Mini Chalkboard Garland Craft

This Mini Chalkboard Garland Craft project is sponsored by Loew-Cornell. As always, all opinions are my own.

I’ve got an exciting chalkboard craft to share with you today! Chalkboard crafts… well chalkboard everything is such a hot crafting/diy/home decor trend right now, and I’m fully on this bandwagon. Chalkboard paint is such a versatile craft supply. It can be used on just about anything! Case in point: my latest crafting + home decor creation.

Using some fantastic craft supplies from the Loew-Cornell line of products, I made a simple rustic mini chalkboard garland to add some character to my living room mantel.

This post contains some affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Mini Chalkboard Garland – Supplies List

SIMPLY ART^® Wooden Tag Panels
Transform Mason^™ Large Square Tags with Twine
SIMPLY ART^® Large Brown Nylon Brush Set
Transform Mason^™ Chalkboard Paint – 4oz
basic packing twine or ribbon
white chalk

Mini Chalkboard Garland – Tutorial

Get Painting

This first step is a bit time-consuming, in that you have to wait between coats for the paint to dry. I would recommend having another project or something else to do between coats. I did this project on a Sunday when I was at home working around the house. Paint a coat. Do dishes. Paint a coat. Fold laundry. You get it.

Paint 1 coat. Let dry. Repeat 1-2 more times. I personally chose to do 3 coats on each tag.

Wait for the final coat to dry overnight. Then repeat painting 2-3 coats on the other side of the tag.

Seasoning is a Must

It’s important to season any new chalkboard before using it. It’s a really simple process that will soften the look of your mini chalkboard – whether or not you plan to add decorative text or drawing.

Just take the edge of your chalk piece and rub chalk all over your mini chalkboard.

Then take a clean, dry rag and wipe away any excess chalk powder.

Now your mini chalkboards are ready to tie together on a garland!

String + Tie

note: When handling the chalkboards after they have been seasoned, be careful! Your fingers contain natural oils that can mar the chalkboard surface and leave a fingerprint – you should see my large kitchen chalkboard after my kids have pressed their hands on it!

here’s the quick fix: Pretend you are an Olympic gymnast. Before your start your event, you have to chalk your hands, right? Rub some chalk powder on your finger tips to keep your newly seasoned mini chalkboards looking great.

Using your basic packing twine, string together the large chalkboard tags first. Tie a knot in the twine on either side of the chalkboard.

Then using the twine that came in the packaging with the mini tags, tie the mini chalkboard tags between each larger tag. I ended up using 5 large and 6 small chalkboard tags.

Time to Write

Here’s your chance to let your home’s personality shine! Keep that chalk handy, and brush off your best penmanship. I chose to write “sweet HOME,” as a play on “Home Sweet Home” and that famous song that pops into your head when you hear the words “sweet home.”

The best part of this craft is that you can customize it by writing anything you want. Choose a family or home-themed text for year-round decor. Or simply erase and add new text that changes with the seasons. You can even leave the chalk panels as-is, no text needed. That’s what makes chalkboard crafts so fun… endless possibilities!

Chalk-Lettering Tip: Don’t use a fresh, new piece of chalk. You want to use the blunt end of a piece of chalk. I often use the leftover, broken pieces from my kids. This way I can get more texture in my chalk hand lettering.

Mini Chalkboard Garland – The Finished Project

I love how my mini chalkboard garland turned out! It adds the perfect character to my mantel, with just the right amount of rustic and farmhouse feel.