Hello there! My name is Emily and I am thrilled to be posting here at A Mom Knows today. I have the pleasure of sharing a tutorial with you that I hope you will find helpful as you plan your summer festivities.

We are coming up on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation open house season, Memorial Day, etc. If you happen to be in charge of decorating for any of those events/holidays, I’m sure your head is spinning with ideas…or maybe you’re just trying to see how you can save a few bucks.

Well, no celebration decor is complete without a banner or bunting, right? What if I told you that you could make ONE custom banner that could be reused over and over again for all your special events this summer? Enter…custom colored chalkboard bunting!!!

Did I mention that it’s easy to make?

Here’s what you’ll need:

1} flat latex paint in any color you want for chalkboard paint {recipe below}

2} non-sanded tile grout

3} sponge paintbrush or little roller

4} card stock {I used manila folders!}

5} twine, ribbon, baker’s twine or whatever you want to use to string the bunting

6} some way to secure the bunting to the twine {sew it, tape it, paperclip, clothespin, etc.} not pictured

I love painting…me and my paint brush are buddies. I am a huge fan of DIY chalk paint, so I was itching for an excuse to make my own chalkBAORD paint. {If you are confused about the difference between these two paints, see HERE for an example and recipe for chalk paint.} A while back, I found a chalkboard paint recipe on Pinterest from Martha Stewart. With only two quick steps, it is so incredibly easy and foolproof.

Step # 1: make your paint

Directions via Martha Stewart

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I didn’t prime or paint my surface before painting it with the chalkboard paint, and it worked fine. If you plan on reusing it a ton, then it might be a good idea to go the extra mile.

Step # 2: paint it

If you have the time, why not add some polka dots or fun stencils for a themed event? The possibilities are endless.

Step # 3: cut it

Need a template for your bunting? No problemo! Here is a template in 4 different sizes and it’s free to boot: chickabug blog.  Want to branch out from the traditional triangular bunting? Check out my Pinterest board “Bunting” for more ideas!

After you have cut out your bunting, secure it to your twine.  If you don’t want to permanently secure your bunting to the twine so you can add/take away later, consider using little clothes pins…

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…or those old school clothes pins you can find at Hobby Lobby for $3 or so…

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I’m sure you can come up with more amazing ideas.

I hope I have inspired you to take this idea and run with it!

If you have some time, swing by and check out my little corner of the blogosphere: Putting Down Roots…I would love to have you! If you are short on time, “like” my page on Facebook and we can catch up later.