Today’s post isn’t as much about the project but the technique I used to make it. I mean, it isn’t that I don’t think this arrow sign isn’t downright adorable, but these chalkboards signs are everywhere. It isn’t exactly unique.
What is a little more unique about it.. is that it is a great EASY project where you can learn how to create pocket holes.
If you don’t know what a pocket hole is.. here is a quick definition.
To create my pocket holes I used the Kreg Jig K4. I actually won this jig from Kreg at Haven last summer, but they aren’t sponsoring this post.
First you need your boards. I used an old 18 inch wide board I got in the ‘cull lumber’ pile at Home Depot (it was badly warped) and cut it down into a triangle and rectangle to form the arrow:
I actually had never used this Kreg jig before and it was really simple. You clamp in the board you want to drill holes in :
Then use the special drill bit (included in the kit) to drill into the pre-measured holes of the jig (there is actually a “stop collar” you can add so you don’t drill too far but I just eyeballed it):
I randomly spaced my holes (since they aren’t holding any weight, just holding the two boards together).
Next I used special self-tapping screws to attach the boards via the pocket holes (a large variety of lengths of these screws are also included in the kit):
The screws actually have a square head and so you need a special screwdriver bit to insert them (luckily that is also included) :
And that is all there was to it. Seriously.. after I made this little sign I was trying to think up other stuff that I could use pocket holes on. It was THAT easy. Now to finish off the project. I used my favorite Frog Tape to tape off the edges of the sign. I thought having a border would be more fun than having a giant black arrow.
I then painted the inside with Rustoleum Chalk Board paint. (I also got that at Haven.. this is turning into a very “Haven-esque” project!) After it dried all that was left was to add my message. I used regular chalk but if you want to go really fancy you should use those awesome chalk markers. Those are super cool.
I was just going to use my sign around the house (for now) so I went with “Welcome” but if you had a pool or bar or garden it would be cute to put that on the sign instead.
It would also be cute at a Party or Wedding (which is where I see them most typically used.) But whatever you use it for, it is a really simple project to tackle. In case you are interested in trying your hand at pocket holes, or this entire project really, I’ve put together a quick affiliate ‘shopping’ list for all the supplies!