My Peace Offering To You!

I've severely neglected my blog lately but I hope I'll be forgiven.  Like most of you, I've been busy trying to squeeze in my Christmas decorating and preparations in addition to all of the other daily tasks.  There sure aren't enough hours in the day lately! 

So as a peace offering I'm sharing a free gift I found.  Kristin at Simply Klassic Home has created a wonderful chalkboard look Christmas printable and has offered it as a free download here.  She also has three color versions here. Thank you, Kristin, for creating these and allowing us to use them for free.  The printable are for personal, non-commercial use only.  Please do not sell, redistribute or attempt to recreate the images for sale. 

There are lots of uses for this printable.  If really pressed for time or if you want to keep it simple, just print it out and frame it.  It's formatted as an 8x10.  For any size alterations you will need to open the file in a photo software to make changes.  I wanted to mount mine on a canvas so I opened the file in my Photoshop Elements software and slightly altered the size to fit my canvas.  The front of my canvas was actually 7 5/8 x 10 so I made the change before printing.  This kept me from having to trim the paper that would be hanging off the sides of the canvas otherwise.  You can use regular print paper but I get better results using a slightly heavier, yet still light, cardstock.  You should also print in color to get the best chalkboard look and print it at the highest quality photo printing setting.

This is everything needed to complete this project.

If you mount the print on canvas you will first need to paint the edges with acrylic paint, overlapping a little on the main surface of the canvas.

 After the paint dries thoroughly, put a thin layer of matte Mod Podge on the canvas and another thin layer on the back of the print.  Make sure the edges of the print have enough Mod Podge to hold them down.  Starting at either the top or bottom, place the print on the canvas and slowly "roll" it into place.  From the center, gently press out any air bubbles.  Don't press too hard and make sure your fingers are clean to keep from damaging the paper.  You may also use a credit card to smooth out the bubbles.  The wonderful thing about canvas is that since it is so porous it's easier to get a smooth surface on the finished project.  I found

After the Mod Podge has dried, add another coat to the entire canvas to seal it.  If an additional coat is needed, let dry completely between coats.  Don't worry if the paper seems to bubble up when you cover it with Mod Podge.  It should be smooth when dry.

Your Christmas chalkboard style print is now ready to hang.  You don't even need to add a hanger - just use the wood frame of the canvas!  Or you can prop it up on your mantel, shelf tabletop display.  I can see it in a small plate holder on a Christmas buffet table.

I love quick, simple projects.  Especially when we are all so busy!   Thanks again, Kristin, for your creativity and generosity in sharing this with us.

Project idea and printable from: