With the right paint, you can make a chalkboard out of pretty much any surface in your house – I've seen whole doors painted with chalkboard paint so kids can scribble away (adults, too!) and playrooms with chalkboard tabletops and chairs. In the past, I've painted the inside backboard of picture frames to use as a weekly to-do list, and for my 30th birthday party (wine and cheese themed, of course!) I used chalkboard paint to jazz up some large slices of wood to use as cheese platters.

I absolutely love this cute teacup design – ideal for shopping lists or making notes in the kitchen. You can buy wooden shapes like this, and many other designs, from craft stores or online. Let's get making…

You will need:

Any wooden shape, 3-5mm thick (available from most craft stores)

Chalkboard paint (I used Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint, £11.99, Homebase) 

Foam brush

Small paintbrush

Drill

Brown twine

Piece of chalk

1. Place your wooden shape on a protected surface, and carefully drill two holes for the twine to go through in the top two corners of your shape. If you're going to stand the chalkboard on the kitchen side, you can miss this step out. 

2. Clear away any sawdust, then apply two coats of chalkboard paint with the foam brush, allowing the paint to dry in between each coat.

3. Using the small paintbrush, paint around the thin edge of the wooden shape with chalkboard paint, so you get a neat finish. Leave to completely dry.

4. Thread the twine through one hole, then tie a knot (large enough to stop the twine slipping back through the hole) in the end. Do the same on the other side.

5. To attach a piece of chalk to the board, wrap some twine tightly around the chalk and tie a knot. Then cut the twine to the length you want it to hang, and tie this to the piece of twine threaded through the holes. Hang it wherever it will be used the most! 

Mel x