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As a kid, I loved to doodle. I often found myself imitating the Pink Floyd lettering on my folders while in high school. Sometimes my creations would become more formal and sophisticated, but I loved to try my hand and recreate my favorite fonts. I realize now that doodling is truly the best practice for developing a steady hand.
As I prepare for tomorrow’s DIY Workshop “Handmade Chalkboard Art” it got me to thinking about how sophisticated lettering and fonts really are. It’s not easy to imitate fonts freehand. So I started to research methods that artists used in the old days to create perfect lettering and signage.
I came across this video (warning: foul language ahead)…these are very “colorful” characters, but skilled craftsman who offered their “two cents” on this style of art.
I tend to do things the old fashioned way. So maybe I’m one of those characters? One day I will embrace all of the new technology that’s available, but for now, the old fashioned way is what I will teach in tomorrow’s class.
Reserve your spot for my workshop tomorrow where I will teach you how to DIY your own chalkboard art (using an image of your choice). Here we will imitate many of the techniques used by the artists from the good ol’ days. 
* Chalk (real chalk, just like your teachers used) – newer pieces are needed at least 1″ long. (OPTIONAL: Chalk “pens”)
* A pencil & a sharpener
* Small Chalkboard (for practice) approx. 8″ x 10″
* PRINT AN IMAGE: Print an image on regular 8 1/2′ x 11″ printer paper (be sure to choose a simple image for this session).
* Small & Medium Artist Brushes
* Cup of Water
* Baby Wipes (or Clorox wipes, or wet cloth/paper towels)
Lisa zais says
Hi Jeannette,
Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas! Simply beautiful. I am looking for a some holiday gift ideas. Something that doesn’t look like I made it. Lol. Your ideas and creations are gorgeous. I was looking on your site for where I could purchase the adhesive stencils. Love the pillows.
Thanks so much,
Lisa
Jeanette says
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for your kind words. My brother in law ended up selling his business so my stencil idea is on hold for now. If there is a design that you are interested in I can send you the vector and you can possibly have it done for you at a local printer if you’re interested. If I get this going again someday I will definitely let you know! thank you for your interest and kind words :)
Elaine says
I’m so pleased I discovered your blog today – quite by accident – on Hometalk. From what I’ve seen so far, I’m going to thoroughly enjoy it as I love everything I see. That backsplash is a brilliant idea and I love the chocolate brown with white stenciling! Love the kitchen makeover but you still retaining the cupboards. Anybody can transform a kitchen if they have the money to call in the pros but it is much more exciting to see REAL people pull it off. I am really, really surprised to read that you answer EVERY comment!! Wow!! When do you sleep or eat? There’s a very popular blog that I enjoy and follow every day but it is disheartening when you ask a question and never get an answer! I can fully understand a blogger not answering ten questions about her living room wall color -when she has already given it in her post – but not so much other intelligent questions. Needless to say, I am very impressed from what I’ve seen and you now have a faithful reader!
Jeanette says
Thank you, Elaine! I’m so glad you found us! The comments are starting to come much faster than usual – but I’m happy about that and for Hometalk’s support. I am trying to change the blog a bit now that I’m doing it full time and not working. I hope I can keep up!