DIY Chalkboard Apron

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I promise the chalkboard apron DIY will come soon, but first I have to brag a smidge about my daughter. She is a little entrepreneur that has slowly creeped out of her comfort zone to start her very own kettle corn business. Of course dad is on hand with business tips and mom is there to make it look cute, like with the chalkboard apron I am going to show you here. (You might even snag some great craft show booth display ideas!) Her story has been fun for the whole family and today I am giving you a peek into where she is and how it all started!

A few years ago while vacationing in North Carolina’s Outerbanks we came across some delicious kettle corn at a farmer’s market. We found out that it was made by two young sisters who sold their goods up and down the coast at various locations. My daughter, Mae, thought the corn was yum and the idea was cool. She wondered if she could do that too? The idea passed when her bag was empty…until the next year. We went back to Carolina and those same girls were still slinging kettle corn up and down the beach. This time Mae really wanted to know how she could do the same.

Mae and her daddy had multiple discussions about a kettle corn business and a Nascar race ultimately sealed the deal. When my husband returned home from a race he told us about the kettle corn vendors he had seen and the way they could hardly keep up with the line of people, hungry for this tasty treat! Mae and her daddy hit the books, did research, made a business plan and ordered a hand-crafted kettle. They traveled together to pick up Mae’s new kettle and received lessons on how to make and sell kettle corn.

Mae received a “line of credit” from her investors (aka us, mom and dad) and bought all the supplies needed to start her new business. We worked together to come up with the name, colors, logo and booth display ideas. Miss Mae’s Kettle Corn was born. It has been a fun family affair ever since. We have done a few art & craft show/flea market type events so far.

Dad pops the corn because it’s hard and hot, I help bag it and keep things organized, her brothers run around passing out samples and Mae is the one up front selling the bags, taking the money and thanking the customers.

After working a few shows we’ve all learned a ton. Mae has grown so much in a short amount of time. She is a shy spirit who has learned to talk to grown ups, solicit her business and tell her story. She has gotten better at counting back change, speaking her mind and brainstorming business ideas. We still step in and help a bunch, but her dad and I are hopeful she will slowly learn and grow to the point she is telling us what to do…that’s our goal, to empower her. But most of all she’s so proud to have something that is all her own and we’re so proud of her too.

It’s bittersweet watching your babies grow. I want her to always be this sweet little girl that depends on us, but watching her bloom into a beautiful hearted independent young lady is such a joy. I’m not sure how she got to be 11 years old, but here we are. Luckily she still loves all things pink and we got to make a show booth that is young and fun.

Here is how we made inexpensive chalkboard aprons that the whole family (including the boys) could wear! They would be great for garage sales, flea markets, crafting, working around the house, art & craft festivals or any other event where you need extra hands!

If you want to follow Miss Mae’s Kettle Corn journey you can see where she will pop up next on Facebook and Instagram! She would love for you to stop by, grab some kettle corn and say hi!

Chalkboard Apron Supply List

aprons

Black acrylic paint

Chalkboard Paint

Cardboard

Scissors

Paintbrush

Chalk or Chalk Paint Pen

1. Cut cardboard to fit inside the pockets of your apron, fold back the top portion so you don’t get paint on it.
2. Paint the front of the pockets with black paint. It will take a few coats to cover the logo. Allow to dry completely.
3. Coat with chalkboard paint. Allow to dry completely.
4. Prime the chalk surface by rubbing with chalk and smoothing with a rag.
5. Decorate with real chalk if you want to change the look from time to time. Use a chalk paint pen if you want a permanent design.
6. Walk around looking all cute.

We think you ought to pin this project for the next time you need a cute and easy DIY apron! Hope to see you at our next event!

Here are few more Chalkboard ideas you might like:

Kitchen Command Center

Chalkboard PlacematsChalkboard Tic Tac ToeHand Lettering for Chalkboards