Today I’m going to show you how to make this adorable
Magnetic Chalk Board Message Station.
My kids needed somewhere to keep their backpacks, school work, homework, library books, pens & pencils, notepaper, and all the little things they need to get themselves out the door each morning in an orderly manner.
I hung a coat hanger from IKEA on the wall for their backpacks, jackets, & lunch boxes, but I still needed somewhere to keep all their extra “stuff” organized. Up until this point they would just throw papers all over the floor.
Now when they walk in the door they have somewhere to put their “save” papers, notes to me, homework, etc.
Here’s how this message center came together…
I found this piece of metal on Craigslist for FREE!
I decided it would make the perfect message center because it was magnetic. From there I took it one step further and added chalkboard paint.
First I primed it with Rust-oleum gray primer:
I did two coats and let it dry a full 24 hours before I added the chalkboard paint.
Then I coated it with chalkboard spray paint. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t splotchy so I did several coats – I used the entire can of chalk paint.
Once it was dry I seasoned it. Basically just color the entire board, and then erase it.
The metal had three holes on either end already drilled in it, so I just used those holes to nail the metal to the wall.
Time to frame it out with moulding!
I measured the length and width of the metal board and then cut 4 pieces of moulding to fit around like a picture frame.
I used a nail gun to hang the moulding, but you can easily hang it with a few nails and a hammer.
Be sure to level your moulding before you nail it down! You don’t want to end up with wonky moulding!
When you hang moulding it doesn’t look so pretty at first.
You can use all sorts of things to fill these holes, but I prefer caulk.
Just squeeze it on…
And then smooth it out with your finger (wipe the excess on a paper towel).
Now it’s time for paint!
First you need to tape it all off.
Here’s an easy way to tape the corners of a project:
Take a piece of painters tape and fold it into a 90 degree angle. Then just stick it into the corners.
Once it’s taped off it’s easy to paint.
I used high gloss white paint.
Once it’s dry, take the tape off and add your accessories!
I love that the message center is magnetic as well as a chalk board.
I can write reminder notes to the kids as well as use magnets to hang all their papers and work that needs to go back to school.
I keep the chalk in the drawer of the little table.
And a few extra pens and pencils just in case…
I LOVE this Magnetic Chalk Board Message Center!
In addition to being totally functional and organized, it’s also just so cute.
This tutorial was featured as a Guest Blog post at:
Tara says
It’s adorable!! This is WAY cuter than a lot of the other chalkboard stations I’ve seen. Pottery Barn, watch out!
Kendall says
I’m loving this- you did SUCH a great job 😛
Kyra says
So great! Love the idea of framing without really framing – I’ll need to remember that!
Leanne says
It looks great Allison. I love chalkboard paint. Have a great week.
Allison says
Free from Craigslist?! That’s awesome! It looks great! I’m so impressed with the power tools you used! AND the fact that you keep your kids HEB stickers! I usually toss them as soon as we get home! What a good Momma you are!
kathie says
It looks fantastic, and how functional! I’ve wanted to do this with an old mirror but had worried that the chalkboard paint would scratch off of the glass surface. I would think the paint would adhere to metal & glass similarly so I’m anxious to hear if you get any scratches!
Stephanie says
Cute, cute cute! Now to get everyone to remember to look at it for their reminders LOL
SueAnn says
Looks fabulous!!! Love the magnetic chalkboard feature.
Hugs
SueAnn
Tanya says
That turned out fabulous!! I love it! Your writing looks so much better than mine!!
Katharine says
Very Clever. I’m going to paint an area on my office wall for a magnet board. I love how you incorporated chalk with a magnet board. Hmm..my daughter has a magnet board from Ikea she isn’t using now. Maybe I can use that. Your blog always makes me “think”. Katharine
Kathy says
Very nifty. You’re such a clever chick!! Looks very functional. Great job.
Andrea says
What a wonderful idea!
Suzanne says
I love this! And I have a sheet of metal in my garage! I am just going to have to find a place for it…. hmmm…
Gloria says
Now where in God’s name did you learn to make a frame like that?? You are just a very surprising and talented woman, aren’t you??!! I am so, so impressed!
Best regards,
Gloria
Rhiannon says
love love love it!
gail says
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my frame tutorial. 🙂 Nailing the frame to the wall was not an option for the ladies that asked “how to” make a frame. I was trying to show them how to make a frame on the cheap without power tools. (a very difficult task indeed)
Love your project and your blog! I made a rather large chalkboard for a show. I’m using your border for inspiration. 🙂 Hoping it sells quickly since it will have such a cute outfit.
thanks for all the hard work you do!
gail
Jane F @ Atticmag says
Allison, your mud room looks terrific overall and the blackboard just adds to it. And woman, you own a mitre saw. You’re my idol. Hope you’ll stop by and see our upholstery effects. Jane F.
hanna says
HI There! I am your newest follower from the blog hop!!! Lovely blog you have here:) You can find me at http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com
Sherrie says
Love your multi purpose board! Perfect!
Tammy Hebert says
You did an amazing job- and yes besides being functional and all that good organizational stuff- it is dang cute to boot.
tammy
Jenni at Treacle and Ink says
I absolutely love this idea. And even more impressed that you made it from scratch – I really couldn’t tell when I saw the first picture that it was homemade!
Loving that it’s magnetic, too. I want a corner like this. Yes, I do.
Keep up the good work!
Shopper Gal says
Loving that message board- GREAT IDEA!!!
Inspire Me Heather says
Love it! I linked this to my chalkboard paint project post too, it’s a great tutorial!
Kristen @ Busy Kids = Happy Mom says
Just looking at this again now – how is it holding up for you in your house? Still using it? Thanks!