The other day, while cleaning out the basement, I came across several very thin pieces of wood. I’ve always liked chalkboard-style décor, and I wanted a quick, low-effort project, so I decided to turn them into simple chalkboard signs for the holidays.
Admittedly, I’m procrastinating about putting up the tree, but a few handmade signs here and there can make the seasonal display feel more complete. These small signs are fast, affordable, and easy to change as the season or mood changes.
Materials and Simple Steps
I’ve used this technique before on other projects, like painted bottle labels. For these boards I applied two coats of black chalkboard paint, which covered the wood well and gave a smooth writing surface. Two coats were enough—no fuss, no sanding required for these thin pieces.
To hang the signs, I made small holes in the corners. I used a knife and a screw to create the holes, an old-fashioned trick that worked fine for these scraps of wood. If you prefer, a drill will do the job quickly and neatly.
Curing the Chalkboard Surface
To prepare the boards for writing and prevent ghosting, I “cured” the surface by rubbing it with white chalk and letting it sit overnight. The next day I wiped off the extra chalk with a dry cloth and the surface was ready to use. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference for how the chalk writes and erases.
I keep a small stash of chalk—rescued from kids’ art supplies—which makes this project even easier. A few sticks of chalk are all you need to create messages, names, or seasonal greetings that can be changed whenever you like.
Quick Seasonal Signs
I made a couple of fall-themed signs first—simple, rustic, and cozy—and even my skeptical partner gave them a thumbs-up. The style is flexible: write a different greeting or draw simple seasonal motifs and you can reuse the same boards all year long.
Because these signs are so easy to make, I couldn’t stop at just one set. I cut one longer sign into two pieces and created a “Merry Christmas” board for the holidays. The pieces can be propped against a mantel, leaned on a shelf, or hung from simple twine through those corner holes.
Repurposing a Tube Wreath
A few weeks earlier I had made a decorative tube wreath for Halloween. It was easy to transform that same wreath into a Christmas-friendly piece—just add a burlap ribbon and a few coordinating accents. Small changes like ribbon and a fresh sign can give the wreath a whole new look for the season.
Finishing Thoughts
These chalkboard signs are a great weekend project—fast to make, inexpensive, and endlessly reusable. Hang them, lean them, or cluster a few together for a vignette. Because the surface is chalk, you can easily erase and rewrite a new message for the next holiday or event.
I’ll be using these signs around the house as the holidays approach. What do you think of the tube wreath makeover? I’d love to hear your thoughts or ideas for other quick seasonal swaps.
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Related Projects
How to make a fun tube Halloween wreath — a project that can be adapted seasonally.
Seeing Black — ideas for using large chalkboard surfaces in your home.
The Chalkboard Fall Vignette — simple chalkboard accents for seasonal decorating.
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