You know that feeling. You see a stunning piece of chalkboard art in a cozy cafe or a trendy boutique, and you just stop. There’s something about those soft, textured lines and the sheer impermanence of it that grabs you. Maybe you’ve even bought a chalkboard for your own kitchen, only to stare at its vast, black emptiness with a nub of chalk in your hand. What on earth do you write? If your creative well feels a little dry, don’t worry. I’ve been there, frozen in front of my own board. That’s why we’re diving into 13 brilliant May chalkboard art ideas that go way beyond just writing “Monday.” Let’s turn that blank slate into your favorite corner of the house.
1. The Classic May Flowers Bloom Board
Let’s start with the obvious, but let’s do it with style. “April showers bring May flowers” is a classic for a reason, but your execution doesn’t have to be basic. Ditch the simple cursive and think big. Sketch oversized, whimsical blooms like peonies, tulips, and lilacs cascading from the corner of your board.
Use the layering technique with your chalk. Start with a light base layer, then add depth with brighter white or even soft pastel chalks for the petal edges. The key is to make it look lush and overflowing, like your board is literally bursting into spring. This is a perfect, welcoming piece for a front entryway or above your kitchen sink.
2. A Minimalist Mid-Month Mantra
Not everyone wants a full-blown botanical illustration. Sometimes, less is more, especially when you need a quiet daily reminder. For the second week of May, when motivation might be dipping, a minimalist mantra hits the spot. Think clean, modern lettering with a single, powerful phrase.
Phrases like “Grow Through What You Go Through” or “Just Bloom” work beautifully. Use a ruler or a level to keep your lines straight and choose a simple, sans-serif inspired font. The negative space on the board becomes part of the art, creating a calm, focused vibe. It’s the aesthetic equivalent of a deep breath.
3. The “May the 4th Be With You” Retrofit
Okay, hear me out. May 4th has its thing, but what about the rest of the month? Give the classic Star Wars pun a fresh, seasonal twist. Your 13 May chalkboard art can play on this perfectly. Try a design that says “May the Flowers Be With You” surrounded by little chalk-drawn dandelions and stars.
Or, for the truly clever, “May the Fourths Be With You” with four illustrated cocktails or coffee cups for a fun weekend board. It’s a little bit of geeky humor that feels right at home in May, bridging the gap between pop culture and the season.
4. A Vibrant Farmer’s Market Menu
Is there anything better than May produce? If you’re someone who cooks with the seasons, turn your chalkboard into a dynamic menu. List out the star ingredients you’re excited about: “Asparagus Season is HERE,” “Strawberry Everything,” “Fresh Pea & Mint.”
Draw simple, iconic illustrations of these items around your text. A bunch of asparagus, a pint of berries, a head of crisp lettuce. This functional chalkboard art not only looks incredibly charming but also gets you excited to cook. It’s a celebration of what’s on your plate and where your food comes from.
5. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Frame
Early May demands some festive energy. Instead of just writing “Cinco de Mayo,” create a whole fiesta scene. Frame your board with intricate, lacy papel picado (paper banner) designs drawn in chalk. You can write the date in the center with bold, block letters.
Add accents like little chalk-drawn sombreros, maracas, or slices of lime. The goal is color and movement. If you have liquid chalk markers in bright colors, this is the time to use them. This board is pure, joyful celebration and sets the mood for a great gathering.
6. A Mother’s Day Tribute in Script
This one requires a bit of heart. For Mother’s Day, move beyond a store-bought card and dedicate your board to mom. A beautiful, flowing script quote about mothers makes a stunning centerpiece. Try something like “Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.”
Surround the quote with delicate floral wreaths or her favorite flower. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even incorporate a family recipe in her handwriting style. It’s a personal, temporary monument that shows thoughtfulness and effort—way better than a text message, right?
7. A Moody, Rainy Day Doodle Board
May isn’t all sunshine. Embrace the cozy, introspective vibe of a spring rain shower. This concept is all about atmosphere. Draw dripping letters for a quote like “Puddle Jumper Season” or “Coffee & Rainy Days.” Add sketches of rain-streaked windows, umbrellas, or clouds.
Use your finger or a blending stump to smudge the chalk and create a soft, misty effect. This piece proves that chalkboard art can capture any mood, not just the cheerful ones. It’s oddly comforting.
8. The Graduation Cap Toss Celebration
For families with graduates, the board becomes a bulletin of pride. Illustrate a simple graduation cap tossed into the air, its tassel swinging to the side. Around it, announce your grad’s name, school, and year in bold, celebratory letters.
You can add classic motifs like a diploma scroll or an open book. This makes for an incredible photo backdrop for graduation party pictures. It’s a personalized piece of decor that marks a huge milestone—and honestly, it beats a balloon arch.
9. A “Plant Lady” (or Dude) Propagation Guide
Tap into the huge houseplant trend with educational art. If your May involves repotting and propagating, diagram it on your board! Draw simple, step-by-step illustrations: a cutting in water, roots growing, planting in soil.
Label each step with clear, concise text. You can even list your current propagation projects: “Monstera Node – Week 2,” “Pothos – READY TO POT!” This turns your chalkboard into both art and a useful gardening journal. It’s functional, trendy, and totally unique.
10. Memorial Day Weekend Kick-Off
As May winds down, the unofficial start of summer arrives. Your board should reflect that eager, anticipatory energy. Think retro-inspired designs: “Hello, Sunshine!” in a 1950s diner font, a classic ice cream cone, a simple grill, or a pair of sunglasses.
Use red, white, and blue accents tastefully with colored chalk. This isn’t about a detailed historical piece; it’s about the feeling of a long, relaxed weekend ahead. It sets a festive, welcoming tone for any guests you might have over.
11. A Celestial Moon Phase Calendar
For a touch of magic, track the moon phases for the month of May. Draw a series of circles representing the waxing and waning moon, labeling key dates like the New Moon and Full Flower Moon (which often occurs in May).
This piece is mystical and beautiful, and it connects your home to the natural rhythms happening right outside. Add a quote about the moon or stars in elegant, spiky lettering to complete the ethereal look. It’s a conversation starter for sure.
12. The Simple, Striking Single Bloom
Never underestimate the power of one perfect thing. Take a single flower—a rose, a dahlia, a sunflower—and draw it large, centered, and with dramatic detail. Focus on shading and texture to make it pop off the black background.
You can add a single word beneath it, like “Believe,” “Bloom,” or “Grace.” This approach is bold, confident, and surprisingly easy to execute because you’re focusing all your energy on one subject. It makes a huge visual impact with minimal clutter.
13. Your Personal May “To-Be” List
We all have to-do lists. But what about a “to-be” list? This is my favorite piece of 13 May chalkboard art because it’s deeply personal. Write “This May, I will be:” at the top, and then list qualities or states of mind. “Present. Curious. Planted. Light.”
Illustrate each word with a tiny, abstract icon—a heart for “loving,” a sun for “bright,” a root for “grounded.” This board isn’t for anyone else; it’s a visual intention setter for your month. It reminds you what matters every single time you glance at it.
So there you have it—13 ways to conquer that intimidating blank slate this May. The best part about chalkboard art? It’s not permanent. If you mess up, a damp cloth gives you a clean slate (literally). The goal isn’t perfection; it’s expression. It’s adding a little handmade, human touch to your space. Grab that chalk, embrace the smudges, and make something that makes you smile. Your board is waiting. What will you create first?