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Today I want to share with you an easy DIY chalkboard tray that you can easily pull together in an afternoon for Thanksgiving. It’s a simple and thoughtful way to dress up your table or make an impression as a host gift. Make sure to stick around to the end for 18 other DIY gifts as part of the Silhouette Challenge.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I think it is because I missed Thanksgiving one year when I was living in Georgia that I really appreciate the holiday now. 

This summer I had come across this bamboo tray at a local thrift shop. It was in great shape and for only 2.99 it needed to come home with me. It took every bone in my body not to just paint it right then and there but I knew I should hold off until I had a purpose for it. Months had passed and I moved, out of sight out of mind right? 

Until I got an invitation extended to me for Thanksgiving at my sisters house. Hours later I was digging through my boxes to find it. 

So heres what you will need

A tray
Painters Tape
Paint
Chalkboard Paint
Brush
Cabinet Roller
Vinyl and a Silhouette or  your can purchase pre-cut vinyl or a Stencil

First you will want to tape off the chalkboard area of the tray. I always use Frog tape because I feel like you get a crisper edge. Next you will want to trim the outer edges of the area. This is where the roller will not be able to reach. 

Since you (usually) write on chalkboards I always like to use a roller. With a roller you will get a much smoother finish. I purchase cabinet rollers from my local hardware store. 

When the chalkboard paint to dry remove the painters tape. Next you want to tape the outer edges of the chalkboard and start painting the rest of your tray. If you get paint on the chalkboard don’t worry you can go back and touch it up later. I found this great rustic orange at Lowe’s in their oops paint section for only $1.00.

When I cut vinyl on my Silhouette Cameo I always like to cut on a mat. You don’t have to use a mat with vinyl you can just load media but I find that vinyl tends to slide on my machine. Now don’t stop reading here if you don’t have a silhouette. There are some great online shops that sell precut vinyl or you can purchase a stencil and paint your own image. Now if you’re really talented grab a paint brush and some white paint and hand illustrate on your chalkboard.

Cut settings I used on my Silhouette– Speed: 8 Thickness: 9 Blade: 2

I can almost never find my hook tool so I have gotten inventive in the past but I find the best substitute is the tip of an exacto knife. This design was intricate to weed, but I think I am one of those odd ducks that finds it relaxing. Often time I will weed while watching TV.

Next you will want to lay transfer paper over your design and transfer it on to the chalkboard. Always keep in mind that you want to measure the center of your board before laying it down. I like to mark the center with painters tape. Because the design is round and the text is on a angles I did not have my normal concern of laying it crooked. 

With a gift I always try to make it personal. For Thanksgiving I will be going to my sister and brother-in-law’s house. It is an on going joke that my brother-in-law loves squirrels. For his birthday my brother even got him a painting of a squirrel that my sister reluctantly let him hang in the living room. 

When I was looking for “give thanks” images in the Silhouette store I knew I had found the perfect image when I came across this squirrel (You can find the squirrel here ).

This was such a simple project I can’t wait to see my sister and brother-in-law’s reaction. Hopefully they don’t check out my website before that! 

Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!

Wood Slice OrnamentsBaseball Insert Christmas Ornament GiftBook Lover's Canvas Tote BagStenciled Serving TraysBirth Announcement OrnamentsMini Notepads: A DIY Gift IdeaChalkboard Countdown {tutorial}Sweet Bird Glitter OrnamentCustom Ring Holder Personalized Gift Giving {with Silhouette}Monogrammed Christmas OrnamentsThanksgiving Chalkboard TrayDIY Mini Ferris WheelEasy Washi Sheet Labeled Candy JarsDIY Christmas Gifts-CoastersEasy As Pi Birthday Smores In A Mason Jar Gift With Free PrintableA DIY Stenciled Inspiration BoardHow To Etch Glass At Home

1. Get Silvered // 2. My Paper Craze // 3. unOriginal Mom // 4. Creative Ramblings // 5. Chicken Scratch NY // 6. Pitter and Glink // 7. Ginger Snap Crafts // 8. Architecture of a Mom // 9. Silhouette School // 10. McCall Manor // 11. Just a Girl and Her Blog // 12. Weekend Craft // 13. Rutchee Design // 14. Adventures in All Things Food // 15. My Favorite Finds // 16. Please Excuse My Craftermath // 17. Simply Kelly Designs // 18. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 19. Practically Functional //

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About Michelle Beaton

Welcome to Weekend Craft. Life is busy so I am all about getting projects done on the weekend, whether it be crafts, DIY, home decor, or crafting with your Cricut.

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