We don't know about you, but we love fall. It's our favorite time of the year for creating unique art and coming up with new ideas on how to decorate our homes with chalkboard art. From the changing leaves to the perfect weather, you can draw inspiration from almost anything. Still, if you need a great idea to get you started, we have you covered.
If you're ready to transform your home, office, or classroom into the perfect fall-themed space, let's jump into it. Happy fall, y'all!
4 Fun Fall Chalkboard Ideas
Whether you're decorating your classroom, home, office, or any of your favorite spaces, a chalkboard is your best friend. They're easy to clean and don't take up a lot of space (especially if you already have one in the room you're decorating). Plus, they effortlessly add a touch of whimsy to any space that can liven up your environment. It's a total win-win!
Before you get started, there are a few things you'll need, including:
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Chalk or chalkboard paint
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Chalk pens or chalk markers
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Stencils (if you're creating intricate designs)
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A chalkboard eraser or cleaning kit
Once you've gathered your supplies, you can start creating magic on your chalkboard! You can also get your little ones involved in making kids' chalk art for a fun fall activity.
1. Create a pumpkin patch theme
One of our favorite things about the fall season is heading to pumpkin patches - and it's a great way to get the kids out of the house. So, why not bring the joy of these patches into your home by designing a chalkboard covered in pumpkins, leaves, and vines?
You can always add some personality to your art by drawing pumpkins of different shapes and sizes. You can also get the family involved by letting each member draw their own pumpkin to add to your patch.
Alternatively, you can do this with your students and add the board to the wall of your traditional or homeschool classroom. Just remember to keep plenty of chalk-based art supplies handy to give each child a chance to sketch their pumpkins.
2. Add your favorite seasonal quotes
If you're creating a chalkboard wall or you have extra space on your board, another great idea is to decorate it with fun seasonal quotes. You can start by picking your favorite quotes and then hand-lettering them in a mix of cursive and block lettering to make your chalkboard more visually appealing.
For some extra flair, add a few drawings that remind you of autumn or fall. For example, some acorns, leaves, or pumpkins can help frame your quotes. You can also use a mix of chalk markers for your lettering and standard chalk for your illustrations to add dimension.
If you've never used these markers before, we'd highly recommend you check out our guide on how to use chalk markers.
3. Thanksgiving ideas
Decorating chalkboards for fall doesn't stop at drawing cute fall-themed pictures. Instead, it can also involve switching up your designs for Thanksgiving! If you want to use your fall chalkboard art during Thanksgiving, here are a few fun ideas to try:
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Draw a cornucopia: Keep your design simple by drawing a cornucopia overflowing with things like apples and corn. If you do want to add a little something extra to your drawing, add a fall quote to the bottom or top of your design.
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Thanksgiving countdown: Another fun idea to help get your family (particularly the kids) in the spirit of Thanksgiving is to create a Thanksgiving countdown. You can do this at the start of November and change the number of days until you reach Thanksgiving.
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Create a Thanksgiving menu: If you're having friends and family over for the holiday, use your chalkboard to display your Thanksgiving menu. It can be as simple or complex as you'd like, but your family is sure to love this idea - especially if you take the time to draw small illustrations of the food you'll be serving.
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Start a gratitude board: Rather than going around the table this year to say what you're thankful for, why not get your family and friends to write it down? That way, you can have their messages on display during dinner.
4. Use it as simple fall decor
Sometimes, having too many pieces of themed decor can be more trouble than it's worth! After all, once the season has passed, you'll need to pack it up again until next year. And if you live in an apartment or a smaller home, adding additional decor to your space can make it seem cluttered.
Rather than having several pieces of decor lying around, decorate your chalkboard to suit the fall theme you're looking for without the clutter. No matter how you decide to decorate it, it should always suit your personality and home's aesthetic.
One of the best things about using chalkboards as decor pieces is that you can always use them again for different purposes. Just be sure to choose a chalkboard that aligns with how you want to use it.
Tips For Fall Chalkboard Art
Here are a couple of tips to use while you create your chalkboard masterpieces.
Use stencils
For a more polished look, consider using stencils in your design. Not only can they speed up the process, but they can also provide you with some inspiration and an easy way to add decorative touches. All you need to do is buy or print out your stencils and place them over the surface of your chalkboard. Then, trace the images you want and fill them in once you've placed the outlines.
Use a combination of chalk and chalk markers
Mixing traditional chalk with chalk markers can create a more dynamic chalkboard design. You can use your regular chalk for shading or background elements, and then outline these components with your chalk markers to create bolder lines. This effortlessly creates contrast and makes your board look more professional and refined.
Start with a clean slate
Cleaning and prepping your chalkboard can make all the difference in how vibrant your designs turn out. If you're using a dirty board with traces of old chalk, it can interrupt your design and make it difficult to create something clean and visually appealing.
Start by wiping your board down with a damp cloth or chalkboard eraser to get rid of any marks or ghosting that have been left behind. If you're a teacher, this step is probably already part of your back-to-school checklist, so you should be all set.
If you have any stubborn marks or other cleaning questions, then be sure to take a look at our chalkboard FAQs. You'll find everything you need to know about maintaining your board!
Plan and sketch first
Planning your design on paper before jumping to your chalkboard can save time and usually leads to better results. Plus, sketching out your ideas lets you visualize your design, including things like your layout and composition. It can also help you to practice your lettering or more intricate designs and perfect them before putting them onto your board.
FAQs
How can I make my chalk art last longer?
If you want your new chalkboard art to last a little longer, there are several things you can do. For example, you can use a fixing spray (which is available at most craft stores) or opt for chalk markers over traditional chalk. Markers usually last much longer and are less likely to smudge than standard chalk. Of course, you'll also want to avoid getting your board wet or keeping it in a room with a lot of moisture.
What's the best way to clean my chalkboard?
The best way to clean your chalkboard is to use a high-quality chalkboard eraser or cleaning kit. But if you don't have either handy, you can always use a damp cloth. If you're using a cloth and struggling with stubborn stains, try a watered-down vinegar solution to get rid of ghosting.
Final Thoughts
A fall-themed chalkboard can add the perfect touch to any room. By using our inspiration and tips to guide you, you can start your new project and transform your space in no time. Just remember to use high-quality materials for the best results!
Don't know where to source top-notch supplies? You can find everything you need (and more) at Loddie Doddie.