How to Make a DIY Magnetic Message Board

Are you in need of a message center, grocery list board, or a supply organizer?  This DIY magnetic message board is perfect for you!

I needed a place to write down what I have in my freezer; everything that was lurking in the crevices and cold dark corners.  We have a small, tight freezer which makes it hard to find things, and even harder to remember what might be in there. Things kept disappearing, and I had three bags of mixed vegetables because I couldn't ever remember if I had some left.  Enter this magnetic message board!  I knew it would be perfect to organize into categories and keep track of the food we had in our freezer.  It also gave me the perfect excuse to clean out the freezer--goodbye 2 year old vanilla ice cream.

I have my magnetic message board stuck to the side of my refrigerator.  It's the perfect spot for it because it isn't visible and messy looking, but it's still right next to the freezer.  Because the message board is in a tight spot I used wet erase markers instead of dry erase--I pull it out often and I was worried everything would end up rubbing off.  And that would just create a bigger headache than the freezer!

DIY Magnetic Message Board and Freezer Organizer

Supplies
1 small dry erase board
4 magnets
Ultra Control Gel Loctite super glue
washi tape
wet erase markers

1. If the opposite side of your dry erase board is glossy, use sandpaper to roughen the surface. Wipe the board clean of the dust with a damp paper towel.  Allow to dry completely.
2. Apply 3 to 4 dots of super glue to one of the magnets. 
   
3. Firmly press the magnet onto one of the corners of the boards back.  Hold for about 10 seconds.  Repeat with the remaining 3 magnets in the other corners. Allow glue to dry and set for 5 minutes. 
4. Using a thin piece of washi tape wrap the outside of the magnets.  Not only is this cute, but it will keep the magnets from scratching your fridge!  If the edges are longer than your magnets fold them to the middle.  
   
5. Plan the layout of your board with a piece of paper and a pencil.  Define categories, how much space you need, etc. 
6. Use washi tape to divide the areas of your board.  Washi tape is great because you can easily remove and re-stick it.  
   
7. Your message board is finished! Make lists and write notes with wet erase markers.  

Notes

• Wet erase markers are less prone to wiping off than dry erase markers.  They're perfect for tight spaces and curious fingers.  Feel free to use dry erase markers if that's what you prefer. 
• Use washi tape as much or as little as you need.  I actually thought I would use more, but ended up using the marker to divide some spaces. 

I love having an organized place to see what is in our freezer without having to hold the door open for 10 minutes.  I can also see this being used as a grocery list on the fridge, stuck to the side of a filing cabinet to list its contents, or in a crafting are to keep track of the supplies. 

Where would you put a magnetic message board?  Do you have any great ideas about how to use one?

Behind the Scenes

My students have been crazy this week!  I think it's spring fever.  I definitely earned the glass of wine I had last night.  And the afternoon caffeine hits everyday this week.

Our crab apple tree is blooming!  It really is the most gorgeous tree in the spring.  We are really enjoying it.

Luckily that white stuff on the ground is not snow.  Just tree petals after the wind and rain last night.

We sat outside on the patio for drinks this week.  The sunshine felt awesome, and it finally felt like spring.  Though I did get cold once the sun went behind the awning.  I love how the sun was shining around the sign.

I hope you had a good week!  This weekend we're going out to dinner with our friends; pizza tomorrow night!  And if it's dry I'm heading to my parents' house to help them plant the garden.  I've got to help if I want to steal vegetables this summer.  Have a good weekend!

Behind The Scenes

It's the end of another good week.  And also almost the end of my Spring Break.  Back to teaching on Monday, but for right now I'm wringing every possible moment out of my last three days!

On Monday Mom and I went to Ikea.  She was looking for baskets for her new kitchen.  I was looking for a stool.  Of course we both came home with way more than that! And we had lunch.  I need to make Swedish meatballs at home, because I devour them at Ikea!

I met my beautiful friends for dinner on Tuesday.  We had delicious tacos and margaritas on Mass Ave. in Indianapolis.  Then we volunteered for Gleaners Food Bank.  Good food and good karma!

Boomer enjoying his doughnut treat.  It sure was crunchy!

Breakfast for supper is my favorite! Maybe because we never did that when I was little.  We had to wait for the weekend for bacon :)

And finally--I had a friend while I was getting ready this morning.  I'm pretty sure this cute squirrel has moved into the tree behind our house.  He seems friendly so far; though Boomer is highly suspicious of him.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  We're having friends over and have some fun things planned!

Behind the Scenes

This was a busy week! My class went to the Children's Museum on Wednesday, and Dustin's birthday is tomorrow. His parents stayed with us on Friday night; it was good to visit with them before they went on vacation.  If only we could have gone to Mexico too!

It has been icing and snowing all day today. I am so looking forward to spring! Sunshine, flowers, and warm weather.  And also fresh fruits and vegetables. My body is craving spring, can you tell?

Donuts from Long's Donuts in Indianapolis.  Totally worth the 20 minute wait in line on a Sunday morning.  Not the most healthy breakfast, but sure is delicious. 

Dustin fought a cold all week.  So I made a bunch of chicken noodle soup..and then ate it all. But I didn't get sick, so it all worked out!

The Chihuly art ceiling at the Children's Museum was being cleaned, but the photos from the sides still are beautiful. 

The Shoefly Public House for lunch was a huge success.  I can't wait to go back and try more things from their menu. 

I have a new goal--Italian Cream Sodas at home. I order them at restaurants all the time, and they're so good!  This was a raspberry one from Buca di Beppos! 

I hope you guys had a great week.  Are you over winter as much as I am?

Behind the Scenes

Delicious pizza at Bazbeaux in Indianapolis.  I was very nostalgic about all the times we went in college. 

Boomer and I enjoying the sunshine! All that snow is gone now.

After tearing out my parents' kitchen floor Dad and Magoo demonstrated how to turn a wheel barrow into a seat. 

Dustin's Valentine's Day surprise for me. I loved it!

5 minute long thunder storm. Long enough for Boomer to need his thunder shirt...

I hope everyone had a good Monday!  The week has started.