My favorite part of the vintage car party I created was the interactive table runner — and it was the simplest project to make. This chalkboard car runner works beautifully for a party, but it’s also perfect as an everyday play mat for little ones. Kids love drawing houses, obstacles and road signs with chalk, then racing their toy cars along the track. Lay it out on the table while you prepare dinner to keep them entertained, or roll it up and save it for another day. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift when paired with colorful chalk and a selection of small cars. Here’s how to make one yourself.
Supply list:
- Chalkboard contact paper
- White or yellow artist’s tape
- Chalk
- Toy cars
Step-by-step:
Unroll the chalkboard contact paper and trim it to the length you want. If you want a temporary runner that can be stored easily, leave the backing on. For a permanent installation on a play table, peel the backing off and adhere the contact paper directly to the surface.
Use short strips of artist’s tape to create roads. Place the tape in curved or winding patterns — you can make one long road, multiple lanes, or small loops and parking spaces. The tape creates crisp road lines and keeps kids’ chalk drawings contained to the roadway.
Set out chalk and a handful of toy cars and let the play begin. Children can draw homes, trees, crosswalks and parking lots, then race their cars along the taped routes. When it’s time to clean up, wipe the chalk away with a damp cloth if the backing is removed, or roll the runner up and store it if you left the backing in place.
Tips and variations:
- If you want durable road markings, use artist’s tape in a high-contrast color like white or yellow so the lines stand out against the chalkboard surface.
- For themed parties, draw road signs, parking meters or a start/finish line with chalk before guests arrive.
- To create multiple play zones, use strips of contact paper side-by-side to make wider table coverage or add a few smaller runners for different activities.
- Pair the runner with a small container of assorted chalk and a tray of toy vehicles for a ready-to-play kit you can gift or store together.
All photos by Studio DIY
If you enjoyed this idea, consider using it for birthday parties, holiday gifts or everyday play. It’s a quick, low-cost project that delivers hours of imaginative fun without much effort.
Looking for more DIY projects? Check out the full project gallery here!