The Target dollar bin is filled with mini flags and a whole lot of red, white and blue plastic — that means the 4th of July is almost upon us! (Yes, I judge the changing of the seasons via the tchotchke aisle at Target — how else do you do it? A calendar? What is this, 1776?) To celebrate, I’ve created two new chalkboard templates for the occasion… and one is a total freebie!

To create these patriotic bad boys, I used my favorite VersaChalk chalk markers. I used the metallic blue, red and silver chalk markers to give it a firecracker shine — but you can use your favorites!

The Let’s Get Lit template is available in my shop, and the Let Freedom Ring template is free. Get it? It’s FREEdom. FREE? God, I’m so clever.

A few tips before you get started:

• This design is around 10 inches wide, but you can adjust the size down when you print to make it fit on whatever size board you have. For example, if you only have room for 6 inches, knock it down to 60% print size.

• The firework illustration can be moved anywhere you would like on the board — and if you are careful not to smudge your chalk outline, you can move the template around the board and create multiple bursts! This would be a super cool look with lots of color.

• To fill in any excess space, you can add little bursts of sparks… and by that, I mean dots. :) I grouped them in 3s to give the impression of a sparkler. You could evenly space yours around the board to look like stars, or pattern them to look like the little falling pieces of firework. Or you can leave them out entirely. You do you, girl!

To receive your free 4th of July chalkboard template, simply sign up for our mailing list at the link below. You’ll receive the freebie via email. If you’re already on the list, don’t worry — it will be in your inbox soon! When you’re all finished with your masterpiece, don’t forget to share — be sure to tag @hooplaletters on the ‘gram so I can “ooh” and “ahh” over your beautiful work.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July, everyone!