Sometimes, you see a cute project that totally inspires you to run out and get the items so that you can start making it. And sometimes, the fabric inspires you, even if you have no clue what you're going to do with. It's dangerous to find yourself in this situation as you can easily end up with a room full of inspiring fabrics. This was one of those times. The fabric? Chalk Cloth! I don't know when or where I first heard about this, but as soon as I heard that there was fabric that could be used as a chalk board, I raced to my computer to order some.
It arrived and I just stared at it. What can I do with it? I must do something as the concept seems to have so much potential. I've seen a few people that have used it to make adorable pillows, but I could only imagine then that the Professor's Assistant would use them for naptime and end up going about his day with chalk dust on his face. I'm also too lazy to spend the time writing backward messages, like "please take out the trash," so that he can be reminded later in a bathroom mirror.
Finally, I came up with the most obvious solution: A message board. Now I can post those friendly message right above the trash can. Brilliant!
This is what I learned in working with chalk cloth. You don't need to pin your pattern. Just use your fabric chalk to trace around whatever shape you want and then cut along that line. It's a lot easier and even though pin holes are normally very tiny, they never go away. Also, any creases you get in the chalk cloth, never seem to go away either. So try and keep it as flat as possible. Which brings me to my next point. Don't use a hot iron on it. A slightly warm iron at the most and even then I put fabric over it to protect it. It won't really get out those creases out but putting a really hot iron will be worse. Trust me. Let's just accept the fact that the wrinkle will never go away.
You can use just regular chalk. I made sure to include a couple of sticks in the pocket on the back. It made for a fun gift. I was able to find chalk at my local office supply store. To erase your chalk marks, just use a damp cloth and it comes off pretty easily. Although, if you tend to write really hard, you'll still faintly see the image even after it's erased.
After all was said and done, this was a fun project to make and you can really get creative with it. I treat the chalk cloth the same as I would treat an applique. You can cut out your board in variety of different shapes.
Just remember: "a little birdie told me it's your turn to take out the trash."
