There are lots and lots of chalkboard paint ideas out there and I want to be sure to give credit where credit is due. The idea for these sprang from reading this blog post. Our projects differ mainly because she used plastic outlet covers and I went with something a little more durable. Being a natural born klutz it’s important to have things around that can handle a little wear and tear. After reading through her post and thinking of the finished product, I had visions of broken plastic after the first time I accidentally dropped a basket or banged into it with something and magically cracked one down the middle. You’ll notice I said first time on dropping the basket, since inevitably there will be many more encounters with the floor or table top. So I went with wood.

This project requires very little wood hence the scrap bin reference. If you or your significant other do any type of woodworking, you’ll probably have something that will work laying around. If not, a lot of craft stores carry smaller “craft size” wood pieces and even the big box hardware stores carry smaller pieces of lumber already pre-cut.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• scrap pieces of thin wood (I found some thin backing board)
• drill
• palm sander or sanding paper
• picture hanging wire or something of a similar gauge
• chalkboard paint
• pliers/wire cutters
• baskets (woven or plastic)

1. Find your scrap pieces. I found these 3 pieces, but in the end only worked with two of them. 2.Decide on the size, measure and mark your cut lines. My plaques were 3.5″ H and the two different lengths. 3. Cut. I used my miter saw, but you could also use a jig saw or table saw. Whatever is easiest for you. Just keep the cuts nice and straight.

4. Mark your drill holes on one piece. Drill just that one to use as a template. Use it to mark all the remaining pieces and then drill the remaining holes. 5. Sand everything smooth. I used a palm sander, but you could easily sand these by hand too. Just smooth all your edges and the drill holes. 6. Paint. Chalkboard paint is available in spray or standard cans. For this type of project, the spray is probably the way to go just because it’s easier to spray the thin sides. Let the paint dry.

Once the paint is dry you are ready to use your new chalkboard plaques. As you already know I applied most of mine to woven baskets, but these would work great on wire or plastic baskets too. Once you’ve decided where the plaques will go, use the picture wire to fasten them to your basket. I had a thicker gauge wire on hand than I would have preferred, but since I’ll be the only one using these baskets I wasn’t as concerned about wires poking anyone. (I did trim these down much more than shown in the photo, but wanted you to be able to see how they were fastened.) With a thinner wire you’ll be able to more easily wrap and twist the wire back into the basket. This will keep the ends from catching on anything stored inside.

If you are like me, then these will help make a great labeling system. I continuously change where I store things, so this gives me the ability to swap things around and easily relabel what’s inside without any hassle.