Chalk Board Trays are a GREAT gift for teachers! Super Simple too! First- go to a VOA or Salvation Army and purchase a bunch of funky vintage silver trays. Purchase some Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan….in any color you love. Think out of the box when it comes to the color of Chalk Paint™ for your black board. It does not have to be the traditional Graphite. Darker Chalk Paint™ colors like our Florence, Aubusson Blue, Provence, Olive, Primer Red and Greek Blue would be great too!

Paint 3 to 4 coats – let each coat dry in between the next. Once done- let the paint cure for a day or so. Some people will take the side of a stick of chalk and rub it all over the chalkboard first – as so to “prime” it. I don’t think this is necessary- but feel free. I do suggest rounding the tip of a new piece of chalk prior to using so the corner is not sharp.

If you want to make the most of this idea….buy a Chalk Paint sample pot and make a gift “basket” for your favorite teachers. Take the tray- set flat on table. Place sample pot, sponge paint brush and box of chalk in to a tulle gift bag from Hobby Lobby or Micheal’s Crafts and tie to silver tray with ribbon OR place all items on the unpainted wrap tray and then wrap with either mesh ribbon or a large piece of tulle.

Important note to share on the gift card is to please do not use chalk markers. Traditional chalk pieces were best in regards to clean up. And for cleaning your Black board….use a wet/damp cloth. The first time you clean your Chalk Paint™ Black Board- you may get a small amount of residual color…but from that point forward- you will not.

This same application concept of making a Black Board applies perfectly for walls, or any other surface like clay pots, glass containers, etc. The one below is what I painted in my store workshop area. This “chalk board” gets some serious use and holds up incredibly!!!!!