Chalkboard and Fabric Wall Organizer

Step 1 The Chalkboard

I sew a lot and I've gotten tired of making notes to myself on post-its that then disappear under mounds of fabric as soon as I need them or add to the clutter and later clog up my vacuum cleaner. So I decided to create a chalkboard that would hang on a wall near my workstation. This way I can write down notes, measurements, or sketch out designs, and best of all I'm not wasting a bunch of paper!

This project has two parts, both of which I've included here. The first section details how to make a chalkboard. The second part shows how to make a fabric wall organizer to hold the chalk, eraser, pencils, or anything else you might like to have handy while you work.

Part I: The Chalkboard*
Creating your own chalkboard is fairly simple and easy. It is simply a matter of selecting the size of board you want and then spraying on multiple coats of paint.

• You can make your chalkboard magnetic, as well, by first coating your board with magnetic paint. I didn't do that here since I already have a magnet board (as seen in the picture).

Materials: 24" by 36" piece of lightweight wood (or any size you like).*
1 can of Chalkboard paint (approx $5.00).
This comes in either spray or paint-on varieties. You can also make your own in any color you'd like! See instructions here. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-chalkboard-paint-016134
*I used a piece of 1/8" thick Melomine that I got at a local hardware store. If you don't want to pay for a whole piece, ask if they have any scrap pieces that are close to the size you want. You might be able to get a piece for free or at a discounted price.

Step 1: Drill one hole in each corner of the board.
These holes will be used later to hang your chalkboard. These holes are not necessary if you prefer to hang your board using picture hangers or other devices.

Step 2: Apply first coat of chalkboard paint.
Be sure to spray in a well-ventilated place and to follow the instructions on the can of spray or roll-on paint.

Step 3: Apply a second (and third) coat of chalkboard paint, if necessary.

Step 7: Wait 24 hours.

Step 8: Hang your chalkboard!
I simply held the board up to the wall and hammered small picture nails into each hole. If you decide to hang the board in some other way, just keep in mind that you’ll be writing on the board, so you'll want something fairly sturdy and strong that will hold the board in place.