[lead dropcap="yes"]One thing we try to be intentional about is turning a space into a home. In doing this, we understand the importance of adding that element of personal touch to every nook and cranny. We caught up with Liz Castro, an amazing servant leader who serves in many different capacities at VOUS. Liz walks us through how to create a really cool calligraphy chalkboard sign, step-by-step.[/lead]

For this project you will need the following:

1. Sketch paper & Pencil
2. Chalkboard or Corkboard
3. Chalk (I use Crayola chalk)
4. Chalkboard paint
5. Multi surface acrylic paint
6. Washi tape
7. Brushes - any would work!
8. Paper towels
9. Chalk Marker (wipes off)
10. Paint Marker (more permanent)

Process

Step 1: Paper Draft

This is where you can play around with placement before spending time on the board.

Step 2: Paint the Board

If the chalkboard is new, then there is no need to paint. If its had chalk on it before, you will notice it never really gets clean. This piece was actually a cork board so a cork board shouldn't give you any problems. Just try a few coats for cork board! Note: make sure you save some time for it to dry!

Step 3: Layout the Basic Structure

I like to use Washi tape to lay out a basic structure because it keeps my lines straight and it wont stick to the board too much.

Step 4: Simple Chalk Outline

This should be a super simple outline and it should be done with a very light hand just to have something to direct you.

Step 5: Go over Chalk Outline with Chalk Pen or Paint Pen

This should be a super simple outline and it should be done with a very light hand just to have something to direct you.

Step 6: Double the Downstrokes

To get this "look" of the thick and thin letters, you need to double all of the downstrokes. So, if you are writing a "J" the trunk down would be thick and the little loop up wouldn't be. Neither would the stick across if you put it at the top. After this, I wipe off the chalk so it's easier to concentrate. Note: if you're using a chalk marker, wiping it at this point will WIPE IT OFF so you either have to write with the chalk super neat or, wipe around the letters as not too smudge the ink.

Step 7: Paint in the Downstrokes

You can do this with the chalk pen or paint pen as if you were coloring with a marker but I usually go with a paint so it's more vibrant.

Step 8: The Clean Up

Once the paint dries, I go over the edges just to make sure everything is straight and smooth.

The Final Product

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