I made these 2 chalkboard tap handles from staircase parts I got at Homedepot.
I used a pre-primed 36" Baluster that I cut to length for the handle itself.
I used a poplar staircase oval rosette for the "signage" portion.
Used some wood glue and a few brads to attach the rosette to the trimmed baluster. Woodfiller in the brad nail holes. Quick sanding. Drilled holes in the bottom of the baluster/handle for the bolts. Then taped and painted the handles, Dried, taped and painted the chalkboard.
The squared off portion of the Baluster is behind the rosette.
I painted them with 4 coats of a textured off-white spray paint. The rosette was painted with 8 coats of chalkboard paint.
Bill of Materials :
Baluster = $3.98 (home depot)
Rosette = $5.98 (home depot)
Ferrule = $3.50 (kegworks)
Bolt = $2.25 (kegworks)
Cost per Handle = $15.75 before paint
Chalkboard Paint = $6 (home depot)
White Textured Paint = $6 (home depot)
Plenty of paint per can to make several handles, so I don't really include it in the cost of the handles themselves.