I don’t regret turning our dining table into a chalkboard. We’ve already had some of the most amazing conversations and connections.
I think everyone should involve drawing and doodling with there dinnertime. It’s simply got my family talking!
But I know not everyone will make such a drastic choice.
The other night, we made heart charts (drew what was in our heart). It was such a sweet time. I was going to share it with our dear family friends, but I knew they would never go for painting their beautiful table.
And that’s when I realized: I can give them chalkboard placemats for their table for Christmas! It was fun and easy to make and I enjoyed creating The Family Table Talk Guide {Free Printable}:
[I found $1 hard plastic placemats that had a cool design. I only painted one side, so the back still looks neat].
[I painted mine outside and found it works better with more than one coat].
Add this printable:
The Family Guide: Table Talk
Add some chalk and a festive ribbon:
And give it to someone you love!
this has to be one of the most awesome-est things ever!!! I am SO going to make these!!!! And one idea would be to invest in a pack of chalkboard markers (like they use at coffee shops?) so you don’t have to deal with yucky chalk dust at the table! So awesome!
Such a great idea!
I love this idea. You are right … I am not brave enough for my whole table. What a great idea.
Ok… so where can I get the chalkboard paint? Lowe’s? Walmart? We are so rural… and behind the times… I wonder if they will have it.
hugs
I found some on Amazon and thought I’d answer your comment. You can have it delivered right to your door.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=chalkboard+paint+black&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=8117790819&ref=pd_sl_1ht95cdug0_b
yes, WalMart!
You can make your own also!! ….in any color you’d want (if you don’t want black)! The recipe is 2 tablespoons of unsanded grout for every 1 cup flat latex paint. Here is a link to a tutorial I found on Pinterest months ago: http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2010/diy-craft-projects/diy-make-your-own-custom-colored-chalkboard/
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea.. and can’t think of a better gift for the families on my list!!!
Cute Idea! I think that you could to this with dry erase markers on a plain placemat too if you can’t find chalkboard paint or don’t want to deal with chalk.
thats great, would love them…
Seriously great idea. Thanks for sharing it!
LOVE this!
Kristen,
Thanks for sharing your creativity!
This is such an awesome idea! I love it!!! Can’t wait to make some for Christmas presents
I seriously think the entire table is an AWESOME idea! My kids would love it! Now, I just have to get the man on board.
love, Love, LOVE this idea, Kristen!!! I have a family on my Christmas list that I wasn’t sure what to do with…this is the perfect way to do it! BTW, I’m pinning this.
This is a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing!
How well does the table clean off with the chalkboard paint? I love the idea, I just don’t want to worry about it scrubbing off when my kids spill their dinner all over it.
That is SO great!! Thanks for the awesome idea!
cute!
xo,
Kim
Love the blackboard table top. However it would get our long sleeves all chalky-dirty. I hate that I’m using getting dirty as a reason to not be creative but, clothing is sometimes expensive. LOL I admire your creativity!
thank you!
i loved this idea! and the table talk guide!
going to use it for myself and as a christmas present. it’s just perfect!
thanks again:)
They make chalk board contact paper too, that might be a little more washable. I’m going to try it. Thanks for the idea!
I’m the same as Kriswithmany – I LOVE the idea of painting the entire table, however with young kids who frequently spill both wet and dry stuff, I wonder how it would clean up of regularly sprayed with lysol or other household cleaners – would the paint come off eventually? Eagerly awaiting your reply, as this may well be one of the projects near the top of my list for 2012!