What is a Chalkboard Printable, Anyway?

If you’re ever on Pinterest (and who isn’t?), you’ve probably run across chalkboard printables, like this……

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Or this….

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I’ve always thought chalkboard printables were so cute, but wondered,

“What the heck do you do with these?”

Well after searching around on various sites, I figured out that chalkboard printables are exactly what they sound like.

They’re meant to be printed out and placed in a frame.

Depending on the quality of the printable, they can look just like regular chalk on a chalkboard (only prettier than most of us could ever do by hand).

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The next thing I needed to figure out was how to print them.

I’m sure there are several ways to do this and other office stores that you can use, but this is the method that I came up with:

1. Go to OfficeDepot.com, hover over “Copy and Print”, and click on “Copies and Flyers”.

2. Choose your method (delivery or in-store pickup). I’ve only done the in-store pickup.

3. Choose the file that you want to upload and click continue.

4. Click “yes” to confirm that it’s not a copyrighted item. (I always click on the image in Pinterest to go to the site that the printable originated from to make sure that it’s free and to download the image. )

5. Then you will need to modify the output size. Get the measurements of your frame and put them into the custom size like this…

6. Save your changes, confirm that you want to change the output size, save again, and pay.

 

I think you get a lot of bang for your decorating buck with these.

My 16 x 20 chalkboard printables only cost about $1.20 each!

Here’s the one I had in my frame during Christmas…..

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Here’s another one that I like…

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Here’s a couple of extra tips that I’ve discovered….

* If your printable is too thin, attach it to a piece of poster board before placing it in the frame.

* Some printables will be more faded looking and will more closely resemble regular chalk. Others will have more crisp white lines and look more like a chalk marker.

* Check the resolution. The printables that I’ve used have been high resolution and look fine at the size I need (16 x 20).

* You can also try ordering engineering prints on Staples.com for larger sizes.

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I know there are tutorials on making your own printables and I’ll be sure to let you know if I ever get industrious enough to try one!

Or if you know an easy way to make a chalkboard printable (without Photoshop), won’t you please give me the scoop? I have a specific quote in mind.

Otherwise I’ll just take care of it the old-fashioned way and write it with real chalk.