Chalkboard Decor with Quilling Paper Art

I’m really enjoying dreaming up unique and exciting quilling paper tutorials for this site.

But, with all the prep and practice for each how-to comes lots and lots and lots of quilling bits lying around my workspace.

After looking at the quilling paper mums that I had made a few weeks back for a while, I was really motivated to find the perfect way to show them off around the house. 

Then I had the idea to work up a little chalkboard decor with quilling paper art!

First, I gathered some supplies.

I decided to use a simple wooden plaque that I had picked up from a thrift store.

The only other supplies you’ll need are a sharp pencil, some glue, the quilling that you’d like to add, and some chalk or a chalk marker.

I choose to add some big autumn colored mums. And I’m also adding some moss green quilling paper swirls to my mums for a little extra pizzazz.

I added a few coats of this chalkboard paint to the center. The directions read to apply two coats and let cure for 24 hours.

Once it was dry, I sanded the edges and dinged the entire surface with a screwdriver to add a slightly rustic look.

You’ll also want to prep the chalkboard surface by rubbing chalk all over the paint and wipe it off.

The text for this project is totally up to you!

I went with a simple “Give Thanks” so I could use this plaque for my Thanksgiving decor.

After I had decided on the saying, I printed out a few different fonts and sizes, then chose the one that would fit my chalkboard the best.

Now here’s the big mystery for adding copying text to a chalkboard!

Turn the paper over and rub the entire surface with your pencil. Make sure all of the areas behind the text are covered.

Place the paper right side up again on the chalkboard, exactly where you want the writing to go.

Very carefully, trace the outlines of each letter of the text with a sharp pencil. Outlining the letters will leave a faint copy of the text once the paper is removed.

This was tricky to photograph, but it truly does show up in person. If you’re having some trouble seeing the outlines, move towards a bright light!

Then, just fill in the outlines with your chalk. Easy peasy and carrots!

Now, I find chalk markers are a little waxy tough to work with, but you use what you’ve got. I’m using some of Moose & the Bean’s sidewalk chalk!

Once you’ve gotten your chalk writing just the way you like it, add your quilling embellishments with a dab of hot glue.

(By the way, I’ve just gotten a new hot glue gun and it’s officially my favorite toy. I’ve had a couple hot glue gun duds in the last few years, and this works like a dream!)

If you’re planning on reusing your chalkboard for other seasons and you don’t want your quilling to be permanent, try glue dots. I haven’t been able to give this a try, but it may work. But wood plaques are pretty inexpensive, so you might rather make a few for different times of the year!

Next time, I’ll probably use a different font, but I’m pretty happy over all!

I have so many ideas for how I can incorporate chalkboard decor with quilling paper art for other holidays!

I’m already planning on a “Joy” plaque with Christmas ornaments and a cheery “Think Spring” with some of my daffodil flowers. 

Do you have any other ideas on combining quilling and chalkboard? I’d love to hear your inspiration! Leave a comment below!