We all love to display pictures of our families. And, generally speaking, we are constantly changing out the pictures of our kids and/or grandkids when they are young. Of course, we would love to showcase all of their pictures, but most of us don’t have room for that many pictures. That’s where personalized chalkboard picture frames come in handy!
Inspiration Strikes
I like to keep a picture of each of my grand babies pictures up in my classroom. And every year, I update the pictures because my babies tend to grow each year. Imagine that, right! I’ve been using picture frames held up with command strips, and although they hold well, I have to replace the command strips every time I take them down. And I take the chance of breaking or tearing the frame (which I did this year).
This year, I decided I needed to do something different. Something that was going to allow me to update my grandbabies pictures each year without having to worry about command strips or frames breaking. And inspiration hit me … while shopping at Dollar Tree. Personalized chalkboard picture frames. The perfect solution to my dilemma!
This post may contain affiliate links (Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you any extra 😊).
Materials
The items you need for this project vary but are still easily found and affordable.
- DTC Cozy Font
- Vinyl (I used Shimmer Black, you can pick any color)
- Chalkboard (I found mine at the Dollar Tree)
- Tiny Clothespins (You can find these at Dollar Tree)
- Transfer/Painters Tape
- E6000 Glue
- Toothpicks
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Designing Your Names!
First, you need to go into your Cricket Create Space. You are going to open a new project and add text to say whatever you want the top of the chalkboard picture frame to say. You can use any font you want to; I personally liked DTC Cozy for this one.
Now, the size of your font depends on the size of the chalkboard you are using. Mine is smaller, for 5×7 pictures, so I need my font to stay under 1” tall and 3 ½” wide. To change this, you just have to unlock the font sizes and adjust as needed.
Important little side note, always double check your spelling before saving. You don’t want to hit a key and end up with “Al9ice”. 😆
Cutting It Out ✂️
I am going to use my smaller machine, my Cricket Joy, because we don’t need any huge print outs for this project. I will be using smart material so I don’t need a mat with mine. Once you click “done”, the screen should tell you how much material you’ll need. Select which material you’re going to be using and let your little Joy cut away!
Making Your Chalkboard Picture Frame!
To put the names onto the chalkboard, you need to place your transfer tape over one of your cut-outs and peel it away from the back. Be careful not to leave any bits; using a scraper will help flatten the design away from the back.
Align your name to the top of the chalkboard and carefully remove the tape, flattening down each letter as you go. Cute, huh?
**Tip: You could use Modge Podge to seal it, but it is not required.**
Adding the clothespins is simple. First, place two clothespins where you want them, spaced out enough to be able to hold your picture evenly. Using a toothpick, place a tiny dab of E6000 onto the end of the clothespin and place it back where you want it, leaving the metal of the clothespin facing down.
**Tip: It takes 24-48 hours for the glue to dry so wait to add your pictures.**
Time to Display!
And there we have it! Your chalkboard picture frames are complete and look amazingly cute! Now all you have to do is add the darling pictures and hang them. Now, not only are you able to display those precious babies, you can als update their picture anytime you need.
If you do follow along with this tutorial, please send me a picture in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you design!
And as always, have a blessed day and keep crafting your best life!