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Create a versatile chalkboard backdrop for your next party using an old classroom map!
As you know, we love parties at our house and I look for any excuse to hold a party.
I love finding fun, new and creative ways to decorate for parties and I especially love decor that I can use over and over again for various parties and themes.
Today’s party backdrop is fun and versatile.
Can you guess what I made it out of? It’s an old school retractable map!!
Now if you don’t have one of these just laying around your house, you can get yourself one on ebay for $30-40.00 That’s where I got mine! Mine also came with a bonus of two other maps!
How to Make A Chalkboard Backdrop
- Cut off any extra maps so there is just one map attached. I just cut off the more interesting of the two maps – for a possible future project.
- Remove the metal casing that it comes with because of the weight of it. It will be easier to hang on the wall with out it.
- You won’t need it to retract anymore. You can just roll it up when you aren’t using it.
- Using black chalkboard paint, paint over entire surface of the map.
It took about 3 coats of paint to cover it. It was then ready to be chalked.
What Kind of Chalk Should I Use?
I used regular chalk on it instead of chalk pens because I would be erasing it and regular chalk erases better than chalkpens.
I had a bridal shower I was hosting and I wanted to use it as the backdrop to our serving table. Because my chalk art skills are limited, I called in a friend to help me with the chalk art.
Since it was a bridal shower we went with the words from an old Beatles song – All you need is love!
Hannah did such a great job and she just free handed it all – no tracing or lines!
It made the perfect backdrop for our bridal tea party and the pretty bride to be!
How to Hang a Chalkboard Backdrop?
I used Commando hooks and some string to hang it on the wall.
I may just leave it hanging in my kitchen for a while I like it so much. Can’t wait to use it again at our next party. It would be a fun chalkboard photo backdrop too.
More details on our bridal tea party go here.
Other party backdrop ideas:
- Polkadot Backdrop
- How to Create Your Own Party Backdrop
- Graduation Party Decor
- Crepe Bar Bridal Shower
Carolyn says
Can you buy the back drop of the brooms. I love this… Thank You
Leigh Anne says
A friend drew it for me.
Tuccy says
Would this work on a projector screen instead of a map? The materials are completely different. What do you think?
Leigh Anne says
Not sure how the paint would adhere to it but it might be worth trying!
Anna N says
Thanks LA for sharing this, awesome project. One question, will brown paper work? What’s your map size? I’m thinking of using brown paper, wonder if it’s big and thick enough to be painted w/ chalkboard paint.
Leigh Anne says
Anna, This was an old classroom retractable map and measures about 68 inches by 50 inches so it is big. It also is heavy fabric like paper. I am not sure if brown paper would work – it might ripple too much from the paint??
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Leigh Anne, the tip on the retractable map is one I am storing in my noggin’ for the future! Brilliant! (Pinned it, too.)
Had fun joining you ladies for the blog hop this round, representing Or So She Says! Happy weekend to you!
Warmly,
Lauren
The Thinking Closet
Leigh Anne says
Thanks Lauren! It was fun to have you in the blog hop!
Lolly Jane says
Love love love this, LA!!! Gorgeous and clever! Adore it!!
xo
Leigh Anne says
Thanks girls! It is still hanging in my kitchen – may leave it there permanently!!