How to Make a Bakeware Magnet Board

Convert a stainless steel baking sheet into a kitchen message center.

Magnetic bulletin boards can be expensive to buy, but you can make a no-fuss message center yourself. If cookie baking is not high on your list, get that bakeware out of the cupboard for a project that can let you keep track of your grocery list. A bakeware bulletin board can keep you organized and connected with family members for little to no cash outlay.

Things You'll Need

• Steel cookie sheet or other steel bakeware
• 8- to 10-pound pull force hobby magnets
• Rags
• Empty food cans
• Magnetic hook
• Power drill & 1/4-inch drill bit with two screws (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Wall anchors (optional)
• Adhesive tabs (optional)

Instructions

1. Tear off the paper labels from the empty food cans. Ensure rims are smooth with no sharp edges. Rinse and dry cans well.

2. Attach a strong hobby magnet, an 8- to 10-pound pull is recommended, to the center back of each food can.

3. Clean and dry an old piece of stainless steel bakeware for the bulletin board -- a rimless cookie sheet provides the most surface, but even a round pie plate (or a group of them) can be effective. Just be sure to test the pan with a magnet first.

4. Mark the wall where you want to hang the magnet board. Drill into the wall and install anchors. Measure and mark corresponding holes on the opposite ends of the cookie sheet. Drill through the cookie sheet with a 1/4-inch metal bit and install the sheet with screws and a screwdriver. If you don't want to permanently damage the cookie sheet, you can lean it against the wall on a countertop or affix it to the wall with removable adhesive strips.

5. Arrange cans and hooks on the magnetic bulletin board to suit your needs. You can put paperclips, small change, etc. in the empty tuna can. Hang your keys on the magnetic hook and use the taller cans to store hobby brushes, pens and maybe a colorful silk flower.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase used bakeware from a thrift store or garage sale if you don't have one you want to sacrifice.

• Use spray paint to give your magnet board a clean, colorful finish and make it less obviously a cookie sheet. The pan must be thoroughly clean and smooth before painting.

• Magnets are strong and should always be handled by an adult with care. Strong magnets can be harmful to persons with pacemakers and should be kept away from children as they are a choking hazard and are very harmful if swallowed.

• Keep magnets away from any type of electronics like a TV or computer, for example, or even credit and debit cards as the strong magnetic field can screw up these items.