There's something wonderfully nostalgic about hand-lettered chalkboard signs during the holidays. They bring warmth and personality to seasonal decor in a way that store-bought signs simply can't match. In my latest YouTube tutorial, I walk you through creating a festive "Holly Jolly Christmas" chalkboard design featuring candy cane-striped letters that capture the playful spirit of the season.
This project combines my love for hand lettering with the cozy charm of Christmas decor. The candy cane effect on the letters adds a whimsical touch that makes this piece feel both traditional and fun—perfect for displaying on a wreath, mantel, or entryway during the holiday season.
The Technique: Candy Cane Letters
The key to this design is creating letters that look like classic peppermint candy canes. Rather than using solid colors, we create a striped effect that mimics the iconic red and white twist pattern. This technique requires a bit of patience but the results are absolutely worth it. The alternating stripes give dimension and visual interest to the lettering, making each word pop against the dark chalkboard background.
Adding Festive Details
Beyond the lettering itself, the little details make this piece special. White snowflakes scattered across the chalkboard add movement and winter magic. The white flourishes that frame the main lettering create an elegant border that ties the whole composition together. These touches transform a simple sign into a complete holiday artwork.
Supplies You'll Need
For this project, I used Versachalk chalkboard markers in both white and red. These markers are perfect for this type of detailed work because they provide smooth, consistent coverage without the dusty mess of traditional chalk. The fine tips allow for precise control when creating the striped pattern.
Get the supplies:
These markers work beautifully on any chalkboard surface, whether it's a traditional slate board or a painted chalkboard frame like the one I used in the tutorial.
Perfect for Holiday Decorating
This "Holly Jolly Christmas" chalkboard makes a versatile addition to your holiday decor. Display it on a festive wreath as shown, prop it on a mantel alongside garland and candles, or hang it in your entryway to greet guests with seasonal cheer. The hand-lettered quality gives it a personal, crafted feel that adds warmth to any space.
The best part? Once the holidays are over, you can simply wipe it clean and create a new design for the next season. That's the beauty of chalkboard art—it's temporary, changeable, and always an opportunity to try something new.
Follow Along
In the full YouTube tutorial, I demonstrate the entire process step-by-step, from sketching the initial layout to adding those final decorative snowflakes. Whether you're new to hand lettering or looking to add seasonal flair to your calligraphy skills, this project offers a fun way to practice while creating something beautiful for your home.
The candy cane letter technique can be adapted for other holiday phrases too—"Let It Snow," "Merry Christmas," or even names for personalized gifts. Once you master the striped effect, the possibilities are endless.
So grab your chalkboard markers and let's create some holiday magic together. Your wreath (and your home) will thank you.