Crafting Personalized Door Hangers as Party Favors

Door hangers serve as an excellent DIY party favor, particularly for children aged nine to eleven. This age group often appreciates personal space, and a customizable door hanger allows them to express this with messages like “Stop” or “Leave me alone” using chalk.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard or wooden door hangers
• Optional: smooth cardboard and a utility knife
• Chalkboard paint (approx. 100 ml for 10 hangers)
• Small paint roller or brush
• Chalk
• Small bags (30 x 15 cm)
• Washi tape
• Optional: stickers

How to Make Door Hangers:

Door hangers are an affordable and well-received party favor. To minimize costs, collect old hangers from hotels or car repair shops; they are often given away for free upon request. If only one hanger is available, it can be used as a template to cut out new shapes from cardboard. The primary expense will then be the chalkboard paint, with approximately 100 ml needed for ten hangers.

Applying Chalkboard Paint:

For a more sophisticated option, wooden door hangers can be used. Chalkboard paint adheres well to all smooth surfaces. If cutting cardboard shapes, ensure the material is smooth and clean to prevent the paint from peeling. Wooden hangers should also be smooth; light sanding can prepare the surface. For a durable chalkboard finish, apply the paint in three crosswise coats:

1. Apply the first coat using a roller or brush, moving in one direction (e.g., top to bottom).
2. Allow the first coat to dry for one hour.
3. Apply the second coat horizontally, perpendicular to the first coat.
4. Allow the second coat to dry.
5. Apply the third coat in the same direction as the first coat.
6. Let the hangers dry overnight.
7. Repeat the process for the other side.

Before the hangers can be written on with chalk, they need to dry for at least one, preferably two, full days to cure properly.

Packaging the Door Hangers:

Simple packaging can be achieved by attaching a piece of chalk to the finished door hanger with colorful washi tape. To prevent chalk dust from smearing, it is advisable to place the hangers in small bags and seal them with washi tape. Decorative stickers can add a final touch to the packaging.