Continuing my tray craft series today is
the magnetic chalkboard tray. I made this play tray in a day using my own
chalkboard paint I created. Yes it is black chalkboard paint… but that is only
because I just ordered a whole heap of colored chalk off Amazon and I want the
chalk to pop! *Confession* - I also ordered adorable little chalkboard erasers
too.
My children love to play pretend. Usually
they are pretending to be mommy and daddy, but now they have started pretending
to be teachers too. So having their own little chalkboards is another great
creative outlet for them to use. They can use it to draw on or incorporate it
into their “classroom”. Either way, it is a really fun project that both of the
boys LOVE!
What you need:
97¢ cookie sheet from Walmart
1/2 cup paint {I used latex paint}
1 tablespoon non-sanded grout
plastic cups and spoons for mixing paint
chalk
paint brushes/sponge
How to Make It:
Mix 1/2 cup of paint with 1 tablespoon of non-sanded grout in a
disposable plastic cup with a plastic spoon. You will want to just mix one
color at a time if you are planning on doing multiple colors as the paint dries
out quickly.
Paint 1-2 coats of the paint over on the cookie sheet. If one
coat is streaky do a second. Let dry completely.
Once the chalk board is dry, take a white piece of chalk and rub
it all over the board to "set" the chalk board. Wipe with a dry paper
towel.
I used a rust-oleum latex paint in black, but I have heard from
other crafty moms that they have used acrylic paint without any problems. Needless
to say, I have plans on making a couple more chalkboard trays in some bold
bright vibrant colors.
While these will store well for car rides, I worry about the
chalk making a mess in the car. So these will not be used on future road trips.
Instead they will be used for rainy day activities and indoor/outdoor
educational tools for the kiddos. So far they have held up well which I am
excited about. I am looking forward to my real “classroom” chalk and eraser to
arrive for my nuggets to play with. This was a very inexpensive product to make
and I see more mini chalkboards and homemade chalkboard paint in my future.
Have you ever played
with a chalk board tray?
