How to Make Chalkboard Wedding Sign!

How to Make Chalkboard Wedding Sign!

We are full swing into wedding season, so here's a tutorial for making a chalkboard wedding sign for the big day.

My husband (Mike) and I got married 23 years ago on June 22nd. I got married in the pre-pinterest days, so there was only my imagination for decor. 

I made this chalkboard wedding sign for the perfect garden wedding. It would be awesome for a baby or wedding shower, party, celebration or any event!

Let's get started making a wedding sign!

Chalkboard signs are the way to go.

They are easy to write, fix if you mess up and clear off when the event is over. They can be used for every event in your life.

Having a good quality chalkboard is key...only the good quality ones erase well without shadows.

The star of the show is Loddie Doddie Chalk Markers and Chalkboard.

I received these supplies in exchange for this post...but let me tell you, these are the best chalk supplies I've ever used...and I've used a bunch.

The chalk marker colors are bright and vivid. Plus there is a huge range of colors!

The chalkboard is high quality, easy to clean and doesn't leave phantom art behind.

**And Loddie Doddie is giving my readers a 10% off discount when purchased with the code: DOODLECRAFT10

Supplies Needed for Chalkboard Wedding Sign:

• Loddie Doddie Chalkboard (I love the Farmhouse 18x22)
• Loddie Doddie Chalk Markers (I love the Artists Assortment 24 pack)
• Ruler 
• Regular Chalk (I love this Allary Chalk Cartridge with thin chalk sticks)
• Laser Level (super nice, but optional)

Step 1: Chalkboard Layout

I'm going to admit, I don't do a lot of preparation or layout when it comes to lettering projects.
I wing it.

And I wing it well. Enough. Or I make it look intentional.

However, if I was a little more of a perfectionist, there's a few things to do.

1. Use a piece a paper and sketch out the entire design before beginning on the chalkboard.

2. Use light chalk to sketch out the entire design before beginning on the chalkboard.

Okay, 

Start with the lines.

Mark the sides of the board 4 inches down from the top of the chalkboard.

Step 2: Laser Level

Then line up the laser level on the 2 dots.

If you aren't using a laser level, use the ruler and connect the dots with a chalk line.

This will wipe off clean after the markers dry.

If you are right handed, put the level on the left side of the board. If you are left handed, place the level on the right side of the board.

Step 3: Write

Prep the chalk marker by pressing the nib on a piece of paper to gently get the paint flowing.

Write out the word in chalk first, if desired, then trace it with the chalk marker.

Connect your letters similar to cursive writing for the big WELCOME.

Let the intro and the outro of the letters reach all the way to the edges of the board.

When using Hand Lettering, it's much more whimsical and true to modern calligraphy to bounce along the line.

Instead of making it line up exactly. 

Let some of the letters fall below the line and some above. This is called "bounce lettering" and I have a whole post on it here.

Step 4: More Writing

Mark the board a couple inches under the last marks.

Then line up the laser level the same as before.

Under the welcome you can write in a all capital letter font, "TO THE WEDDING".

Or to the baby shower, party, event, etc.

Then mark another line a couple inches lower and write the bride and grooms names.

Or whatever you've decided to write on the chalkboard...like "take a seat", "turn off your phones" etc.

Step 5: Faux Calligraphy

After writing the information on the chalkboard, let it dry completely to prevent your hand from dragging through wet paint.

Then go back over the WELCOME part of the sign and add the thicker downstrokes to each letter.

This technique for lettering on a chalkboard is called "faux calligraphy", and I have a whole post for it here.

Honestly, it's this technique that takes the word from looking pretty amature to looking really professional!

See how much better that looks, even with that slightly wonky "e" at the end?

I write calligraphy a lot and I am really good at it.

I did this sign in a very beginner style and way so that it would not intimidate anyone wanting to recreate this beautiful wedding sign. 

Anyone can get these results.

Alright, once the hand lettering is done and dry--you can add decorations, if desired.

I right-aligned the 2 text lines, so that I could put some flowers on the corner.

If you want to add Watercolor Chalk elements to your sign, check out this post.

All about How to Watercolor with Chalk Markers!

Step 6: Painting Flowers with Chalk

If you are going to paint with chalk, you'll want a palette or paper plate and a round paint brush.

Press the tip of the chalk marker on the palette gently to release some of the chalk paint.

Then use the round paintbrush (mine's a #10) to paint beautiful flowers in the corners.

Start with the petals to the flowers, then add centers and leaves.

The chalk paint dries like watercolors, thicker or darker in some areas than others. 

It looks really cool!

Step 7: Dry Completely

Now let the chalkboard dry completely before lifting it up, in case the paint is thick enough to run down the board.

I let mine dry on my flat desk overnight.

Then it is ready to display at the entrance of the wedding. Perfect for a garden event!

There is so much beauty in a hand written sign.

Anyone can get a print or a font to look perfect...but there is so much character, personality and personalization in a hand written sign.

It's really so charming and welcoming.

That's it!

Did I give you the confidence to make your own chalkboard wedding sign!?

I can't wait to see the signs you create--share them and tag me @doodlecraft so I can cheer you on!

Happy weddings, events, celebrations, parties and much more!

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