It’s no secret that I love chalkboard art. I’ve created a few very basic text designs on the computer and stenciled in some others for decorating purposes. I covet all the trendy chalk art that crosses my path. Now, I’m a girl who likes to do all the crafts and chalkboard lettering is the epitome of charm and DIY and whimsy. But hand-drawing – not my best skill. Not even close. What’s a girl to do when there are so many empty chalkboards in the world? Well, I’m going to tell you. I’ve discovered The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering by Valerie McKeehan. I think this is my in. This book is SO detailed and SO complete; she tells you allllll the secrets to develop your own chalkboard art style. (Read through for a giveaway!!)
So, as part of the book tour, I wanted to at least try my hand at chalk lettering. I paged through the book. I found it fascinating. The author discusses all the tools you’ll need (and here I always thought you only needed chalk!). She covers the basics of different chalk “strokes” and the anatomy of all kinds of letters. There are numerous sample alphabets (so you can see how to make EVERY letter!) and teaches step-by-step how to make banners, frames, flowers, and snowflakes! And so. much. more.
The sample projects in the book are simply gorgeous! I want to do all of them! I think the projects in this book could keep me occupied for a long time before I have to face the pressure of a blank chalkboard and creating my own design. There are even 3 fold-out chalkboards in the book so that you can practice, practice, practice.
So practice I did. This was my first attempt with chalk art – snowflake doodling in front of the TV at midnight. Um, pretty darn good for a girl who can barely draw a stick figure. I was hooked.
I made a couple more. I don’t know how they rank in the artist world of free-hand, but in my world, they are spectacular! 😉 Being able to create something decent in my first attempts was so encouraging. The author is truly gifted at creating designs for beginners, breaking them down into really achievable steps, and then teaching the reader how to combine them into a piece of art that looks straight out of a boutique!
I wanted to keep trying more projects from the book, but I was sad to erase the chalkboards. So I scanned the pages into my computer, resized them for cards and printed them out! I’m in love!
If you are interested in improving your chalk lettering and chalk art skills, would like to boost your confidence, and create beautiful things, I’d encourage you to give this book a try! The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering by Valerie McKeehan is available through this affiliate link at Amazon. You can also find SO many gorgeous hand-lettered products for sale in Valerie’s online shop – Lily & Val.
heidi greer says
i LOVE chalkboard art and have been dabbling, i mean doodling on the two chalkboards i have in my kitchen. i recently purchased this book and i too find it fascinating!!! this book is great to learn the basics and some great techniques and lettering styles!!! this is my kind of book!!! 🙂
Tonia Jeffery says
I think chalk lettering is so beautiful.
Emma says
I always thought chalkboards and chalk drawing was awesome 🙂 in fact my sister just bought me an adorable chalkboard shaped like a dog (which I Also love:) thank you for a chance to win one of these books it looks awesome 😀
Jewel says
I have great handwriting but cannot print or draw worth a darn. This book sounds marvelous.
Charity says
Those are really cute! And the perfectionist side of me is delighted that your snowflakes have 6 points and that you use ‘you’re’ correctly. 😉
girlinspired says
hahaha! You crack me up, Charity. Perfectionists must stick together.
Jenn S says
I never thought there would be a book for this, but I’m so glad someone came up with the idea! My poor chalkboard wall decals are… blank. Because everything I write and draw looks like my 7 year old did it :/
Mama Lusco says
My teen would love this book! What a fun idea.
kelli says
So fun! I love the look of chalkboard art.
Sandra says
I would love to have this book, I think it would be fun really to learn chalk lettering!
Tiffany Sullivan says
Awesome! This book will be added to my wish list straight away!
Mara says
This does look like fun!
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
Oh wow, that is so cool! Thanks and God bless!
Beth Gustavson says
What a great book! I love chalkboard designs, but I’ve never tried to do one on my own!
Carmen N says
I need this book! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway
deb Peters says
Love this book definitely something I need!
Stacey says
so fun! I love the card idea.
Lauren Winters says
I’ve always wanted to learn how to do chalkboard art! This is so encouraging!
Loretta Doyle says
I really want to learn chalk lettering and chalk art. It is a shame, though, that you have to erase your work.
Courtney says
Great job! I love using chalkboards in my party decor. This would be a great skill to learn!
Letty Hernandez says
OMGosh!!! Because I’m not a freehand artist I was always so intimidated to try chalk art. I’m excited to learn some tricks of the trade!!! Now thanks to you and this artist, I can put this book on my Xmas list and start practicing.
Mindy says
This looks like an awesome book. I would love to win it!
Linda Chidster says
OMGoodness!! I’ve always Admired Chalk Lettering!!! I would ((( LOVE ))) to learn!!
THANKS for the Chance to WIN!!!