How to make a rustic DIY wood slice chalkboard to share fun messages and memos.
Big time crafting has been happening at the cottage lately. It must be the time of year because I always find myself wanting to craft like crazy.
One thing that I've been wanting to make for awhile was a chalkboard for our cargo trailer conversion.
I've been putting it off but when Gorilla Glue challenged me to try their Brush & Nozzle Glue for a project, I knew it would be the perfect excuse to make my chalkboard.
Rustic Wood Slice Chalkboard Supplies
- Gorilla Super Glue
- different size small wood rounds
- sheet of 5mm underlayment
- chalkboard paint
- painter's tape
- foam brush
- tape measure
- razor knife
- suede cording
The whole idea was to make this a rustic chalkboard that I could hang in our RV. I really wanted something in the camper that I could change whenever the mood struck.
You know...somewhere that I could display our next destination or fun memos.
As is the norm for me, this was a super simple project to do. It took some time, because the chalkboard paint had to dry and cure, but it was really easy.
To start this project, the first thing I did was to cut my underlayment to size using a sharp razor knife.
Next, I measured and marked the board to determine where the chalkboard would go. I only wanted to paint the middle with chalkboard paint so I laid a few wood rounds out to determine the best size and placement of the border.
With the border figured out, I taped off the area to be painted with painter's tape and then painted the middle with chalkboard paint.
4 coats, each painted in a different direction (and 4 hours between coats).
After the last coat, I removed the painter's tape and let the chalkboard paint cure for 3 days (as per the instructions).
While I waited for the paint to cure, I started attaching the wood rounds with the Gorilla Glue.
There was no rhyme or reason to the placement of the wood rounds. I just tried mix up the sizes.
As hard as I tried to not have any gaps between wood rounds, I did end up with a few.
For the really big holes, I filled them with pieces of wood rounds that I just snipped off, and attached with a little bit of glue.
After my frame was complete, I was able to season my chalkboard. I'm sure you all know by now how to do this. You need to use the side of the chalk to cover the whole chalkboard, first with vertical strokes and then horizontal.
With the board covered, I used a clean, damp rag to clean off the chalk to reveal my seasoned chalkboard.
I wanted to be able to hang my chalkboard, and take it down when we are traveling, so I drilled two small holes in the top and knotted on a piece of suede cording.
The chalkboard was done and ready to hang but I needed a hook.
I wanted something rustic to go with the look of the chalkboard, so I decided to whip up my own creation.
Supplies For Wood Round Hook
- 2 wood rounds, 1 small and 1 medium
- wood screw
- drill
- Gorilla Glue Brush & Nozzle
Instead of using a store bought hook or, Heaven forbid, a plain, old screw, I decided to make my own rustic hook.
I went with the supplies I already had and used 2 wood rounds and a screw. I didn't want to be able to see the screw so I predrilled a hole in the wood round.
Then I used a countersink bit so that the screw head was flush with the wood round.
Next, I used the handy brush applicator to apply a generous amount of glue around and on top of the screw and smallest wood round.
After that, I centered the big bigger wood round on the smaller wood round (hiding the screw head).
Voila! A one-of-a-kind wall hook.
I had so much fun doing this project and I'm excited to change out the chalkboard when we're out on the road.
Kimberly says
I haven't read all the posts yet, but I really hope Gorilla Glue is available in Canada. I love how you paired the hook to compliment the chalkboord. So cute!
Kristi says
Hi Kimberly! I do think that Gorilla Glue is available at Home Depot in Canada. Hopefully you will be able to find it. Thanks for stopping by.
Deborah says
Underlayment--so light but still substantial. This is a perfect fall project--can't wait to try it!
Starr says
Love your crafts
ckm says
What a great project that can be used in any room of the home! Love the brush attachment on the glue
Kristi says
Thanks so much Cynthia! I loved the brush attachment too. So useful.
Rose says
I'm not sure what I need to do to get in the drawing. But I love Gorilla Glue. I've used it for years. It is even better with the clear Gorilla Glue!
Kristi says
Hi Rose! Thanks for entering! To get your name in the drawing you need to go to the giveaway box at the bottom of the post. Where it says "Comment on this blog post", click on the box with the "+2" and enter the name you are entering under. To add 2 more entries, you can refer a friend. Again, click on the "+2" and enter a name and email. If you have any issues, please reach out again. Good luck!
Vontreva Gammel says
I love the wood slices, I have an old mirror this would be perfect for!
Myrna says
So many comments ! Love the creative chalkboard. Give a hundred women some Gorilla Glue and see what happens. Thanks for the giveaway. Christmas is coming and a gift card would be super.
Carolsue says
Those are so cute! I wish I had more of a creative side so I could do something like this!
Julie Briones says
Look at all those comments! Woot! Still love this project!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Julie! 🙂
Cynthia Nessel says
What a great idea. The project looks great!
Denise says
I use Gorilla Glue for anything that needs to be fixed with glue. Gorilla Glue is the best and they keep coming up to make it even better.
Charlotte says
What a nice way to use wood Might have to try Keep the good work coming
liz says
Perfect for my rustic game room. The chalkboard we are using now will look so much better with the addition of wood rounds added to the border.
MrsSW says
Interesting project.
Seems like after one use the brush wouldn't be a brush anymore.
Laura Harrie says
I will get the Gorilla glue with the brush, love that glue just don’t want it on my fingers anymore!
Linda Manuel says
Gorilla Glue is the BEST! Home Depot is not far behind. Thanks for sharing your creativity.
Lisa Kissner Cooper says
So cute!
Kimberly Derringer says
Just used Gorilla glue yesterday! Love this project, you are so creative!! I have a grandson that I would love to go to Home Depot and get goodies to help make his room here at mamaw's feel like home!!
Nancy H says
Such a neat project!
Norma Fisher says
Love Gorilla Glue.
Lou Ann says
What a great project for a rainy day.
Ginny says
What a cute rustic project! I did not know about this gorilla glue product thanks for sharing.
Amanda says
What a fun project! We are in the process of building me a craft room or as my husband calls it my "she shed". The gift card would be a great help! Thanks for your fun blog!
?Freda Butler says
I could use some Gorilla glue right now. I have a drawer that needs glueing.
Annette says
I've never tied Gorilla glue. I'll have to check i tout.
Lisa Ann Smith says
I'm not a crafty or creative person, but I feel confidant that I can do this awesome project! Thanks for sharing!
Lin says
What an adorable idea for a chalkboard! Thank you for the chance for the Home Depot give-a-way. Enjoy your day!
Amanda P says
What a cute chalkboard! I always enjoy decorationsI can personalize. Thank you for the kind giveaway; we need a storm door!
Rae says
Your chalkboard is adorable!
Sharon D. says
This is such a neat project! Thank you for the detailed tutorial! We love Gorilla Glue too!
Debbie says
I love Gorilla glue! We use it for just about everything.
Susan Scimeca says
What a great idea! I'll have to try it. Thanks for the share.
Julie Briones says
Again... great DIY tutorial... love the rustic hanger. I'll be featuring this on Tuesday Turn About tomorrow, and sharing about your give-away, too! 😉
Kristi says
Thanks so much Julie! I appreciate the feature and sharing my giveaway! 🙂
Starr says
Your chalkboard is absolutely adorable. Genius way to hang it! Love it!
Joy says
Cute idea! I love the wood slice border. Yay for Gorilla Glue!
Lynne says
I love your chalkboard creation. I just found your blog and I love it already. I have been a Gorilla glue fan for years. I love that they have expanded their offerings. Home Depot is my “go to” for anything DIY.
Robin says
I love this. When I was little my grandmother did this to her front door of her cabin. Bet it would have been easier if she would have had Gorilla Glue.
Michelle Cotter says
I just discovered you thanks to an email from @exquisitelyunremarkable. I can tell I'm going to love your blog!
Kristi says
Welcome Michelle!!!
Constance Colvin says
Thanks Kristi!
Edy says
How lovely this chalkboard is...
so many ways to leave a message
Shopping list
Verse of inspiration ...
And many more....
Tracie Cooper says
I love your project! My hubby uses Gorilla Glue for all of his household projects!
Tyneisha says
We are huge fans of Gorilla Glue and Tape around here!
Linda Egan says
I LOVE Gorilla Glue!! It's the best!
susjc says
What a clever idea! And it's something you can use all year round, too! Thanks for sharing!
Naomi. says
That is really cute! It looks a little labor-intensive for me! And I'm wondering where you acquired the wood rounds. Did you buy them somewhere or make them yourself? Making them yourself might require more patience than I have! It's a very creative way to make a chalk board, though.
Anne Pik says
Love your project! While I've seen Gorilla glue I haven't seen this product. Thanks for sharing the offer!
Phyllis Jobe says
Would love to win your giveaway. Thanks, Phyllis
Vicki Obenhaus says
So cute! Thanks for showing us how to do this!
Denise says
gorilla glue is the best, always have it on hand. The chalk board was cool, I have painted with chalkboard however, it shows the brush marks any tips on how to eliminate them
Thanks for sharing your RV renovation.
Terry Moore says
After seeing a commercial for Gorilla Glue, I knew that I had to try it. I LOVE it and it really works!
Carol says
This is a wonderful piece of wall art, Kristi! Love it!
Sue Grams says
This is a great way to incorporate new textures. I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Frani says
Love your rustic frame, but I enjoy seeing all your great projects. Would love to win HD gift card! One of my favorite places to trade!
Kim R says
Very cute! I especially liked the design of the hanger.
Trena Cable says
What a super cute craft. I have a bag of wood slices I've been saving.
susan morris says
Love this project and also love Gorilla Glue - we use it all the time for crafts and fixing things 🙂
Tiffany Kerley says
I love how you made your own hook!
Jill J. says
What a fabulous idea & perfect execution, Kristi! I love the frame made from the wood rounds. Perfect outdoorsy theme for your new RV. Thanks for sharing another wonderful idea with all the how-to's 🙂
Susan Primrose says
Cute as a button!
Peggy says
Super cute and rustic. You nailed it!
Jean Anderson says
That is really cute. I love how you finish things off, it makes it look so nice.
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
What a cute idea! You are so creative!
Shelley
KAREN says
Kristi, so cute I would have never thought of this. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the giveaway
Maria says
What a great diy! Lots of beautiful work!
Kim says
Super sweet project and perfect for fall!!
Rebecca says
I am always looking for fun DIY projects that look good. Nice work.
Melissa Storms says
I love the rustic look of this chalkboard. It would definitely fit in with my decor.
Lonna Berridge says
Thank you for sharing your creativity! It is inspiring.
Kathleen Ognibene says
Very cute project, especially for fall. We just bought some gorilla glue to use around the house. It never fails.
Mariah Beaney says
Really great project! It will look so good in your camper.
Anne Horning says
So cute! Rustic but refined and great for lots of spaces!
MARTHAIA says
Very nice ideal,,,,gorilla glue is one of the products I use too..Thanks
Karenann S. says
Looks like a great chalkboard and frame. I can't wait to make it!
Debra Wise says
Love the chalkboard and Gorilla Glue. It works wonders. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. I love crafting and working on old furniture pieces and could use some power tools! Great job.
Donna Gonzalez says
Cute board. Love the wood circles.
Nancy Walden says
Very cute. I'm putting Gorilla Glue on my shopping list!
Laura Harrie says
I really like the hook you made, it finished off the chalkboard perfectly! Super cute project!
Mari says
Love the chalkboard! The wood slices are a great idea!
Amy C. says
What a fun project! I love chalkboards and this one is extra special with the unique DIY frame.
Marlene Stephenson says
The chalkboard is so cute,i have pinned it so i will have it to do,great idea. Minnie will love it too, she needs some decor too. Thanks.
Gail TF says
I’m going to take this cute idea and frame up a photo of autumn leaves
chris tucker says
love the chalk board thanks for sharing xx
Deborah L Pelton says
So cute and useful. Living on Social Security is not super easy for holiday giving lol. Ideas like these are important for my arsenal of gift giving. Thanks so much for a really neat idea. Go have fun in Minnie!
Laura L Webster says
I love this glue! I use it a lot. The chalkboard is really cool!
Pat M. says
I love the Gorilla Glue products. Much more reliable than other brands. Your chalkboard is perfect for your RV and we're all waiting to see Minnie finished and decorated.
The giveaway would be a big help with my garage organization this fall.
Debbie Halcomb says
What a cute idea Kristi. This idea would be great for a picture frame, as Jane said above.
Jane says
What a great idea! Love the look. I hope you don't mind if I copy it a little bit. I live in a log house and this will fit in nicely. I think I will layer the cuts and perhaps use a picture frame. Great job!!
Kaycee says
Hi Kristi, I spied this project on your latest IG story and Minnie is looking amazing!! I love how your newly created chalkboard added the perfect touch of nature and the great outdoors to the inside of Minnie! Love, love, love it my friend!
Pat says
Cute little chalkboard, and it will look great in your Minnie.
Pat
Brenda Lane says
Another great project! You are so creative with the rustic hanger. Keep em coming. Minnie is a lucky girl.....
Carol Rodenbaugh says
You make it look easy but one does have to be somewhat handy to make this craft. I like the woodsy like for a camper. It would also go in a den or kids room.
Stacie Laursen says
Love it.
Pam Kaufman says
I just started using Gorilla glue products this year and I have to say I am very happy with the results! So far I have used the wood glue which I think works so much better and faster than the other brand I used to use.
Pamela says
I love the chalkboard - how creative! Home Depot is petty awesome too!
Allyson Stern Amende says
Love this idea, it’s so cute!!
Tracey Alvernaz says
Hi! What a clever project! Love the rustic look and the great use of Gorilla Glue!
Susan T Blake says
Looking forward to seeing your finished camper! Gorilla Glue is awesome.
Tracy Cool says
I love seeing your re-done thrift finds! I love to craft as well, and am in the process of converting the garage into a special reading/ serene space for my teen daughter. It has been full of obstacles and outside opinions, but I’ve concluded to just make it the way we like like it. The gift card would do wonders for the budget! Thank you for any consideration, and please keep up the inspiring posts!!
Melanie says
Love the chalkboard! Cannot wait to see your camper when it is finished!
Patty says
That is a really cute idea. I'll have to try and make the chalkboard.
ColleenB.~ Tx. says
Hubby uses nothing but Gorilla Glue & tape.
I sure could use that gift card as I have been trying to save up in getting me a nice circular saw.
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway opportunity.
Have a great weekend