It's a Map!

I envisioned a chalkboard that the boys could practice their states and capitals on....big enough to play naming games and keep all three occupied. The cost however for such lovelies was...whew!!! So I went shopping in Jim's scrap piles, bought a map from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon and went to town!!!

The board was just plain old bumpy plywood. With a little drywall compound and some sanding, it turned into the perfect work surface! Two coats of chalkboard paint and we're ready for business!

I then tried to do the chalk technique I used for Jamie's desk, but the back of the map poster wouldn't take on the chalk. So, I chalked up plain paper and taped it evenly across the board. Then I taped on the map and drew around the outline of the states. I used a white paint pen to trace over the chalk.

Jim was sweet enough to cut out a frame (from scrap wood of course!). Modge Podge and torn up map pieces (the free ones from rest stops) completed the process.
I loved the little compass on this map!
I decided that the Great Lakes were a little confusing so I painted them with a blue chalk marker....this is pseudo permanent, but will wash off if I get it wet (it's what I had!).

There you have it....a huge map that should entertain them/me for hours!!!