How to Make Magnetic Memo Boards

You've seen those cool magnetic bulletin boards in stores--they let you keep memos, check lists, notes, photos and memorabilia organized without pins or clips. But you don't have to pay big bucks for an impersonal board. You can create your own memo board and make it as unique as you like.

Things You'll Need

• Picture frame
• Sheet metal
• Spray primer
• Paint and glaze
• Decorative elements
• Magnets

Instructions

1. Find or purchase a frame for your board. Yard sales and flea markets are a great place to search for a frame. You can also buy a cheap frame at IKEA or Target. You'll probably want to get a thin frame that is 9 by 11 inches or larger. You want as much room as possible for the memos.

2. Remove the glass from the frame. Keep the backing.

3. Buy a piece of sheet metal at a hardware or home improvement store and have it trimmed to fit the size of your frame. You may want to take the frame with you for reference.

4. Clean the metal with dishwashing soap and let dry.

5. Coat the metal with spray primer. You can add color with acrylic spray paint. Glaze the paint to prevent scratching. You can also leave it flat for a matte finish.

6. Add whatever decorative touches you like to the metal sheet and the frame. You can use stickers, spray-painted stencils, glued images or any flat accent. You can glue on beads, stones or other 3-D details, but when decorating the sheet itself leave room for the messages and magnets.

7. Place the metal sheet inside the frame.