Chalkboard United States Map

Hey there! We hope you’ve been having a fabulous summer so far. Holly & I have been getting in tons of visits and sister time over the past few months and it has been so fun! We get to be together again this weekend for the 4th and I can’t wait!

This fun Chalkboard United States Map post has been on my to-do list for a few months  – since Snap Conference back in April. It’s a conference for bloggers and it’s pretty much my favorite weekend of the year. This year Holly helped me make a Chalkboard US Map for my SNAP secret sister – and I’ve been dying to make one for myself ever since!

Here’s a cool story for you. A few weeks before the conference I spotted this US stencil at the store and picked it up – with a not a clue what I would do with it. Days later I found out my Secret Sister loved anything with the United States on it. Fate, people! Crafting FATE! As I usually do, I procrastinated finding anything to use the stencil on until literally the DAY BEFORE the conference. During my Hail Mary trip to D.I. (our local thrift store) I found this perfect little chalkboard for 2 bucks. It was the perfect size and a little roughed up and the frame was stained a good color and…yeah. Here’s the one I’m talking about – that we gave to the awesome Christine, owner of Vintage Yard Sale Utah.

Check out how easy this was to put together. I found the stencil (DCWV brand) at JoAnn Fabric and Craft for under $5. I didn’t even know permanent chalk markers existed, but I’m a big fan now! (Just don’t mess up! ha!) I love that they look like regular chalk but I don’t have to worry about smudging or erasing.

A little strip of washi tape in each corner held the stencil in place while I started with the chalk marker. (Thanks for the tip, my sis!)

I can never resist a sneak peek to make sure everything is looking good!

When all the states were outlined, I pulled off the stencil and fixed a few spots by adding a thicker marker line. Now to my favorite part – the hand lettering! I’ve always loved Holly’s handwriting, so I made her write “Land that I Love” along the bottom of the board. (In the original she did Land of the Free, which I loved too.) After Holly’s lettering I decided to paint the frame white and distress it a little.

With the 4th just around the corner, my new chalkboard will be proudly displayed on our mantel large IKEA shelf with other red, white and blue decor. However, I totally think this could stay up all year with how neutral it is! I’m excited to keep it up well past the holiday weekend.

What are your plans for the long weekend? I’m trying to squeeze in a few more ideas this week for any holiday procrastinators like myself, so watch for those! Have a great day!