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

  1. Audrey P says

    Happy thanksgiving! And you’re not alone – I can’t stand chalk. I grind my teeth the entire time I touch it, and I try to crawl out of skin if I’m also required to use it. Yuck! I have faith that someday I’ll be able to put my aversion aside… Someday…

    Reply

  2. Priscilla says

    I just love your thankful tradition. Your blog is my first morning read of the day. I am thankful that you share your creativity with us every day. Wishing your entire family a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.

    Reply

  3. Amy says

    You MUST get you some chalk markers. Squeak- and dust- free, they make perfect obedient clear bright lines. So you get the white board ease without the white board boring.

    Reply

  4. JillM says

    I can’t believe nobody knows this (figured someone would have commented on this already) but if you take your regular old chalk and dip it in water before you write, it doesn’t make the sounds everyone hates. It also writes smoother, and doesn’t “skip”. I used to be a waitress and this is what we did for writing the specials on our board. Once the wet chalk dries on the board it looks nice and pretty. Just a tip for ya! Happy Turkey Day!

    Reply

  5. Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says

    I have a question about your DC trip! Are you guys still coming on Nov. 28 or is that visit being replaced by the Living Social Event on Dec. 1? And I guess my basic question is do I need to buy the Living Social deal in order to hang out with you cool cats, or is there going to be a free visit as well? I’ll totally pay money to meet you guys, but I’m also on a budget! Thanks!!

    Reply

  6. Skooks says

    I hate chalk too! I keep thinking that I love the look and hate the feel . . . if I had a board that I was using in my own house (the kids have one I don’t touch!) I would have to get some of those chalk pens or something.

    Reply

  8. Stacey says

    Hey guys :) I thought maybe you would find this blog post from my cousin in law a little helpful? She wets the chalk to help it go on better and has some helpful tips for writing with it. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  10. Annelise in Edmonds says

    Looks like I’m not the only one who thinks it – I’m thankful for YHL, too! You are a great addition to my day! I love everything about your blog – your tips, your humor, your down-to-earthiness, and your family!! Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving from the Pacific Northwest!! Cheers!

    Reply

  11. Steph says

    I love that tradition. It’s nice to remember what you’re thankful for.

    I’m thankful for
    -Parents who can and will help me out when money is tight.
    -A roommate who know the way to fix my bad mood when UPS delivers my new West Elm rug to the wrong address is to throw chocolate at me. (The rule is, if it’s thrown at me I eat it.)
    -YHL love & all you do. Including when Sherry leaves incredibly sweet advise on relationship comments. You’re like a one-stop-shop. :)
    -Chocolate (see above)
    -And you know, friends, family, my health, all that good stuff.

    Long comment over. I could go on. I should probably just post something on the blog I haven’t updated in over a month..

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I keep it tucked away so she can’t get to it without asking since we like for it to be supervised (lest she chalk up Burger or something when we’re not looking, haha).

      xo
      s

  16. Ashley @ 7th House on the Left says

    I was up until 2:00am last night because I got sidetracked chalking up our big chalkboard in the mud room with “Thanksgivingness”, haha. I found out that if you dip the chalk in water before you use it on the board, you’ll get a nice, bright, crisp line. At first, it might look a little dull, but after a few minutes it dries up more and becomes really bright. It works REALLY well and cuts down on the residual dust and I haven’t heard one of those annoying chalk shrills yet (major plus, haha!).

    Reply

  17. Azar says

    There may have been some serious excited flailing on my part when I hit the purchase button on the livingsocial deal. I’m more of a lurker when it comes to comments, but I’m so excited to meet you guys!

    Reply

  19. Stephanie says

    John, I feel your pain. I seriously had chills just reading about you writing on the chalkboard. And seeing all of Clara’s scribbles almost sent me over the edge. I might not be ready for chalkboard paint just yet…

    Reply

  22. Melanie says

    I am so happy for your recent success with the book. You two are such wonderful, hard -working folks and I truly appreciate your wonderful blog which is the perfect combination of entertainment ( because of your delightful writing style and sense of humor) and great information for the multitudes of us who care about our homes. I also appreciate your dedication to the quality of the blog and your respect for your readers. I do not take you for granted at all. Thanks so much nd God bless.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh Melanie, that’s so sweet there might be something in my eye. Chalk? Haha, yes that’s to blame! You’re the best. We don’t take you guys for granted for a second- you’re the reason we get to do this! Muah!

      xo
      s

  23. Kathy Z says

    Chalk gives me the heebie jeebies, too. So much. It’s more of the feel of it. And the dust on my hands. Ugh… Just thinking about it gives me the spine tingles.

    Reply

  24. Erin says

    Try the Chalk Ink markers. That’s what places like Starbucks use to write on their chalkboards. No dust and no screechy sounds!

    Reply

  25. Elisa H says

    If we select the crafting event for the LivingSocial deal, will there still be a meet and greet or will we just receive a signed copy of the book? I already have one!

    Reply

  27. Erica says

    I feel the same way about chalk – I hate the way it feels in my hand and I don’t like getting near chalkboards. Like, what if my fingernail touches it and squeals? What if my finger touches it? YUCK. I feel the same way about anything velvet or velour. **shudder**

    Reply

  29. Sarah J says

    Just ordered a signed copy of your book from the link you posted above! I was bummed because we just moved to Denver and there aren’t any scheduled book signings here, but stoked I could still get a signed copy! Thanks for taking the time to sign extras :) We appreciate it!!

    I am thankful for online shopping…

    Sarah :)

    Reply

  32. Laura says

    I like this better than the jar. This way, all of the things you’re thankful for are on display instead of away in a jar. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

    Reply

  33. Sarah says

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    We are hosting Thanksgiving this year (for the first time – eek!) and we are going to have a little thankfulness station similar to yours. I can’t wait!

    BTW – I wrote a giddy post on my blog about meeting you last week in Minneapolis in case you are interested. http://www.sarahsyhakhoun.com/marital-glue/marital-glue-a-bucket-list-full-of-celebrities/

    I’m thankful for your blog – it’s given me so much inspiration not only in my home but in my marriage :)

    Reply

  34. caroline says

    I totally get the chalk thing! I can’t even get a manicure because the emory board feels like … well I can’t even bring myself to type it.

    I remember feeling relieved when schools went to whiteboards!

    Reply

  35. Gina says

    I wasn’t aware of your aversion to chalk. I love the way chalkboards look but I cannot stand to touch it. It makes my skin crawl. I got the heebie geebies just watching the gymnastic competitions during the Olympics this summer. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about chalk!

    Reply

  36. Jill says

    Thanks for the sweet reminder to count my blessings, especially you all.

    p.s. – We had a Dexter moment today…Earlier this year the shower pan in out bathroom gave way and we totally demo-ed it. My parents were helping out and my dad had very strong opinions about what we should be doing. I called a truce and the bathroom sat down to the studs until this Monday. Dad and I met in the middle and he agreed not to mention fiberglass and I agreed not to kill him.

    (so where’s the Dexter part?)…today we were hanging the vapor barrier behind the cement board and there’s my sweet dad all draped behind plastic sheeting and I thought,”boy, how lucky he is we’re getting along.” ;-)

    Reply

  37. michelle says

    I just started following your blog last week and im already addicted! Any plans to do the living social deal in other cities yet? I’d love to see one in Chicago!

    BTW, my son, Maddox and Clara were born exactly one week apart and by c-section too! :(

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That would be fun! So far we’ve only heard of the DC one but we’ll let you know if they do more! And so funny about Maddox and Clara – so much in common!

      xo
      s

  38. Brenda says

    Freshman year of high school I marveled at my Algebra teacher who had a chalk holder that made writing on the board look so easy! I used to have a chalkboard when I was little, and we spend countless summer hours drawing houses and castles on our driveway.

    Reply

  39. Michelle says

    Love this idea. I also LOVE Clara’s art scribbles on the bottom. You should take a photo of them sometime and color copy it or something and frame in your hallway. I love the abstract art of it all! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  40. Stef says

    I’m thankful that I got the LivingSocial deal and I’ll be crafting with you guys on December 1st! Also I’m Thankful for my wonderful family especially now that we have a new member- my beautiful 10 month old son! Happy Thanksgiving-See you soon! Yay!

    Reply

  41. Jen says

    nice to see that you all are together for a while (not long albeit) during the holidays to keep your tradition:)

    &fyi: home sense is selling a chalkboard the same size/color as the one you made for… $199.99!

    Reply

  42. Tarnya Cook says

    Happy Thanksgiving guys!
    We don’t have Thanksgiving in Aust but I think it would be a great celebration to have and all should stop and spend some time being grateful, I’m sure the world would be a much better place! I know thats simplistic. I ask my children regualary what their grateful for and what was the best thing they did that day. Just to teach them to see the bright side of life and acknowledge all that they have.

    I got your book last week and love it. Although I can’t be at any of you signings to get my own autographed copy, I’m holding onto it for the hope of one day getting over to the US and being able to meet you guys and have you sign it! #onmybucketlist

    Have a great day tomorrow.
    Tarnya

    Reply

  43. Dina says

    I just wanted to drop a note to say how thankful I am that a friend turned me on to YHL several years ago. Especially recently – my daughter turned 1 in October and I wanted to give her a very special gift that would become an heirloom for her. Sherry you totally inspired me when you made Clara a quilt despite the fact that you were deathly afraid of your sewing machine. I made my daughter a quilt too (despite also being deathly afraid of MY sewing machine). You can see it here: http://octobernotes.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-little-horn-tootin.html. Thanks to inspiration from YHL my daughter has this wonderful meaningful gift that she will keep for years – I never would have thought I was capable of making something like that without you two as “role models”! Thanks so much for your fearless and fun attitude!

    Reply

  44. Jay says

    Have you guys tried chalk markers? They are like white board markers but for chalk boards! They come in tons of colors and are so much easier to draw with–plus no awful chalk noise!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We hear they’re awesome but that sometimes they can ghost (leave permanent marks) on chalkboard paint (as opposed to commercial chalkboards) so we’re scared to try them just yet…

      xo,
      s

  47. Natalia says

    Thanks for the heads up about the DC event! I sent it over to my hubby and thanks to him I’ll be down there next week!!! So excited! Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  49. Koliti says

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sherry & John!
    I am eternally grateful for all the love, positive vibes, and DIY adventures that you generously share! Thank you for inviting me into your home.

    Sherry, inspired by your “Thanks Jar”, I decorated a “Gratitude Jar” for my friend’s Thanksgiving dinner gathering for 18 friends. When I took it to her house today, she was a little tearful and said that it reminded her of her childhood family Thanksgivings.

    What are your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes and pies?
    Mine are sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie – YUM!

    Reply

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