My Favorite Finds

Finding Joy in the Everyday

05
Dec
2012

Chalkboard Travel Trays & Cute Magnets

categories: My Favorites

Along with the Homemade Doodle Pads and the Peppermint Christmas Clay, I made some chalkboard travel trays for my cousin's daughters.  These girls spend  A LOT of time in the car, so I know it'll be fun to have something to keep in their laps and keep them entertained.

Here's the thing though....it took me 6 cookie sheets and 2 cans of Chalkboard Spray Paint to finally get it right.   Why?  Because I wasn't using non-stick cookie sheets...which by the way, are NOT easy to find!  After I realized it, I searched for some everywhere....and finally found them at Kroger.  Whew!  I was so determined to do these, and I was so relieved when they were done and the paint wasn't chipping off!

So, it is really simple.  All you need is:

*Metal cookie sheets that AREN'T non stick :) .
*Chalkboard spray paint (I found mine at Home Depot.  It's Rustoleum brand, and was with the rest of the spray paints)

Directions:

 1.  Spray paint the front of the cookie sheets.  Allow this to dry for a few hours, then apply a second coat if you need to.

2.  After 24 hours, flip them over and spray paint the back.  Allow this to dry for a few hours, then apply a second coat.

3.  Let them dry thoroughly-24 hours or so.

 To prepare them for writing on with chalk, turn the chalk on its side.  Shade the cookie sheet with the chalk, and then wipe it off.  Voila!  It's ready to be used!  You can also use Bistro Style Chalkboard Markers on these, too.  I used those to write their names on the edges.  These simply wipe off with a dry cloth.

I added some magnets I made with ModPodge, scrapbook paper, and clear glass gems.

 

Materials:
*Mod Podge
*Small sponge brush
*Scrapbook paper
*Magnets
*Clear or light colored glass gems (I found these in the candle section of the craft store)
*Hot glue

1.  Cut circles out of scrapbook paper the size of the glass gem.
2.  Apply a small amount of mod podge to the back of the glass gem-this was the flat side of the gem.
3.  Lay the circle of scrapbook paper PATTERN SIDE down on the mod podge.  Allow it to dry a bit and then brush a thin layer of the the piece of paper.

 

4.  After the mod podge has dried, apply a small amount of hot glue to the paper side of the gem and glue the magnet to it.

 Now, they can use the magnets to keep the paper still on their chalkboard tray!

25 Comments on Chalkboard Travel Trays & Cute Magnets

  1. Twigs and Twirls
    January 2, 2012 at 6:31 pm (533 days ago)

    Neat idea. I use these without the paint with those letter magnets for my daughter. I like the idea of being able to write on the actually tray.

    Reply
  4. shopannies
    January 3, 2012 at 2:44 am (533 days ago)

    cute idea would be a fun thing for little ones to enjoy as well

    Reply
  5. Tonia @ TheGunnySack.com
    January 3, 2012 at 3:20 pm (532 days ago)

    Great idea! I'm always on the look out for ways to entertain kids in the car!

    Reply
  10. trophyw.blogspot.com
    January 4, 2012 at 3:11 pm (531 days ago)

    I thought about doing something simmilar, but never thought about it having to be non-stick. Thanks for the tip.

    Reply
  11. Brandi
    January 4, 2012 at 9:44 pm (531 days ago)

    Such a clever idea! So sweet that you gave them away as gifts!

    Reply
  12. Brandi
    January 4, 2012 at 9:44 pm (531 days ago)

    Such a clever idea! So sweet that you gave them away as gifts!

    Reply
  13. Jessica Johnson
    January 5, 2012 at 2:16 pm (530 days ago)

    super, SUPER cute! love everything about this. makes sense about the non-stick. and imagine they were hard to find. thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  14. Jessica Johnson
    January 5, 2012 at 2:16 pm (530 days ago)

    super, SUPER cute! love everything about this. makes sense about the non-stick. and imagine they were hard to find. thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  15. Sarah
    January 6, 2012 at 5:16 am (530 days ago)

    Great idea! I can't wait to make some for my toddlers! Thanks for the tip about the finish of the baking sheet, too.

    Reply
  18. Ann
    January 6, 2012 at 8:55 pm (529 days ago)

    What a great idea! This would be so wonderful to have as a take-along for traveling in a car or waiting at a doctor's office.

    Reply
  19. Ann
    January 6, 2012 at 8:55 pm (529 days ago)

    What a great idea! This would be so wonderful to have as a take-along for traveling in a car or waiting at a doctor's office.

    Reply
  20. cozycakescottage.com
    January 7, 2012 at 3:18 am (529 days ago)

    Thanks for this cool idea! This would've been great on our recent 16 hour roundtrip road trip:) I also really like the magnets--great idea. I'll have to try this very soon.

    Reply
  25. Carrie
    January 17, 2012 at 6:58 pm (518 days ago)

    Fantastic idea, I'll have to keep that in mind for future roadtrips. Thanks for linking up to Refresh Your Nest Friday!

    Reply

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