DIY Baby Monthly Chalkboard + Free Cut File

This post is sponsored by Expressions Vinyl and contains affiliate links. Hey, y'all!  I am so excited to be bringing y'all a brand new project today!  If you follow me on social media, you probably know that in October, my husband and I adopted a sweet little baby boy, and I have quickly learned that photos of my little man are pretty much my favorite thing in the world.  My love of taking pictures of my sweet boy inspired today's project, which is the perfect baby shower gift!  I'm showing you how to make a DIY Baby Monthly Chalkboard Photo Prop.  You can make this project VERY quickly by using chalkboard vinyl from Expressions Vinyl so that you don't have to wait for chalkboard paint to dry and cure.  Of course, I'm showing you the whole quick and easy process, and I'm sharing the FREE hand-lettered cut file with you so that you can make your own.

I love that you can personalize this project by using different size frames and different color vinyl, and you can even embellish the frame with flowers or a tiny pennant banner.  Let me show you how easy it is to make.

First of all, you'll need a few supplies.  I'm going to list them below and link to them using affiliate links.  This just means that if you choose to purchase a product I link to, a small part of the purchase price will go toward supporting my blog at no extra charge to you.  (Thanks!!!) Supplies:

• Wood Canvas Panel
• Stain
• Old Cloth or Foam Brush
• Chalkboard Vinyl
• Expressions Vinyl Series 51 Permanent Vinyl in Cloud White
• Transfer Tape
• Silhouette Cameo
• Weeding Tool
• Application Tool
• Scissors

First, you need to stain the frame of your sign.  I used antiquing wax instead of stain because the stain I planned to use (that's in my supply picture) was old and totally unusable.  You can paint the frame instead of staining if that fits your style better.  I should probably also note that the unfinished wooden panel I used came from Walmart, and I realized once I bought it that I could use the back to be the perfect framed sign.  Don't you love when you realize something unexpected that can make your project even better?!

Once the stain dries, cut some chalkboard vinyl to size to apply to your sign.  I love the grid on this vinyl's paper backing!  It makes cutting a straight line so much easier.

To get a bubble-free application, peel the paper from the top edge of the vinyl.  Line it up with the top edge of your frame and smooth the edge down with an application tool.  Once that has adhered, slowly peel back the paper from under the vinyl as you smooth the top with the application tool.

Once your chalkboard vinyl is applied, it's time to cut the hand-lettered design.  
You can download the FREE hand-lettered Silhouette cut file here. ***The page that opens will say "no preview available," but you can still click the download button to download the file.
You can download the FREE hand-lettered SVG cut file here.
Once you download the file, open it in Silhouette Studio.  Use your Silhouette to cut the design from vinyl.  Make sure to use the Expressions Vinyl Machine Settings Chart to help you get the correct settings.

Once you cut the design, weed the excess vinyl from around it using a weeding tool.  Apply transfer tape over the design and use your application tool to adhere it to your sign.

And just like that, your sign will be complete and ready for you to gift or use for your own baby.

Every month when it's time for baby's photo, simply use chalk to write the month number, date, and baby's stats.

If you plan to give this as a gift, I would suggest buying some chalk are chalk markers and a small garland or banner that mom can use as a photo prop.  Put it all together in a cute basket, and your gift will be a hit at the baby shower.

My favorite part of this project is definitely how easy the chalkboard vinyl made the process.  Have you ever painted with chalkboard paint on wood?  You have to do several layers, sometimes sand to remove grit, and then let it cure for a while before you can ever use it.  With this vinyl from Expressions Vinyl, you simply apply it, and it's ready to use.  Make sure to check out the other awesome vinyls from Expressions Vinyl, and be sure to sign up for their emails so that you'll be the first to know about their weekly deals!  You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for project inspiration.  Happy crafting, y'all!  Related Posts:

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