Young House Love

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Making A Thanksgiving Gratitude Chalkboard

You probably know of our little Thanksgiving tradition of filling up our homemade “Thanks Jar” with gratitude notes throughout November. We wanted to keep the tradition going this year, but our book tour kept us away most of the month and it got away from us. So this weekend we decided to sneak this tradition in right at the buzzer… while putting a new spin on it thanks to our new chalkboard.

John and daughter both writing on large leaning DIY chalkboard with wood frame

The word art at the top of the board was a joint effort. Sherry searched something like “pretty script” on Pinterest and tried her best to imitate what she saw for the word “thanks.” A curlicue here. A flourish there. Then I got in there with some different colors to shade things in and add “Give” and “2012” in my “man font” as she called it. I think we were moderately successful.

Give Thanks chalk lettering on DIY magnetic chalkboard with wood framed

I actually like doodling different letters and fonts a lot (type geek, represent) but this task nearly got the best of me. Using chalk myself actually gives me the heebie-jeebies BIG TIME. Something about the sound of it. The feel of it grinding against the board. The potential screechiness of it. It doesn’t happen when Sherry or Clara are scribbling away, so maybe it’s the feel of it in my own hand? Yah – it’s weird. But this project was like therapy for my chalk-phobia. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? I can now check “chalk use” off my list of things that I’d prefer never to do in this lifetime. It’s not THAT bad.

Close up of Give Thanks chalk lettering on DIY magnetic chalkboard

Shortly after getting our little piece of art done we got down to showing some gratitude. With the help of about $10 in Target magnets and some spare, cut-up cardstock our little “Thanks Board” was looking more like this by the end of the day:

Leaning DIY magnetic chalkboard with Give Thanks lettering in chalk with gratitude notes

Oh and see those few magnets made from round disks of wood with stripes of paint on them? Those were actually handmade by Megan who gave them to us at one of our signings. She just used small wood disks and some tape + paint + magnets glued to the back. Aren’t they awesome? We love them the most.

We opted to write things that we’re thankful for on paper cards because (a) we could later store them in our thanks jar along with our 2010 and 2011 collection and (b) I could avoid having to write directly on the chalkboard any more than necessary. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

DIY leaning chalkboard with Thanksgiving message and gratitude notes held with magnets

We even got Clara in on the action for the first time ever. It was a bit of a struggle to explain concepts like gratitude and feeling thankful to a 2.5 year old (“Think of things or people that make you happy or glad!”) but she did spit out a few gems. Our hearts melted when she said “Mommy and Daddy make me happy!” A few others were: a balloon, the bookstore, and Bridget’s party (she’s the gal next door who rents a moon bounce (#bestneighborsever).

Large leaning chalkboard with Give Thanks lettering with notecards of gratitude

Here’s a smattering of some of the cards that we each drew up. Since I wrote Clara’s we tried to help distinguish hers from mine by letting her color on her own with crayons. For example, I’m thankful for Skype (especially last week!) and Clara was thankful for Bridget’s aforementioned party (see those festive scribbles?).

Magnetic chalkboard with colorful Thanksgiving gratitude notes held up with fun magnets

Clara got distracted before we finished, though. So, for the record, I’m not the one who’s thankful for her Play-Doh cookie cutters. That’s all her.

Colorful Thanksgiving themed gratitude notes held to magnetic DIY chalkboard

Oh, and warning: kids + magnets can be very dangerous. We had a very firm talk with Clara about the magnets not being toys or food. She’s past the phase of putting anything in her mouth, but we didn’t want her to think the magnets looked like candy or anything. We overheard her later telling Burger that he could “look but not touch them because they’re not yummy and they’re not food and ice cream is yummy and that is food” and had a nice laugh. And in the end (after we shot all these photos) we moved all the smaller round ones up on the board to be completely out of her reach and used the larger not-swallowable ones for the lower area – just to be on the safe side.

Thanksgiving gratitude notes held to magnetic DIY chalkboard with round magnets

We’re really glad we took the time to squeeze this little tradition in again this year because it’s a really satisfying process to write out what we’re thankful to have in our lives… even if they’re just simple things like a good TV show to escape to once a week. Yup, Dexter made the board.

Close up of Thanksgiving gratitude notes on magnetic DIY chalkboard

And while I’m sure we could’ve easily filled the entire board with things, people, and events that we appreciate, we were sure to leave a good chunk at the bottom open for Ms. Chalks-A-Lot.

Toddler girl drawing on DIY leaning chalkboard with Thanksgiving gratitude notes

She clearly didn’t inherit her father’s aversion to the stuff.

Toddler girl standing in front of DIY leaning chalkboard with Thanksgiving gratitude notes

We hope everyone celebrating Thanksgiving this week has some wonderful food, safe travels, loving company, and lots to be grateful for. Heck, here’s wishing the same thing even to those who aren’t celebrating any official holiday. And with that, I can’t help but share our Thanksgiving greeting from last year.

Thanksgiving greeting with chihuahua holding a mouthful of bread

  Oh Burger, you slay me. Happy face-stuffing to one and all!

Looking for more Thanksgiving traditions? Check out these posts:

Thanksgiving Crafts Thanks Jar And Printable

Update: You can check out all of our favorite holiday decor finds here – many of which are under $15! 

Comments

  2. Christine says

    John – I am totally a type geek AND I have a serious chalk aversion! Holla. I always love the way chalkboard walls look but could never do it because chalk makes me shudder.

    Happy Thanksgiving Petersiks! And by the way (apologies if others have been pestering you with this) but any news on when the NYC stop will be rescheduled? SoHo is back and running and ready for you! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, they still aren’t sure if they want to do things in Dec or Jan (just based on holiday stuff at the store, travel booking, etc) but as soon as it’s finalized we’ll shout it from the rooftops!

      xo
      s

  3. Shannon Burke says

    I was the 2nd person to sign up – I’ve been stalking the Living social page since you put up your book tour (since the flor event sold out in a hot second). Yay!

    Reply

  5. Roo @ NiceGirlNotes says

    I FEEL YOU on the chalk.

    I think chalkboards are pretty cool, but I will never allow them in my home because the screechy noises make my blood run cold.

    Can’t. Won’t.

    But your straight man font paired with Sherry’s flourishes look pretty rad. #cooltypography4lyfe

    Reply

  7. kelly says

    Same here, JOhn. Even thinking about writing with chalk sends cold shivers up my spine. It’s happening right now! What is that all about?

    Reply

  9. Ashleigh says

    After Sherry so graciously replied to my fan girl comment last night, I now have a renewed vigor to start leaving more as opposed to being a creeper (: I just wanted to wish your family a Happy Thanksgiving and say that I’m thankful to have YHL. Hope you guys have a wonderful day! (:

    Reply

  10. Emily says

    I have a question I’ve wanted to ask since I saw the chalkboard post. I’m tempted to make one, but I wanted to ask if the chalk is hard to clean up. Does it leave dust and stuff around, or is it pretty easy to vacuum? I teach and keep thinking of the mess in the chalkboard tray :-) But, I’m thinking their quantity is probably a lot different!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Just a wet rag or paper towel on the board is all it takes. We haven’t had it get on the floor or the walls or anything, so we haven’t used a vacuum or anything. Sometimes a little collects on the bottom lip of the frame around the board, but the same wet rag or paper towel grabs it up!

      xo
      s

  14. Megan says

    I was about to buy a Living Social ticket when I realized I’m going to be in Chicago that weekend :( Sounds like a fun event!

    Reply

  16. Shannon says

    GAH I despise chalk and chalkboards too! I am a kindergarten teacher and will be forever thankful that I can teach with white boards and markers, and a SmartBoard! Gone are the days of teachers wiping chalk on their pants! :)

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

    • Danielle E says

      I’ve read that the chalk markers dont work that well on chalkboards made from chalkboard paint. They tend to ghost. Maybe there are certain brands that do work, but I remember reading that you have to be careful with them for that reason.

    • JB says

      Love the chalkboard pens. That’s what Starbucks uses to draw on the chalkboards in their stores. They’re so easy to use and to draw details with.

      But with the ghosting possibility of the pens and the better shading ability of real chalk, I would probably opt for one of those chalk holders. You know the ones that work like cigarette holders. Teachers used to use them when the piece of chalk got too tiny to grip. That way the chalk wouldn’t have to touch your hands at least, so one dislike is averted. *shudder* Loved playing with chalk when I was little, but hate the feel of chalk dust on my hands.

  19. Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says

    I love that tradition (I may steal it if you don’t mind).

    I love the visual of actually seeing how much you have to be thankful for. Not to mention the pretty writing on the chalk board – NICE! :-D

    Have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving. :-D

    Reply

  22. Devon @ Green House, Good Life says

    John — one day after school around 3rd grade, I was writing on the chalkboard while eating a cookie, and I got confused about what was in which hand…so I can tell you, as much as you may not like the feel of chalk, the taste is WAY worse.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  23. Eliza says

    Happy Thanksgiving!!! Even though I don’t know you guys and you don’t know me, I thank you for letting me into your home and lives on a daily basis. You keep me laughing, smiling, and dreaming, and THAT is something to be grateful for :-)

    Reply

  25. Angie says

    You could always color-code and rewrite John’s on blue paper or something, that way 30 years from now you would know play-dough cookie cutters are Clara’s love:) It looks great!

    Reply

  26. Rebekah says

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Petersiks!
    good call on moving the little magnets just in case. maybe it was a lapse in instructing the youngest child on important life lessons, but when I was 5, I swallowed a nickel in kindergarten and had to get an x-ray at the hospital.
    Yes, i was beyond the acceptable age of putting things in my mouth, but sometimes you get bored during naptime

    Reply

    • Rebekah says

      LOL, yes, there is really nothing to do but wait. Not sure if magnets would cause more of an issue though, especially if multiples were swallowed and stuck together (sorry for the visual).
      As the doctor told my parents “this too shall pass”

    • Kara says

      I’m cracking up at your doc’s comment!!! “This too shall pass.” Oh you poor thing… on the other hand, you can definitely say that you pooped money. Not everyone can say something like that…

  27. Noelle says

    Happy Thanksgiving! Hoping to see you in Richmond for the signing! The thanksgiving greeting from last year made my day (too funny :))

    Reply

  29. Jennifer says

    We’re on our second year of our Thanks jar all because of you. We love this tradition so thank you for the idea!! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We hear those are awesome but if you don’t wipe them off a lot (and leave them up for months, which we just might do…) they can stain the chalkboard permanently… so we’re gun-shy about them…

      xo
      s

  33. audra says

    Happy Thanksgiving (or for the UVA fan John is “Happy eat-a-Hokie-bird-day”)! My dad did a little shopping last weekend at a bookstore and bought me your book! He said it’s for my girls to give me. But, before it’s wrapped, I plan on bringing it to Mongrel for you to sign!

    Reply

  35. Caity says

    I have the same chalk aversion. I’m going to school to become a teacher right now and I am seriously thankful that most schools have switched over to white boards. As in so thankful I actually thought about it just the other day when I was observing in a classroom. :)

    Hope you all have a very happy and restful Thanksgiving! Thanks for always supplying your readers with great writing and inspiration.

    Reply

    • Bec says

      Me too! I teach and supervise yr1 & when some whiteboards became available last year I demanded they go into the year one classrooms (and anyone who knows me would know just how unlikely it is for me to demand things from my boss!!

  36. Carolina says

    You inspired me to do my own Thanks jar this year with my family! It has taken some will power not to grab out my husbands pieces of paper to get a sneak peak. It really made me realize how much I have to be thankful for. Can’t wait to read them all tomorrow. Happy Turkey day to you!

    Reply

  37. Allison says

    If it makes you feel any better, chalk gives me the heebie jeebies too. I got shivers reading your description. Eeesh.

    Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  38. Ellen says

    I got the heebie jeebies even THINKING about writing on a chalkboard! You’re not alone!

    Happy Thanksgiving–we had the Canadian version in early October, but I will never pass up the opportunity for more stuffing and pumpkin pie, or giving thanks.

    Happy to hear you’re home safe and sound!

    Reply

  39. Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says

    I LOVE this idea! How wonderful. I really like the new chalkboard addition for the thanks gathering. I think you should do this every year! And way to mix manly and girly chalking skills. The couple who chalks together stays together!

    Reply

  40. Krista says

    Eww, chalk!! Seriously, I can’t touch chalk without getting the heebie-jeebies (wow, that looks strange typed out) and wanting to run away LOL. My husband thinks I am so strange for having an aversion to chalk but this just proves that there are others in the world who are with me!

    I’m thankful for you guys and the inspiration you give me to just go for it when it comes to projects! You gave me the confidence to tackle this latest project:
    http://www.ourwhitepickettfence.com/2012/11/the-big-reveal-headboard.html

    So THANKS!

    Reply

  46. Linda says

    I’m thankful for having basically good health, a good job, healthy kitties, and friends – and for finding your blog a while back. You guys gave me the tutorials, and courage, to do a bit of DIY – including using Sherry’s great short-handled brush to paint trim for the very first time in my master bath, after removing wallpaper and painting that room a few weeks ago. Baby steps, indeed, but steps!

    I’m also thankful I had a chance to meet you in Chicago, and have signed one book to use (and get messy) and one book ‘for nice’. And a West Elm cup storing some make up brushes in the aforesaid master bath – think of you guys and wish you the best every time I see it.

    Best wishes to you and your extended families!

    Reply

  47. Kara says

    It’s so nice to know I’m not totally weird about the chalk aversion thing. I HATE it too! Same goes for the sound of cotton balls scrunching. *shudders*

    Although I will have to check out chalk markers! Thanks Julia! If they work out good, and don’t leave much chalk dust afterwards, I might actually consider getting on board on the chalkboard trend after all.

    That’s such an adorable picture of Clara in smiling at the end, in front of her masterpiece and your thanks!

    Reply

  48. Rachel says

    Love that Clara “teaches” Burger important things, such as not swallowing magnets. I totally did that as a kid except we had no pets so I had to “teach” my stuffed animals.

    Reply

  49. Kathy says

    We finally got around to doing a Thankful jar this year. My husband gave me one of those “really? we’re doing this?” looks when I told him about it on Nov 2 (day late & a dollar short always). But he has been dutifully putting in his “minimum of one thankful thing” each day. We’re going to be apart this weekend (he’s going to his parents, while I’m hosting mine), so he gets a break this weekend. Somedays, it really is a super little thing (like getting the green lights on the way to work), but after Sandy, it’s really helped me be more grateful for everything I have.

    Reply

  50. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    Happy Thanksgiving! I want to do some Christmas drawings/phrases on our chalkboard but I’ll admit that the thought of the dirty, dusty chalk all over my hands is turning me off a bit!

    P.s. I’m thankful for you guys and hope to do an activity like yours tomorrow!

    Reply

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