FreshRetroGallery by Elizabeth Knaus Shops

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Chalkboard art ideas and benefits of sketching

Vintage windows repurposed into chalkboard art


Before children, teachers, educators and business people used iPads and computers…

… before markers on whiteboards were popular: in school classrooms and at home, chalkboards or blackboards were commonly used for education and creative, artistic play.

9-pane window found at an estate sale with chalk art
My son Nathan found this 9-pane window at an estate sale. It was repurposed with chalkboard paint by my husband Stan. He asked me to write something on it and hopes to sell it at Mudcreek Antiques in Abilene, Kansas.

Chalk as an art medium on chalkboard is trending decor

  • boutique signage
  • kitchen and family rooms in homes
  • deli, bar and restaurant menus
  • wedding and other events
  • dorm lounge
  • daycare
  • school and church classrooms

chalkboard window panels with Bible verse Ephesians 4:32
I used the bottom 3 panels to do chalk lettering of the Bible verse “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32


Chalkboard art ideas


Chalkboard art: It is not happy people who are grateful, it is grateful people who are happy
It is not happy people who are grateful, it is grateful people who are happy.

How to use old windows to make chalkboard art

  1. find old window at estate sale or salvage yard
  2. wash it
  3. let it dry
  4. mask frame with tape or remove the panes
  5. lightly sand off chunks and flakes
  6. paint frame or…
  7. leave vintage patina and spray with satin clear
  8. replace broken panes with new glass or…
  9. …cut new material (cement board was used in the image shown)
  10. paint panes with chalkboard spray paint
  11. insert and secure prepared panes (replacements) into window frame
  12. sketch ideas, thumbnail size, with pencil on paper
  13. re-draw thumbnail sketches using chalk on actual panes

chalkboard art 1 Corintinians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love”
I Corinthians 16:14


Ideas for organizing and splitting the workload

Families take turns doing certain chores around home. Utilize a chalkboard to mark out whose turn it is to wash dishes, sort socks and fold underwear. Each week jot down important dates such as a parent-teacher conference, dental appointment and wedding anniversary.


Change it weekly and make celebratory notes!
Organize all kinds of things in your household for
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Memorize Bible verses on a chalkboard

Christians strive to grow in faith and share it with others. I’m so thankful my grandma inspired me and blessed many people throughout her entire life. Even after she lost her eye sight, she was always thankful, optimistic and shared her rich knowledge of the scripture she’d memorized.

love bible verse quote on chalkboard
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant”
1 Corinthians 13:4

Keep love fresh and healthy with the help of a chalkboard for Spiritual tips.

I love you and flower sketch on chalkboard
I love you and a flower sketch can brighten a mood like a fresh bouquet, hug and kind voice.

Benefits of sketching

Drawing in a sketchbook or on a chalkboard is well worth the time spent!
  • visual thinking tools
  • temporary, erasable
  • method of expression
  • form of communication
  • promotes discussion
  • extends memory
  • creative and design development
  • share ideas
  • aids problem-solving
  • learn about art and other subjects
  • explore variations
  • enhances concentration
  • generate ideas quickly
  • develop motor skills
  • play games like hangman or tic-tac-toe
  • encourages planning
  • builds ability to organize
  • distracts from difficult situations
  • pleasure — fun pastime

Sketching makes a wide variety of subjects interesting…

The Bible Project provides an illustrated video for every book of the Bible that outlines its structure and design and how it fits into the entire biblical story.

Many people, like me, are more teachable with pictures and demonstrations. We often sketch and take notes during
  • classes
  • seminars
  • symposiums
  • meetings

be awesome today chalkboard quote
Be awesome today is an encouraging statement! Our God is an awesome God! His grace and the power of His Spirit lives within all who believe and trust in Jesus Christ.
Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5

Thanks for reading my blog. You may always share!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Election, Lutherans, and the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

Voting falls in line with Christian worship, education, and evangelic ministry. 


This election, many Christians will vote to hold onto religious freedom for the good of all people. 


God already knows the outcome of the election. He knows your heart and mine (I’ll be voting Republican). Read more on a Lutheran view of church and state.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6: 10-11
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV
As a Christian businesswoman, wife, and mother, my focus is on important political issues that allow for freedom to be faithful. I believe children in the womb have a right to live and in God’s perfect plan for marriage.
    Don't Be Hating (video) explains the Fifth Commandment. I look to a candidate who will make better choices on Supreme Court Justices.

    Tuesday With Luther (video) discusses the Sixth Commandment. I favor a party who respects my right to live my faith in making business decisions that include when and for whom I do creative and artistic work.

    Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.
    Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/martinluth385320.html

    Please vote and pray for our nation and world.


    First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

    Discernment and forgiveness of sins is for all who humbly confess, repent, turn around and receive Christ’s grace.
    Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! Psalm 40:4
    I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22 ESV 
    On the Last Day the Truth will be known.
    …so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2: 10-11

    LakeSuperior-MartinLuther-freshretrogallery
    Meditating upon our Creator’s masterpiece at the Minnesota North Shore on Lake Superior with my sister and daughter. “Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.” Martin Luther
    Until that Last Day, let’s trust our Sovereign Lord and make every effort to vote for politicians who (and support ministries which) aren’t wooed by activists with itching ears.
    I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
    2 Timothy 4: 1-8 ESV
    Speaking of ministry…

    Lutherans Celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, October 31, 2017 


    Martin Luther stood up for the truths of God’s Word. Read more about the 500th Anniversary of Reformation.

    Let’s pray for all Lutherans
    • Thank you, Christ, for keeping faithful Lutherans in pure Biblical doctrine and undiluted theology
    • Thank you, Spirit, for inspiring Bible teachers who don’t distort your Word
    • Thank you, Father, for pastors who lead divine worship, preaching sermons you inspire without veering into unauthorized territory
    • Dear God, close itching ears and redirect activist Lutherans who have lost their way and corrupted your Good News 
    • Oh, Holy Spirit, encourage the apathetic, protect ignorant members, and exhort leaders of the erring Lutheran denomination

    God’s hand was in the timing of Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press and Martin Luther’s Bible translation which lead to the worldwide distribution of God’s Word. Read more.

    To mark the reformation milestone, I created printable art for my Christian (LCMS) friends:


    Faith, Word, Grace, Truth Luther’s Rose, It’s all about Jesus: Lutheran art
    Faith, Word, Grace, Truth Luther’s Rose, It’s all about Jesus: Lutheran art is a fresh look at the historical symbol which Martin Luther shared in good friendship.

    About the Art of Martin Luther’s Seal with my Design Rendition


    Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of the Luther Rose which is a timeless visual summary of the Christian faith. Luther explained the meaning:
    “First, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color. This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain, but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn’t destroy nature, that is to say, it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Romans 1:17). The heart should stand in the middle of a white rose. This is to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace—it puts the believer into a white, joyous rose. Faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). This is why the rose must be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). This rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed. Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that blessedness in heaven lasts forever and has no end. Heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and better than any possessions, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.” — Letter from Martin Luther to Lazarus Spengler, July 8, 1530 [WA Br 5:445]; tr. P. T. McCain
    Using Adobe Illustrator, I created my own rendition of Luther’s concept covered by a purple banner, “It's all about Jesus”. This is to emphasize the Biblical doctrine that “nothing we do” achieves salvation which is only in Christ. The traditional role of purple used by liturgical congregations during Lent reminds Christians of their daily need to humbly seek to live a life of repentance. “And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him.”—Mark 15:17 ESV. Four words in the gold ring explain Martin Luther’s teaching. Read more about Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture (Word) alone, Jesus (Truth) alone.

    My favorite ideas to use the art: Baptism Onesies and Coloring Pages for Sunday School!

    Luther Rose coloring page art
    Line art for printing solid 1-color items and Sunday School coloring pages.

    Lutheran clip art to print various products
    Lutheran clip art to create printed gifts that celebrate Baptism and the Reformation.

    Luther Rose art available in color, grayscale and black and white.
    Luther Rose clip art available in color, grayscale and black and white.

    Thanks for reading my post. Seek the Lord who will bless you in the peace of Christ!