While brainstorming for upcoming Oh Baby! segments on New Mexico Style and Good Day Sacramento, I came across this idea of using a chalkboard filled with momentous events during the child’s past year as a photo prop, and wanted to see if I could recreate it using a thrifted canvas, some chalkboard paint (which if you follow any of my segments, you know I am obsessed with) and colored chalk. This may sound like an incredibly juvenile crafting project, but I am no Picaso…

Since more often than not, you’re not going to find a sparkling clean canvas at the thrift store, I decided to find something that has the shape I was looking for (and would fit in my travel suitcase as I was taking it on the road with me to New Mexico). I found this piece that artfully fit the bill (oh yes I did), for $2.99.

Granted, a few guilt pangs hit me as I was spraypainting over someone’s hard work with chalkboard paint. But I got over it when I realized I was giving it a new life. After all change is good, right? Not sure if you can tell, but the below picture shows not only the name of my preferred chalkboard paint, but the black under it is the above canvas now transformed into a chalkboard.

Once dry, I grabbed my colored chalk and played. Here’s my final product. Unfortunately, none of my ”babies” agreed to to pose for this shot! So here’s the next best thing.

Here’s the link to the Good Day Sacramento segments I featured my masterpiece in. The first is on maternity clothing, the second is on fun gifts, the photo prop, and other pint-sized adorableness!

Good Day Sacramento:

http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/9202728-thrifty-thursday-oh-baby-part-1/

http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/9202764-thrifty-thursday-oh-baby-part-2/

This can be used not only as a photo prop, but for bridal or baby showers, chore stations, menu for a dinner party…the ideas are endless. Remember, if I can do it, so can you! Happy thrifting!

Gina Doglione-Nielsen is featured every week on Good Day Sacramento’s Thrifty Thursdays, and owns GNJ Consulting which handles Public, Social, and Media Relations for Thrift Town Stores. Gina lives in Northern California with her amazing husband Josh, and is constantly on the go with three “very active” and “strong personality” bambinos; aka Team Nielsen, and loves every minute of it.