This is an easy project you can adjust to make it countdown to birthdays, vacations, midterms, or what ever.

You need:
A Plaque
Spray Paint (I used Krylon Glossy Raspberry and Emerald Green)
Chalk Board Paint (I used Krylon Black Spray)
Tape to mask lines
Paper to mask areas
Letter Stickers
and an Optional Clear Coat (I used Krylon Clear Varnish)

Step 1: First Coat of Paint

The plaque I used comes "pre-sanded", but the edges always seem a little rough to my husband, so he likes to sand them when ever he knows I'm working on something. Other than that, just start painting. I did 2 coats of Raspberry. (I like the way pink and green look together for Christmas). Wait for the paint to dry before you move to the next step.

Step 2: Add Letters

Stickers are so much easier for me to use than stencils. I have loads of alphabet scrapbooking stickers. For this I used Making Memories chunky pet letters.
Spell out your message with the stickers.

Step 3: Add Second Color

I used 2 coats of Emerald Green over the whole project. Let it dry before you move to the next step.

Step 4: Remove Masks

Remove the stickers to reveal your text.

Step 5: Optional Glossy Coat

I sprayed mine with a nice glossy top coat. If you do this, let it dry before you go to the next step.

Step 6: Mask Off Chalkboard Area

Using tape and paper mask off the area you are going to use as the chalkboard space.

Step 7: Add Chalkboard Paint

( I did not do this inside, I brought it inside for the picture)

I added 2 coats of chalkboard spray paint. There are also kinds of chalkboard paint that you brush on. They come in more colors, but they take longer to dry, and you have to dirty a brush to use them. It depends on the project for which one you use.

Make sure the paint is dry before you move to the next step.

Step 8: Remove Mask and Prime Chalkboard

You can see where a bit of the paint seeped under the tape for the chalkboard. To fix it, I have since added a border to cover it up, but unless you're looking for a mistake, it's not that noticeable.

On the instructions for the paint it says to prime the chalkboard area by covering it with a layer of chalk, and then wiping it off. I've skipped this step, and it worked fine, but it only takes it a second to do.

Step 9: Done Done Done

I set mine on the windowsill at work to cheer the place up for Christmas. My son spends a lot of time at work with me, and I feel guilty he's stuck in a dreary office at Christmas time. We do crafts and little things when I have time to make it better, so this is a great little decoration that doesn't take up too much space.