Repurpose Anything into Handmade Magnetic Chalkboards even Pumpkins

Is that a chalkboard pumpkin? 

Why yes it is a chalkboard pumpkin, why do you ask?

That's Right, anything can make a chalkboard. It started with a kitchen wall for my pre-schoolers. I hadn't discovered magnetic paint yet. I bought a black can of chalkboard paint (green didn't go with my decor) and painted an entire wall. It made a fun, new place to teach spelling and math for our homeschoolers.  Enjoy!

Make a Plastic Pumpkin Painted with Chalkboard Paint.

That's our chalkboard on the wall behind Jake.

It's Kitschy ~ I signed into Etsy and saw someone selling horse statues they had painted with chalkboard paint. Well, a light went off in my head. I love to create 'stuff' from junk. I repurpose everything I can to help make the world a better place. :) 

How to make a magnetic chalkboard pumpkin 
for fun fall homeschool lessons.

Well, hello there, proud, magnetic pumpkin!

Start with a plastic pumpkin. You can find them at Michael's and JoAnn's. Sand the pumpkin lightly so the paint will take hold.  Then add 2-3 layers of magnetic paint. It is imperative that you let it dry 24 hours between coats. When magnets stick to it you're done.

Paint a chalkboard on your wall like this one behind Mayhem.



You can eve make your own magnets from re-purposed puzzle pieces painted with a silly character. I have so many advertiser's magnets (flat ones from doctor's offices). I cut them up and hot glue them to the backs of things. Here are some cool magnets from the NURTURE STORE.

Originally, I used a can of chalkboard paint and a brush. Then, I discovered chalkboard spray paint...  Awesome!  I had concerns that it would run, but it was excellent and left no messy brush strokes! Again, you must wait 24 hours between coats. Patience is a virtue for a reason. I used two coats allowing it to dry for 24 hours before prepping for chalk. To prep, color the entire item with chalk and let it set overnight. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

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