DIY Travel Chalkboards with Storage for Kids

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Drawing and coloring are fantastic activities for road trips. That is until crayons get dropped and melt in your van. Double that aggravation if it happens in a rental. Now you can let your kids enjoy their coloring without the fear with these DIY travel chalkboards with storage for kids!

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Collage of Chalkboards next to Chalk with text overlay - DIY Travel Chalkboard with Storage

 

[bctt tweet=”Skip melted crayon disasters in the car with these DIY travel chalkboards with storage! They’re perfect for your next family road trip!” username=”diyadulation”]

Why is it that crayons are immediately dropped and broken by kiddos? Whether it’s at the house or in the car, I swear it’s instantaneous. Since we rented our van for the drive to Disney World, I didn’t want to take the chance on melted wax. Instead, I whipped up these travel chalkboards.

The kids could draw or play games over and over and I could keep the peace of mind that we wouldn’t get slapped with a huge cleaning charge at the end of the trip. It was a big hit with the kiddos and there were LOTS of games of tic tac toe. Even better, it was also an activity that they could do in the room when we weren’t out at the parks during our trip.

I also totally recommend adding a loose sock in the case too. It makes wiping away the designs and games a breeze for kiddos. It’s also the perfect way to reuse those mismatched or too small socks!

 

Chalkboards next to Pieces of Chalk

Travel Chalkboards Materials

 

Inserts Next to Empty DVD Case

Step 1

First, remove any inserts from your DVD cases including the cover insert.

 

White DVD Case with Plastic Removed

Step 2

Then use your utility knife to remove the plastic on the outside of your DVD case. Gently fold your case backwards and lift the plastic. Then carefully run your knife down the edge. Trim any plastic that remains on the case.

 

Small Black Chalkboard on Pink Background

Step 3

Next, pull out your chalkboards and remove any packaging from them.

 

Washi Tape on Short Edges of Chalkboard

Double Layers of Washi Tape on Short Edges of Chalkboard

Step 4

Add washi tape to the short edges of your chalkboards with a slight overhang off the edge. For additional vibrancy, add a second layer of washi tape.

 

Washi Tape on Long and Short Edges of Chalkboard

Double Layers of Washi Tape on Long and Short Edges of Chalkboard

Step 5

Then add washi tape that is a different color to the long edges of the chalkboards. Again, add a second layer if you want your washi tape to be more vibrant on the board.

 

Secured Washi Tape on Back of Chalkboard

Step 6

Next, fold the edges of the washi tape over the sides of the chalkboard, saving the corners for last.

 

Glue on Empty DVD Case

Chalkboard Glued to DVD Case

Step 7

Then glue your chalkboards to the sides of the DVD cases that have the disc indentation. The smooth side of the case should be opposite the chalkboard.

 

Chalk inside DVD Indentation Inside of DVD Case

Step 8

Lastly, open up your DVD cases and place pieces of chalk inside the disc indentation on the inside of your DVD case. This ensures that it doesn’t get broken when you close the case.

 

Chalkboards next to Pieces of Chalk on Blue Background

Chalkboard with Drawings next to Chalk with text overlay - DIY Travel Chalkboard with Storage

My favorite part of these DIY travel chalkboards with storage is that everything is contained easily. The chalk and the eraser are right there for kiddos during the drive and they store away easily when it’s time to clean up. Of course, the $3 price tag doesn’t hurt either when it comes to keeping kiddos entertained on long trips!

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Chalkboards with Drawings next to Chalk with text overlay - DIY Travel Chalkboard with Storage

 

More Ideas You’ll Love:

DIY Lighted Photo Frame Home Accessory

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Sometimes you simply want to keep pushing the limits. Like, how many veggies can I put in this sauce before the kiddos notice. How many items can I throw in the cart at the dollar store before I am blown away by my register total. Or.. How can I take my wall art to the next level for a totally unique decor look? That’s exactly what this DIY lighted photo frame does.

This is a sponsored post on behalf on Rust-Oleum. I received product for free in exchange for my honest opinion and creation. Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Collage of Lighted Mountains Photo in Yarn Frame with text overlay - DIY Lighted Photo Frame Wall Accessory

 

[bctt tweet=”I love this DIY lighted photo frame home accessory! It’s colorful and fun during the day and a glowing masterpiece at night!” username=”diyadulation”]

I’m totally enthralled with those lighted canvases. The lights are the perfect accent to the not only the picture but the entire wall. While I’m not quite ready to tackle the canvases, a lighted photo frame seems totally possible. Then you’re not in charge of creating the entire work of art. You simply print out the photo and you’re good to go.

Of course, it helps that Rust-Oleum came out with this super simple photo transfer solution. It makes it totally easy to transfer your favorite photos to the glass from your frame. It works with a ton of other mediums too, if you’re curious. I just knew immediately that I wanted to use it for this project.

Empty Frame, Photo Transfer Solution, and Laser Printed Photo

Lighted Photo Frame Materials

 

Glass Removed From Picture Frame

Step 1

First, take your frame apart and pull out the glass insert. Set the rest of the frame aside for now and clean the glass if needed.

 

Edges Cut Off of Laser Printed Photo next to Scissors

Step 2

Next, pull out your laser printed photo and trim the white excess around the edges.

 

Photo Transfer Solution on Laser Printed Photo

Step 3

After your picture is printed, cover it with a coat of Rust-Oleum photo transfer solution. I used a very heavy coat.

 

Photo Pressed Face Down Onto Glass

Step 4

Then carefully place your coated picture face down onto the glass insert and smooth it starting from the middle to the edges.

Step 5

Leave your picture and glass sitting for 12 hours.

 

Half of Backing Rubbed Off of Transferred Photo

Step 6

After your photo and transfer solution has dried, wet a cloth or paper towel and gently rub away the paper on your glass. Use circular motions and wet the paper before rubbing to make it easier.

 

Backing Rubbed Off of Transferred Photo

Step 7

Continue removing the paper backing until all of it is removed.

Step 8

Once all of your paper is removed, set your glass photo aside and pull out your picture frame.

 

Close Up of Yarn Wrapped Around Picture Frame

Step 9

Begin wrapping your picture frame with your colorful yarn starting on one side close to the corner.

 

Yarn Wrapped Around Picture Frame

Step 10

Continue until your entire frame is wrapped in yarn then use knots to secure the end.

 

Mountain Photo in Yarn Picture Frame

Step 11

Then carefully press your glass photo into the yarn wrapped frame.

 

Lights Attached to Yarn Frame

Lighted Photo Frame

Step 12

Lastly, attach your fairy lights around the inside edge of your frame by threading it through the wrapped yarn.

 

Lighted Mountains Photo in Yarn Frame with text overlay - DIY Lighted Photo Frame Wall Accessory

I love this DIY lighted photo frame home accessory. It’s colorful and fun during the day and a glowing masterpiece at night. It’s the perfect decor idea for displaying your favorite vacation photos, like the one I used from one of our many Gatlinburg vacations. The lights make the skies in the photograph really pop and set against the mountains beautifully! Definitely the perfect addition to your gallery wall!

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Lighted Mountains Photo in Yarn Frame with text overlay - DIY Lighted Photo Frame Wall Accessory

 

More Ideas You’ll Love:

DIY Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets

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Can you imagine an activity that keeps the kiddos entertained for hours with little to no input from you? That’s exactly what these DIY beaded pipe cleaner bracelets do! Seriously, put all of the materials into a tray on the dining table and BOOM! You’ve got the perfect creative activity for them.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Collage of Photos of Beaded Bracelets next to Beads with text overlay - DIY Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets

 

[bctt tweet=”Are you ready for hours of quiet play for your kiddos? These DIY beaded pipe cleaner bracelets are an easy and creative activity for your kiddos!” username=”diyadulation”]

Okay, so I just wanted something fun for the kids to do because, honestly, they were driving me crazy. Then I thought about this awesome activity I’d seen from my friend Heather at Glitter on a Dime. True to form, I changed it up a bit because my kiddos’ ages range from 5 to 10 and I wanted all of them to do it.

 

I put string in addition to pipe cleaners on the tray but to my surprise they all wanted to create with the pipe cleaners. The oldest didn’t want any input from me but the youngest 2 had me create the secure ends before they made their designs.

I had only hoped for 20 minutes of peace… seriously, my bar was that low. Instead, this kept all 3 of my kiddos busy for hours! Talk about an awesome surprise. Even better, because they didn’t use up all of the materials the first day, they continued to go back and create every day for 3 days.

 

Tray with beads and pipe cleaners in it

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets Materials

 

Orange Pipe Cleaner next to 2 Pony Beads

Step 1

First, pull out a pipe cleaner and 2 pony beads.

 

Orange Pipe Cleaner with 2 Pony Beads on It

Step 2

Next, slide the pony beads onto the end of the pipe cleaner. Leave a small amount of space between them.

Step 3

Then fold a small end section of pipe cleaner over the pony bead closest to it.

 

Orange Pipe Cleaner with 2 Pony Beads Secured on End

Step 4

Holding the pipe cleaner in place, slide the second pony bead up over the folded piece of pipe cleaner until it is right next to the first pony bead. This creates a secure end of the bracelet to hold the rest of your beads in place.

 

Pony Beads Strung on Orange Pipe Cleaner

Step 5

Next, thread on your beads in the desired pattern. Don’t worry about the small holes of the shaped beads. The metal part of the pipe cleaner is very small and will fit through them.

 

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Looped into Bracelet

Step 6

When you have all of your beads threaded, take the end of the pipe cleaner and thread it through the first secured bead on your pipe cleaner to create a bracelet.

 

Close Up of Pipe Cleaner Secured Through Beads into Bracelet

Step 7

Then thread the pipe cleaner end from the opposite direction through the second pony bead you added to your pipe cleaner.

 

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelet with Excess Removed

Step 8

Lastly, trim any excess pipe cleaner from your bracelet and enjoy!

Tip:

 

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets Next to Beads

Beaded Bracelets next to Beads with text overlay - DIY Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets

If your kiddos love getting creative at all then they will go nuts for these DIY beaded pipe cleaner bracelets! They are such an easy activity to put together and literally buy you hours of peace. Is there anything mom craves more than that in the throws of summer break? I don’t think so.

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Beaded Bracelets next to Beads with text overlay - DIY Beaded Pipe Cleaner Bracelets

Bring on the Crafts — A Craft & DIY Blog Hop

Come join this very creative craft & DIY blog hop to get more exposure for your crafty creations. Bring on the Crafts is brought to you by The Inspiration Vault and Craftify My Love

On the first Friday through Sunday of each month, a group of DIY and crafty bloggers join forces. Together Marie from The Inspiration Vault and Habiba from Craftify My Love they bring you the #BringontheCrafts blog hop. Each blogger creates a fun craft or DIY project to share that follows a monthly materials theme. July’s theme is Buttons & Beads! Each blogger chooses their own craft to make as long as they love it and it uses Buttons & Beads in the project.

Our July Co-hosts

Jenny at Cookies, Coffee and Crafts • Marie at DIY Adulation •
Beverly at Across the Blvd • Gail at Purple Hues & Me • Kim at Day To Day Adventures

Join in on the fun! If you’d like to participate next month, you can request to join our Bring on the Crafts Facebook Group. Next month’s theme is Cutting Machines!

Not a blogger, but a creative mind none the less!? Don’t worry, share your awesome creations in our Craft Cult Facebook Group. This is also a great place to ask craft & DIY related questions and find inspiration for your next project.

Now let’s see all of those amazing craft and DIY projects!

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