First Day of School Photo & Chalkboard Prop

I’m all about photo ops, so I was excited and inspired when I saw this idea on Pinterest before my oldest son started preschool. What a fun way to capture the first day of school!

I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up my chalkboard, but, of course, they were sold out because everyone else on Pinterest saw the idea.

Well, I wasn’t going to bail on the idea that quickly so I decided to make my own. I had already bought chalkboard paint for another project so all I needed was a frame. And it was my lucky day: frames were 50 percent off (gotta love the 50 percent off sales at HL) so I spent less than if I would have bought a pre-made chalkboard.

I then painted three coats of chalkboard paint on the glass, and that was it.

I love the distressed barn wood look of the frame, it reminds me of my grandparents’ farm, and I knew I could use it for other things, like on my mantel…

And for our fall photos taken by Shannon Dickman of Brittann Photography.

It’s always good when your crafty projects have a dual purpose!

Another cute idea is to write what your child would like to be when they grow up on the chalkboard. Or use some props.

My son is often talking about being a doctor and carrying around tools he got from his godmother. That day he was obsessed with the “shot” and took it to school. Notice the cars on his backpack (sewn on by Nanie) as well, another one of his interests.

Of course he wanted to write on the chalkboard right before we took the photo and were running late…gotta plan for and allow time for those kid-fun detours, too. 😉