How-To: Chalkboard Hangers

Craft & Design

CRAFT: Make Space for Crafting

By Jessica Wilson
I’ve been using skirt and pants hangers to hold works in progress (WIP) for a half-dozen or so years. Because I lack pretty wall space, the projects that hang from the hangers generally end up in the closet where they are quickly forgotten. It’s that whole out of sight, out of mind thing, ya know? If and when I do happen across them again, I tend to forget why these pretty bits are all clipped together. My solution? Paint up a chalkboard hanger for easy labeling. It doesn’t hurt that they look pretty as well.


Chalkboard Hanger Step1A

Materials

Chalkboard paint in a can
Paintbrushes, 1 large, 1 small
Wooden skirt/pants hangers
Chalk
Soft cloth

Note: Chalkboard paint comes both in a can and as a spray. For this project I recommend the can unless you don’t mind all parts of your hanger being green or black.

Directions

Chalkboard Hanger Step1B
Step 1: Gather your supplies and find a paint-friendly workspace. I did this in my kitchen with a sheet of wax paper underneath all the paint and such. Mix your paint then dip your larger brush in, making sure to blot the excess paint off. Give the first side of your hanger a brushing, being careful of drips, and set aside to dry. Repeat for each hanger you wish to paint. I allowed 30 minutes between drying times.
Chalkboard Hanger Step2A
Step 2: Once the first side is dry, flip your hanger over and paint the second side in the same manner as Step 1. Set aside to dry. Make sure you dry your brush thoroughly; too much water on the bristles will keep the paint from sticking to your surface. As an added precaution, you may wish to prime your hangers. It’s up to you.
Step 3: Pull the neck of the hanger down to open it up, and with your smaller brush, paint the top edges of the hanger around the wire neck. Then paint the sides. Once dry, paint the bottom edges and go gather some fabric and supplies that you want to hang. I did not paint the inside of my hanger because I am a lazy crafter.
Chalkboard Hanger Step4A
Step 4: Now it is time to prep your surface. Grab your chalk and doodle all along the fronts and backs of your hangers. Wipe off with a small cloth, and you are now ready to label and hang!
Chalkboard Hanger Step5B
Step 5: Label your happy hangers and hang something pretty on them. The super cool thing is that your works in progress are now easily mobile. You can carry them all over the place and they will look extra special and pretty as they hang on a wall or doorknob, just waiting to be recreated into something new. Don’t limit yourself to works in progress. You can turn them into impromptu inspiration boards or gift them to a friend with a pretty handmade something clamped gently in their grip. Have fun!
Note: I have heard that chalkboard paint comes in other colors as well. If you are really itching to make this project but cannot find chalkboard paint, you can probably use any indoor flat paint. I haven’t tried it, but I have written on my walls before.
Chalboardhanger Final2
About the Author:
Author Jessicawilson
Jessica Wilson is most happily known as ‘jek in the box’ and spends most of her time crafting it up and taking pictures. She can often be found standing on benches over on Flickr and creating all sorts of kiddie crafts on her blog scrumdilly-do! She lives a life of scrumdillydilly and loves to share.

28 thoughts on “How-To: Chalkboard Hangers

  1. spottylover says:

    Super fab idea!!

  2. Anne Schliessmann says:

    Madly in love with this.

  3. wynzia says:

    i love this idea. love it. and it just makes so much sense!

  4. Judi1158 says:

    This would be a great way to display childrens art or school work as well.

  5. Kristi(e) says:

    I am loving this idea! Chalkboard paint is now added to my list of missing craft items. Thanks!

  6. jek says:

    it totally would! and if only i had some children’s artwork to display, i would sooo be on it!

  7. jek says:

    thank you and have fun!

  8. jek says:

    and it is much nicer than using clothespins on dry cleaning hangers! thank you!

  9. jek says:

    and now i’m madly in love with you! thanks!

  10. jek says:

    thank you! i hope you have fun with it!

  11. Michelle says:

    Dear Ms. Jessica Wilson,
    I signed up just to say… I love you. Best lazy crafter tutorial ever. And now I’m going to start stalking your blog for more awesomeness.
    In summary, you = awesome.
    Sincerely yours,
    Michelle

  12. Cynthia says:

    What a great idea! And pretty too!

  13. jek says:

    you think it’s pretty…yay! thank you!

  14. jek says:

    Dear Michelle,
    i am all about the lazy craft…come on over and bring cookies!

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK