It just arrived in the shop, and we've already put it to use! You may have heard of it, or it may surprise you: It's chalkboard fabric, a new horizon of unexpected possibilities, with all kinds of applications for little ones and not-so-little ones. In today's post, we're giving you 10 super ideas to make the most of its potential.
First of all, there are several things you should know about chalkboard fabric, or chalkboard fabric:
It's quite thick and difficult to work with, so you won't be able to use it for very delicate projects. However, as you'll see below, you can use it in all kinds of ways.
You shouldn't fold it; roll it instead, because the creases formed by folding are very difficult to remove.
You can write on it with regular chalk or special markers; to erase it, simply wipe it with a sponge, damp cloth, or wipe. According to the manufacturer, it can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle, although we haven't tested it. If you don't want to risk it, hand-wash the fabric you've sewn onto the back using a soft brush and leave it to dry flat.
Now let's look at the ten crafty ideas with chalkboard fabric:
1. Roll-up fabric chalkboard.
This is the most common and popular use. It's perfect for taking anywhere and keeping the kids entertained, but it can also be useful for leaving messages around the house, writing down your grocery list, jotting down reminders… You can make them tiny or large, depending on how you want to use them. We have a brand-new tutorial to teach you how to make them.
2. All kinds of tablecloths.
For home, for a picnic, or as individual placemats with each guest's name. Setting (or painting) the table has never been so much fun, for you or for your little artists. Take a look at the original idea in the photo, where they write the type of cheese, the type of wine, and how to pair them.
3. Flag bunting.
With chalkboard fabric, your bunting will work for all your events, you only have to write what you're celebrating on each occasion. You can also hang it in the kids' room and let them decorate it with their own drawings. That way, they can change them whenever they want.
4. Grocery bags.
Do you forget your grocery list at home? With this idea, that will never happen again because you can carry the list written on the bag. Plus, since it's a strong and durable fabric, you won't have to worry about the weight.
5. Fabric books for learning numbers and letters.
Another idea we love. To help little ones learn the basic symbols of writing. Take a look at photo number 5—isn't it great?
6. Pillows.
Wonderful for decorating and leaving all kinds of messages, although using them to rest your head may not be the best idea in the world. Unless you want a “chalkboard face” as a transfer.
7. Gift tags or embellishments.
You can create super-original gift wrapping like the kind in the photo, or make the tags separately and write on them who each gift is for. This is especially interesting for special occasions such as weddings, although you can also use them as labels—for example, for items in your shop, homemade jam jars… for everything!
8. Appliqués on kitchen aprons.
We've seen some incredibly fun aprons using this idea. Embroider the cook's name on the apron followed by “is cooking…” and sew the chalkboard-fabric appliqué underneath so you can write the day's menu. You can also simply personalize it to write the chef's name, as in photo no. 8.
9. Reusable signs.
With a good-sized piece of chalkboard fabric, place one piece of wood along the top edge and another along the bottom edge so you can hang it and the weight keeps it nicely stretched out. You now have a wonderful sign for your events, parties, celebrations, your shop, or simply to hang in any corner of your home and decorate however you like.
10. Covers for notebooks, albums, planners, etc.
You can also use chalkboard fabric to cover these kinds of items. You can draw on them, add a title without worrying about having to change it in the future, keep track of their contents… Whatever you can think of, remember that you can write and erase as many times as you like!
Do you want to start working with it right away? Head over to our shop to get some chalkboard fabric, and don't miss the new tutorial for making a portable fabric chalkboard.
Do you have more crafty ideas for chalkboard fabric? Leave them in the comments and share them with the rest of our readers!