Repurposed Baby Crib Turned Chalkboards

by GadgetSponge Design House

I picked up this vintage baby crib a while back while junking through Arkansas. As soon as I saw it I knew what it needed to be. I tried to make it as functional as possible with the side handles to hang things from. I used the painted on chalkboard paint since I've had better luck with it.
The lighted repurposed chalkboard is set off with an old battery lantern top that I modified to use a current bulb in. These lanterns were the kind that would sit on top of the big ol' six-volt batteries. The swivel arm worked perfectly for aiming the light down. I removed the old plastic bulb protector/housing so it wouldn't get too hot.
Voila! Two repurposed chalkboards for the price of one vintage baby crib!

repurposed baby crib turned chalkboards, diy renovations projects, repurposing upcycling

I created the light from an old battery top lantern assembly. I ran some old yardsticks across the top as well -- because there was room for it!! Ha.

The old, battery-bulb housing that I modified was pretty rusty.

!!TIP!! I used aluminum foil and water to knock the rust off and polish it back up!

Old garden faucet handles run up and down each side to hang what-nots from. Vintage toy blocks served as the neck of the hangers to get them out more.

An old brass basket/bowl served me well as a place to put the chalk!

Here's the second repurposed chalkboard!

Some well-worn wooden, red mini bowling pins served as the hangers on the sides.

Check out the plastic abacus-style play balls up top.

Believe it or not -- when my grandmother's faithful dryer was going to be hauled off when the new one came, I thought it would be a good time to salvage any parts I thought I could use down the road. I grabbed the serial number plates, some knobs and the old lint basket. And here we go!! -- It worked great as the chalk holder!!