When I first saw the magnetic chalk board tree in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog, I fell in love with it and quickly added it to my never-ending project list. I decided to paint it right onto the wall in my girls’ room to create a simpler version. This adorable tree is both cute and practical and the perfect place for little ones to draw and hang artwork.
How to Make a Magnetic Chalk Board Tree
I drew a large circle {using a simple pencil, tack, and string to make a homemade compass} and drew straight lines down for the trunk. Because the shape of the tree is so basic, it’s really easy to recreate this idea even if you have no artistic talent.
{If you think a move is in your future and don’t want to paint directly onto the wall, you can use a jigsaw to cut the shapes, paint them, and nail them into the wall. That way you can take the tree with you to the next home and simply repair small nail holes in the wall.}
The top of the tree is magnetic. I painted the circle with a thick coat of magnetic paint {affiliate link} and then painted over it with bright green acrylic craft paint. The trunk of the tree is painted with brown chalkboard paint {affiliate link}.
In order to create a surface that magnets will really adhere to, be generous with the layer or layers of magnetic paint.
I added a few butterfly magnets made with thick dollar store stickers stuck back to back with a strip of magnetic tape added on the back. They’re a sweet touch to the tree and will be perfect for hanging artwork and other special notes.
I’m so happy with the final outcome of this magnetic chalk board tree. It was a really quick project and looks so sweet and whimsical in Tate and Lila’s room.
For more simple decor ideas for kids’ rooms and spaces, be sure to check out this simple monogram wall string art …
… stylish storage for a play area {including a window seat reading bench} …
… and an industrial plumbing pipe monogram that makes really fun wall decor!
"bigcanadiangirl" says
That’s swell but it didn’t involve a miter saw…
The Martin 6 says
LOVE it!!
Amanda says
I love it Randi — it’s super cute! I bet a polka dotted one would look good in my girl’s room. Let’s talk…
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
What a great project idea! Good work!
barb says
Very cute. I’m ashamed to say I still have to paint the girls room.
I’m still waiting to see the construction…
Emily says
It turned out so great! Good job!!
Julie says
Very cute!
frillsfluffandtrucks says
Very cute! (And I like the title of your post–A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is my favorite book of all time!)
~ Sarah
Kristi @ Creative Kristi says
Oh I like the idea of doing a shape with those paints…I just did a regular rectangle on the wall in my playroom lol!
Came over from The CSI Project!
Cassie says
This is adorable!!!
I love it!!
I want to do it now!!!
=)
Et, Judy Cat Crafts says
I love it. The magnetic paint is such a great idea.
Alyssa says
I am SO inspired by this!
I’ve been thinking of unique ideas for my 2 yr old’s room.
Great idea – and it is so pretty!
Alyssa
Lauren says
Followed you over from the CSI project – I love the idea of a shaped chalkboard as well! So cute!
[email protected] says
I’ve also thought of making that PB tree for my girls’ room. I love your interpretation. PRECIOUS!
Philip, Melissa, & Summer says
I didn’t know there was such a thing as magnetic paint. I must do this sometime.
http://www.themudpuddle.etsy.com
http://www.themudpuddleproject.blogspot.com
Sarah @ Thrifty Decor Chick says
That is really, really precious! What a cute idea!
Kendra@My Insanity says
What a fun (and fairly uncomplicated) project! I love the magnetic butterflies! You could make magnets for each season and change them out.
Marie says
Hello sweet Randi – I’m visiting from the CSI project! Love that wall art! So adorable. Great job. Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Kimberly says
Super cute idea! So creative with the magnetic paint! And all I could think of to do was paint the wall… sheesh. The butterflies really complete it.
Londen @ Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
I loved this too when I saw it! Great job creating it for much less $$! It looks beautiful!
Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com says
that is just darling! And the little butterfly just adds the best finishing touch!
Thanks so much for linking up to the CSI Project! We really appreciate it. I hope you will come back next week for our Hardware Store challenge!
XOXO
Jen
Beth@The Stories of A2Z says
Love that the top is magnetic and bottom chalkboard! Your butterfly magnets are adorable :). Thanks so much for linking up this post!
Liz says
Uh..yeah…ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!
I love that you can hang things on it too. Creative!
I hope you will come participate in my link party! All About The Boy @ The Nifty Nest!
Liz
1bellastager says
Yeah, I love this tree…great idea!
Lisa at Paint in my Hair says
What a smart idea! It looks great. I posted a PBK mural knock-off at CSI too 🙂
Alicia says
this is so so cute!