Project Sheet

Gratitude Board

Create a colorful reminder of the good things in life.

Difficulty Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Completion Time: 1 hour

Watch a video overview:

At Thanksgiving, or at any time of the year, it’s important to recognize the things in life we treasure most. A double-layer design sets this board apart and cuts down on mess. Invite family and friends to add their own messages and touches, or make it all yours.

What You'll Need

gratitudeboard-supplies Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies you'll need. The list below contains all the products we used to create the example shown in this demo. Materials are optional based upon your own design.

Chalk Foam Board
Lettering Stencil Guides
Sargent Art Molded Chalk
Bistro Chalk Markers available as sets or individually (we used fine point)
Frame
X-acto Knife
VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad
Black Oval Mop Brush
600 Series Stainless Steel Ruler
Drafting Tape
Stickie Notes
Cardboard
Damp cloth or wipes

1. Create Your Background

Measure and cut the chalkboard foam core with X-acto knife and ruler. It helps to place the foam core on top of a sheet or two of scrap cardboard to ease cutting. We also recommend pressing gently and making multiple passes with the knife rather than trying to cut all the way through on the first try (which can lead to jagged edges).

2. Pulverize Your Chalk

gratitudeboard-step2 Break chalk into smaller pieces and then press down on each piece with a hammer (not hitting with force, but tapping and then applying continuous pressure in a circular motion) to create a chalk powder.

3. Lay Out the Letters

gratitudeboard-step3 Measure the foam core to find the center. Find the middle letter of your message. In “Thankful” the middle falls between “N” and “K.” Place the “N” stencil on the board with the right side of the letter just left of the board’s center, and secure with drafting tape. Mask off the other stencil pieces with sticky notes or paper. Use the VersaMark adhesive stamp pad to apply adhesive to the inside of the “N.” View from an angle to ensure full adhesive coverage in the shape of the letter.

4. Wield Your Pow(d)er

gratitudeboard-step4 With a soft brush, apply the chalk powder to fill in the letter. We blended two chalk colors into each letter. Remove the stencil, which can be cleaned with a damp towel or wipe. Blow away loose particles as rubbing can cause the chalk to streak. The chalkboard foam core may also be cleaned with a damp cloth or wipe when and where needed. Be aware that in any areas adhesive has been applied, a ghost of the image will remain even if wiped away. Continue to arrange and fill the stencils using the same process, and working from the center outward.

5. Add Some Flourish

gratitudeboard-step5 Apply the adhesive to stamps to create a border. Press firmly onto the chalk foam core. Apply chalk powder to cover the adhesive, and use the dry mop brush to dust off any loose particles. The powder can be applied and reapplied if needed prior to the adhesive drying.
Wipe and clean the board as needed. For detailed areas, try a damp brush.

6. Go Into Detail

gratitudeboard-step6 Prep the markers by shaking them and pressing the tip onto scrap paper until the ink fills the nib. Use these markers to add details, outlines, or 3-D effects to the chalk filled letters and designs on the foam core.

7. Finishing Touches

gratitudeboard-step7 Place the foam core design into the glass frame. Use the Chalk Bistro Markers to complete the gratitude message, “Thankful for…” While the Chalk Bistro Markers may be applied directly to the chalkboard foam core and wiped away, we chose to place it behind the glass for easy cleaning and longevity for years of use.