and firmly press your fabric to the canvas.
Step 4: Create the pouch
Next, create the pouch by folding your remaining fabric up to meet the affixed fabric, leaving about a 1″ difference in height.
Step 6: Secure the pouch in place
Turn your canvas over. Fold the sides and corners as if wrapping a present and use your glue gun to secure your fabric to the canvas. I added thumb tacks as an added way to make the fabric extra secure. I used a few on the back, along the wood frame, and I also applied one on each side of the pouch on the front of the canvas.
Step 7: Add trim
That’s it! You’re done. Now, feel free to add ribbon on the side of your canvas or along the pouch if you’d like! I added a chalkboard label (which I made myself) with my son’s name and pom poms! More ideas to add some excitement to your canvas (as if any is needed), could be buttons, flowers, stickers or even vinyl decals… go crazy!
Thank you so, so much to Brenda for sharing this tutorial today! ♥ For another one of Brenda’s projects, check out these stick hobby horses (perfect for a country-western party, or just another great DIY gift)! Or for more DIY party favor ideas, click here.
Shop for personalized rainbow theme party paper goods and printables here.
Or, check out more rainbow theme party ideas on Pinterest or here on my blog!