Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Décor & Details DIY Wedding Projects Woodland Chalkboard A cross-section of a tree trunk turns into a natural canvas for any message, but we especially like the idea of using it to display your welcomes, menus, or even table numbers at a wedding. Simply follow these DIY steps designed by Maggie Lord, author of the new The Rustic Wedding Handbook and the founder and editor of Rustic Wedding Chic and Rustic Wedding Guide. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Published on September 5, 2014 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Maggie Carson Romano THE TOOLS Slab of wood1 cup latex paint in the color of your choiceDisposable mixing bowl, cup, or canDisposable spoon2 tablespoons unsanded groutPaintbrushChalk Maggie Carson Romano HOW-TO 1. Sand the slab of wood to ensure that the paint will stick and go on smoothly and evenly. 2. Pour 1 cup of paint into your mixing bowl, cup, or can. Maggie Carson Romano 3. Using the spoon, measure out 2 tablespoons of unsanded grout and add to the measured paint. Maggie Carson Romano 4. Combine the grout and paint. (You should not be able to see any of the grout's original color when you are finished mixing.) Maggie Carson Romano 5. Use a paintbrush to apply the paint to your surface. The paint will be thick; this is normal. Apply the paint evenly and try to avoid obvious brushstrokes. 6. Allow the paint to dry completely in a dry, temperature-controlled location. (Drastic changes in temperature or humidity will cause the wood to expand and then contract, creating cracks.) Maggie Carson Romano 7. Once dry, take a piece of chalk and cover the entire chalkboard surface to condition the paint. 8. Erase the chalk and decorate with chalk as desired. Maggie Carson Romano Note: This project can also be done with store-bought chalkboard paint. Photographs and text from The Rustic Wedding Handbook have been used with permission by Gibbs Smith. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit