DIY Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to my latest therapy session.  I say that, because it seems like so many of my posts recently have been all about "keepin' it real" and sharing our stumbles.  Today is no different pals.  Today's project could be summarized as follows:<br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>BUDGET:</b></span> Too much, probably could have purchased something new for less<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>TIME:</b></span> Felt like 82 Hours<br /><span style="color: #999999;"><b>NUMBER OF TRIES:</b></span> 3<br /><br />But hey!  Third time is a charm right?  And everything that didn't go right over the course of the past five days, all worked out in the end.  In fact, I think all of the frustrations and errors ended up creating an outcome better than I had hoped! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUoU2DigtS6kyKXP3M3RayVkXCicRUorcq27hhZ-Hg3xbDAxgto2BYI7ySaxLVz4t0vLVgn8XB_2RHpNZwCq1OP0ynVU79W_G8LJrk1eEktaUL3oQFwvB4hn1pSqxpSAL9bS5HhE9tVcT/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUoU2DigtS6kyKXP3M3RayVkXCicRUorcq27hhZ-Hg3xbDAxgto2BYI7ySaxLVz4t0vLVgn8XB_2RHpNZwCq1OP0ynVU79W_G8LJrk1eEktaUL3oQFwvB4hn1pSqxpSAL9bS5HhE9tVcT/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_Header.png" /></a></div><br />That's right.  This post was initially slated to go live on Friday.  But by Friday, I was still gazing not-so-lovingly at this pile.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZEM49GWSq8OGU5-mvGKH0a6p99IEuBgZMam-UCZIFwADQ59qAaBE0fbCxNOlhI2vS_XCKLq5qUbJUWjcBsQIRRyHZ5iXMsl6opHJvz_DOb9iRAdT2JLeHFxiJpAv2i60Gv4LWHsFISSS/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZEM49GWSq8OGU5-mvGKH0a6p99IEuBgZMam-UCZIFwADQ59qAaBE0fbCxNOlhI2vS_XCKLq5qUbJUWjcBsQIRRyHZ5iXMsl6opHJvz_DOb9iRAdT2JLeHFxiJpAv2i60Gv4LWHsFISSS/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />One thing we have been missing since removing our kitchen wall is some sort of a command station.  Previously, it was hidden on the side of our fridge and was a spot to place cleaning checklists and calendars.  Sometimes in decorative frames, sometimes just with magnets; it didn't really matter how cluttered it got because it was not visible to anyone but us.  <br /><br />The newer kitchen layout doesn't offer the same clutter catching corner, so this time around I wanted to create something much more intentional and attractive.  For quite awhile, I have had it in my mind we would create something similar to <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1064603/entryway-organizer-how" target="_blank">this</a>.  I liked the idea of having a place to put up notes, calendars, memos, etc... as well as a temporary mail holder and hooks for keys.  So much function in such a small amount of space!<br /><br />Above, you can see my original plan was to utilize an inexpensive cork board purchased from Target, a decorative towel bar, cup hooks and Command Strips.  I covered a similar style cork board to create <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2014/11/master-bedroom-refresh-how-we-saved.html" target="_blank">a jewelry zone in our closet</a>, and I really liked the outcome of that project.  I figured I would do the same for the side of our fridge, but I never found a fabric I liked well enough and the proportions of the cork board were all wrong (too wide and not tall enough).<br /><br />So after thinking of ways to make it work, I decided to scratch that idea all together.<br /><br />Then, I recalled we already had made <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/03/project-teal-chalk-it-to-me-again.html" target="_blank">a pretty menu board</a> in our old kitchen about four years ago.  I dusted it off, and was excited that the size was much closer to what I had in mind!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9A6nK_meC5dxMog9fVwuAsvDhZZv_ylJBW0ddqjvSIlYytwSgs6W14-eXAxsuMJLjt0dWqJjzGnQl3pkVLLvVJll4BsCxRu62KU7t3ciF-g7Q5dRz7iWCtBhG1_Jr8Zj4W3RHOgvs2c_/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9A6nK_meC5dxMog9fVwuAsvDhZZv_ylJBW0ddqjvSIlYytwSgs6W14-eXAxsuMJLjt0dWqJjzGnQl3pkVLLvVJll4BsCxRu62KU7t3ciF-g7Q5dRz7iWCtBhG1_Jr8Zj4W3RHOgvs2c_/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The only problem was that the chalkboard portion was not functional other than for writing (could not be used with pushpins or magnets) and I didn't love the painted finish.  I really wanted something with a wood tone and knew I would be able to add some metal sheeting to make the board magnetic.  <br /><br />I began researching stripping techniques (whooooah fellas, I am not talking pole dancing type moves here) and went out to purchase the necessary supplies to remove the painted finish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_58BZvFnNtmltX1OvoLYGzLsLQHoQSZdRkw9g8xJNczKFSKZt8lSs4gkhgTf3y2v1UhxNotve36cQwqVzuGj32sONSsrDy0JUmtK_UN1gnK5CpbFjh_P37Ns9h_NpHfjV4DeBCvaJCA/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_4-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL_58BZvFnNtmltX1OvoLYGzLsLQHoQSZdRkw9g8xJNczKFSKZt8lSs4gkhgTf3y2v1UhxNotve36cQwqVzuGj32sONSsrDy0JUmtK_UN1gnK5CpbFjh_P37Ns9h_NpHfjV4DeBCvaJCA/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_4-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I quickly remembered I had painted this board two different colors at two different times.  And I don't know what I was doing wrong, but it took me hour after hour to remove the memo board paint.  I followed the directions on the can and from YouTube tutorials to a T, yet the wood had absorbed some of the blue and it wasn't coming out.  I scrubbed.  I tried to curse the paint away.  I put all of my muscles into it and got it as bare wood as I could.  Over four hours of wood stripping later and I decided it was ready to take a new stain color.<br /><br />Let's just say that after sanding, staining and giving it a coat of poly, it was so far from the look I was after, I was ready to scrap this entire project all together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaGrAJ66DRlHQx82bDZsFpHSX4F06I65w6N9hV-R8fXyFINv8usuXxGIFfS61K7njfiwP8qGhcD7uZV-7Ya8bstzSJyQxy3zD0Q-3hg4TWAEHuK5SmDxeFYl3XmIOcKHDKgT0d-h3CfkO/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaGrAJ66DRlHQx82bDZsFpHSX4F06I65w6N9hV-R8fXyFINv8usuXxGIFfS61K7njfiwP8qGhcD7uZV-7Ya8bstzSJyQxy3zD0Q-3hg4TWAEHuK5SmDxeFYl3XmIOcKHDKgT0d-h3CfkO/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />But I am not a quitter.  Knowing that <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">we need to get our acts together</a> and work on time management and household responsibilities again, this project just HAD to get done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbvEVNqC-miLqCz7-UReyOijoJd02lJ67D_sFQ4_Bb_YRq1RbcAn3CsjHWKUQexePum77YZzB5Jc1yajWg4B6Cy9DPvMAUqci5k4TTOwgpMSf6HmP0H02XlWySFzU6Nk0v5TTAy0Grro/s1600/Photo+Jun+08%252C+5+53+47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfbvEVNqC-miLqCz7-UReyOijoJd02lJ67D_sFQ4_Bb_YRq1RbcAn3CsjHWKUQexePum77YZzB5Jc1yajWg4B6Cy9DPvMAUqci5k4TTOwgpMSf6HmP0H02XlWySFzU6Nk0v5TTAy0Grro/s1600/Photo+Jun+08%252C+5+53+47+PM.png" /></a></div><br />So back to Home Depot I went, and I picked up 1/2" inch poplar boards in both 3" and 4" widths (actually, as you can see above, I picked up a few different options but below is what we ended up using).  A total of 18" wide and 40" tall, we set out to DIY a frame for the magnetic sheet metal.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSmh5w6RiMQU69b_q2IVM8LK-jYuRTiq0cBkSIyTqPk5bSO9HxjSyi52_LGPC80XV-Qh3KCEEIs6xlaxDgyTCCvR7lZ-axXZXCXdcMBZBylqVwvTN0s7cnWfpBktUVgbqcPYgiNLrckEU/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSmh5w6RiMQU69b_q2IVM8LK-jYuRTiq0cBkSIyTqPk5bSO9HxjSyi52_LGPC80XV-Qh3KCEEIs6xlaxDgyTCCvR7lZ-axXZXCXdcMBZBylqVwvTN0s7cnWfpBktUVgbqcPYgiNLrckEU/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />The idea was to add a small ledge to hold incoming mail and catalogs.  Plus, it is a cute little added detail.  We measured out the notch, used a square to draw straight lines and a jig-saw to cut it to fit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bZUrgdgyBH5GRD3B-iql38uZqY9j-HABCsNhagufZYXu_p8CQRDgfb7v3MdJo-B3g9vhCjHa9m8u0a3CG7QNaga-hZ9Ly6W-uKM_x4eZ1WFEMATLow3PSINFP_R2MK7-OSVMgi2pa0g/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7bZUrgdgyBH5GRD3B-iql38uZqY9j-HABCsNhagufZYXu_p8CQRDgfb7v3MdJo-B3g9vhCjHa9m8u0a3CG7QNaga-hZ9Ly6W-uKM_x4eZ1WFEMATLow3PSINFP_R2MK7-OSVMgi2pa0g/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_10-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />When it came to stain options, I tried out the Special Walnut I had planned to use, and I was happy with the outcome just by dipping the rag, blotting it on a scrap piece of wood and rubbing it over the poplar boards.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7H9MiLox8wr9uegKEke4MpbTfyQtnw-R_1o2H1OXKUWZg1qP9hkoyU0Pp5qQICG5YJuJywldUjvfboKJCyWbvQ7ySH20-6J1zwYnukDKy-2GpqXrJM2glMPVYBpyXpdRLvyKybR7Gh6N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7H9MiLox8wr9uegKEke4MpbTfyQtnw-R_1o2H1OXKUWZg1qP9hkoyU0Pp5qQICG5YJuJywldUjvfboKJCyWbvQ7ySH20-6J1zwYnukDKy-2GpqXrJM2glMPVYBpyXpdRLvyKybR7Gh6N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />To tone it down a smidge and add a little extra dimension, I brushed on a little Weathered Oak.  I really liked the outcome of the two combined.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NjRgRZve4A4agdhN3bKufZSTn6iI8NfSL4cbtQ54nPp1qQ8LUuC2pcmeg6rTon4gREUCSLRy6LnnM5jnpSqnjcz4Gi8Lm06qeKAik-jfBdanJH9cqJGrJVcSZpke5uGg4kXGQ0DDHhMt/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NjRgRZve4A4agdhN3bKufZSTn6iI8NfSL4cbtQ54nPp1qQ8LUuC2pcmeg6rTon4gREUCSLRy6LnnM5jnpSqnjcz4Gi8Lm06qeKAik-jfBdanJH9cqJGrJVcSZpke5uGg4kXGQ0DDHhMt/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_7.jpg" /></a></div><br />After I stained the frame boards, I followed up with a coat of poly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTMEK2-egYfaiS0cgHfLlma1rfLZLOIUgL76vrYx6CR6AwDt7uAaqGrR6Us_VGY3u8AL75lpKaCUqCrpbYkEmtvzZWmlaM7lvFoGLH-PfvUnmPxazRHIJ-sH3Nb0k73pALIw1M51CaUD6/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTMEK2-egYfaiS0cgHfLlma1rfLZLOIUgL76vrYx6CR6AwDt7uAaqGrR6Us_VGY3u8AL75lpKaCUqCrpbYkEmtvzZWmlaM7lvFoGLH-PfvUnmPxazRHIJ-sH3Nb0k73pALIw1M51CaUD6/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13.jpg" /></a></div><br />While the stain and poly were drying, we began cutting the sheet metal.  This was a very long and tedious process, given the size of the piece we were working with.  We purchased a 2'x4' piece of steel sheet metal from Fleet Farm; it is important to make sure the type you are purchasing is actually magnetic.  To get it to our desired size, we measured and then used a tin snips to slowly cut along our lines (bending and rolling the excess side away as we cut).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaSL8eksXwaeGF6a0QWFalQHZa1LGo3To00VOCS5q8nkK_pu1taa5LctYN2GKQZzFgs7HZoifhtbJWNwdbu13coDZv2mQ-HDMSWqwX92RT49y541CrxvN4CTQuIi2mcbQUBxmIg5NpSr7/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_12-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiaSL8eksXwaeGF6a0QWFalQHZa1LGo3To00VOCS5q8nkK_pu1taa5LctYN2GKQZzFgs7HZoifhtbJWNwdbu13coDZv2mQ-HDMSWqwX92RT49y541CrxvN4CTQuIi2mcbQUBxmIg5NpSr7/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_12-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the piece was cut to size, I rolled on two coats of deep charcoal paint as well as two coats of clear chalkboard paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YBPYO5f9W9fz9foXcwIbX6UEnWXZNy7kEj7N8y21TV7rv0QHhksh9y-5sv5GBzylX3B8lrVYBMcxtSnG2CcRNJ6t7SWCiGR9pXihHt30VMKcySs6xU1alzExdYaHXJs-bIFVz6SJgHvw/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YBPYO5f9W9fz9foXcwIbX6UEnWXZNy7kEj7N8y21TV7rv0QHhksh9y-5sv5GBzylX3B8lrVYBMcxtSnG2CcRNJ6t7SWCiGR9pXihHt30VMKcySs6xU1alzExdYaHXJs-bIFVz6SJgHvw/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_13-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />After everything was dry, we began assembling the frame.  To give us a little stability while we worked, we used our staple gun to connect all of the frame pieces at the corners.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wcw5raPPvg5JKKP1SeHha3apZ7Y65PH4RWqvyPWS3gbRefBTC3qH-lRsbIJSLkGFpCiwyUYFbCopQcRAFfJiz6xUqbRfOg4LoTKg-PNO2R5JtcAaNjEMqdGHZrExyRbzFgVLapcmNEBN/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wcw5raPPvg5JKKP1SeHha3apZ7Y65PH4RWqvyPWS3gbRefBTC3qH-lRsbIJSLkGFpCiwyUYFbCopQcRAFfJiz6xUqbRfOg4LoTKg-PNO2R5JtcAaNjEMqdGHZrExyRbzFgVLapcmNEBN/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_15-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Using some heavy duty construction adhesive, we ran the glue around the entire backside of the frame.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizREMAv8Xt3TwqgSiRaO1LC54q7VlImWLDxLtvSX_wsbIdwauq4IVz1KGZL97tP-7f3BbtDrF4z2ejCV3hxgw8qWd7pM7O6bJ0JzHmaiO49qUDj3ixu5L3YdccMfMvgKrloSbssKKJUxFs/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizREMAv8Xt3TwqgSiRaO1LC54q7VlImWLDxLtvSX_wsbIdwauq4IVz1KGZL97tP-7f3BbtDrF4z2ejCV3hxgw8qWd7pM7O6bJ0JzHmaiO49qUDj3ixu5L3YdccMfMvgKrloSbssKKJUxFs/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_16.jpg" /></a></div><br />We then placed down the painted sheet metal, pre-drilled and screwed the sheet metal into the wood frame around the entire perimeter with 1/2" wood screws.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTiK7QHr6mcqg7lOhY_7CpJfqNbA80ZYpUnx0JIDWhuOspYyGf9hIypSeFELlmALwR8CuZzYi9keQ83mEmpF9APQfjo4DbUzanlUB4SjNmdvus-HmS_9OgVUr7bEsz4VeKj-eSGZvGk_4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTiK7QHr6mcqg7lOhY_7CpJfqNbA80ZYpUnx0JIDWhuOspYyGf9hIypSeFELlmALwR8CuZzYi9keQ83mEmpF9APQfjo4DbUzanlUB4SjNmdvus-HmS_9OgVUr7bEsz4VeKj-eSGZvGk_4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_17.jpg" /></a></div><br />After we flipped over the assembled memo board, I noticed that the construction adhesive was oozing onto the painted sheet metal.  In an effort to remove the glue, all of the paint began scratching off with it.  Sigh...<br /><br />So, I fake smiled as I hand scraped the entire magnetic sheet clean to create a blank slate (a now completely assembled and framed out slate).  Another blessing in disguise, I was out of the deep charcoal color, so I went to my paint cabinet to begin experimenting with alternative options.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_8uYuLgJ_4XzZV1NyPsnY4zZxLXLdziVbQy9Oy4qzAeoKYJgO6SZ7_rCMfPeOqF7hsyFfwKvLeFhfqYNNzXh_Kx92vSWheIKXZCUvOkDZB_CBxom6uSqVkaxt1gyhRqcda0cHLvRtykY/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_8uYuLgJ_4XzZV1NyPsnY4zZxLXLdziVbQy9Oy4qzAeoKYJgO6SZ7_rCMfPeOqF7hsyFfwKvLeFhfqYNNzXh_Kx92vSWheIKXZCUvOkDZB_CBxom6uSqVkaxt1gyhRqcda0cHLvRtykY/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_26.jpg" /></a></div><br />I mixed our current wall color with white to lighten it and also tried mixing it with <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-coat-closet-makeover-again.html" target="_blank">our coat closet color</a> to darken it.  I liked the darker option best.<br /><br />This time, I taped things off and painted two coats of white primer onto the steel sheet metal with a microfiber mini-roller.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sO67w1T65opyH7cSHIs10SRaAuCkcQ5QUSkJZ6Njww9SZtEAOWiC6m01n-SK0exx9QkcdoCk2TrxZY63JOi6KS0CgsZtvhYWZtwdd9ZKfoB8JYPjRzQxPEaGUuzTIFOq5mqh6RxKso3c/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_24-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sO67w1T65opyH7cSHIs10SRaAuCkcQ5QUSkJZ6Njww9SZtEAOWiC6m01n-SK0exx9QkcdoCk2TrxZY63JOi6KS0CgsZtvhYWZtwdd9ZKfoB8JYPjRzQxPEaGUuzTIFOq5mqh6RxKso3c/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_24-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once dry, I followed up with two more coats of the custom mixed paint color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRjr9NRrZOzaq_yGseuNehMnI-XHx0SgHUj-xtvzv8QOWPY1rY_R58_8KVRuPzrzgwn3rxHpqBEjNxTGfpl4xFNrpOv4F3DEuRvqLLsgwVTDY7FBKZ-zrtuUQ8tqOcT4Ic7MD8Q6w6bBE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRjr9NRrZOzaq_yGseuNehMnI-XHx0SgHUj-xtvzv8QOWPY1rY_R58_8KVRuPzrzgwn3rxHpqBEjNxTGfpl4xFNrpOv4F3DEuRvqLLsgwVTDY7FBKZ-zrtuUQ8tqOcT4Ic7MD8Q6w6bBE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_27.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love the lighter and brighter effect vs. the deep charcoal I originally had selected.<br /><br />While all of this was happening, we also had to address the long towel bar rod.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILYvPm9Wf__wRywgexWgxi9Y21AeAAde96Hix8KJTzuYLF2zyyNYv6CoRoh-2q4IXI08Vdhn3Swfto_TYLRS5gDOKrMayNCZbTxO0xh4o7KjbDmswNvS1VjPfV_xfdaDNsSucirsgjGG2/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILYvPm9Wf__wRywgexWgxi9Y21AeAAde96Hix8KJTzuYLF2zyyNYv6CoRoh-2q4IXI08Vdhn3Swfto_TYLRS5gDOKrMayNCZbTxO0xh4o7KjbDmswNvS1VjPfV_xfdaDNsSucirsgjGG2/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_19.jpg" /></a></div><br />The way <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40213839/" target="_blank">the rod from IKEA</a> works, is that it fits between the two holders on either end, and is then capped off for a finished look.  To shorten the rod, we easily cut it with a plumbing pipe cutter.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxZOMbIE3D4vpcd4rYHFHQuxoopWKP4kEjMmOEXu-tIbhg6jWnQ3329K7qdluWhq3mip31VmZMYk801gLyM89szvJra-qRHv0fDvcU_mP4J_Z0g2gKyoA_mm_YnEYWDQOx7nVh3EOQO1O/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxZOMbIE3D4vpcd4rYHFHQuxoopWKP4kEjMmOEXu-tIbhg6jWnQ3329K7qdluWhq3mip31VmZMYk801gLyM89szvJra-qRHv0fDvcU_mP4J_Z0g2gKyoA_mm_YnEYWDQOx7nVh3EOQO1O/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_20.jpg" /></a></div><br />I knew I wanted the rod to be gold to balance out all of the polished nickel and stainless steel that we have been adding lately, so I got out my primer and aged brass spray paint (same method I used for <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/03/iheart-kitchen-reno-getting-handle-on.html" target="_blank">the hanging pendants</a>).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRPJCyXR-rgOQheDgvxuKorQbts1r748YPmbpKLf5rdF45m5CPkNOfwJIFR7ZKq9GidQtpBNI1M15P_zt1Wq5BJ1NkZx-EIYHkdu_hHXs2qISG8_o-eyeX6kCnUUBmzl8ANe6mhVjMGP/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vRPJCyXR-rgOQheDgvxuKorQbts1r748YPmbpKLf5rdF45m5CPkNOfwJIFR7ZKq9GidQtpBNI1M15P_zt1Wq5BJ1NkZx-EIYHkdu_hHXs2qISG8_o-eyeX6kCnUUBmzl8ANe6mhVjMGP/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_21.jpg" /></a></div><br />After the rod was sprayed, it was still a little lack-luster against the stained wood frame, so I followed it up with a coat of gold Rub-n-Buff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwkGjZlkBjeeu98u1zFeJCESJJKsR7Vg_Jx6UDnPrC7mmPxcqwQYSxsuAfIoDRaQHXwM6K7LmnabzxegY5hbRvl5x_cvhf6QZsRt7aaDqVk_2frxEW6nkc1858Xla3W1hLY_BuCfBGxKE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwkGjZlkBjeeu98u1zFeJCESJJKsR7Vg_Jx6UDnPrC7mmPxcqwQYSxsuAfIoDRaQHXwM6K7LmnabzxegY5hbRvl5x_cvhf6QZsRt7aaDqVk_2frxEW6nkc1858Xla3W1hLY_BuCfBGxKE/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_22.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once the new paint color was dry, we continued to finish up the frame by affixing the top piece of moulding and the lower shelf with our brad nailer (I may still add the clear chalkboard paint down the road again once the new paint is fully cured).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TebpyTYBkWmB3CfjrwbQDYAGAfu_zoZ1Er4o0wB-J95gvhkiYBGBWr9IwTzfkEaON39BtnRX0RL9JHdM-_l5YMN7OgM2v5ef8s64UMRVC00DnDwqaWTnyfiom9ZB9TIVidWqwuNYbfNz/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_29-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TebpyTYBkWmB3CfjrwbQDYAGAfu_zoZ1Er4o0wB-J95gvhkiYBGBWr9IwTzfkEaON39BtnRX0RL9JHdM-_l5YMN7OgM2v5ef8s64UMRVC00DnDwqaWTnyfiom9ZB9TIVidWqwuNYbfNz/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_29-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the final step in the assembly process was to add a few gold cup hooks to the bottom portion of the frame to hold our keys (pre-drill and then screw-in the hooks tightly).  It is important to select hooks that will not poke through the back side of the frame and scratch your wall surface when hung.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YhLw2xDrojn3c9jTUSI8UnqE8boDhg89e1ZJ-Dh-uU_jSNsbZl-XKealycFtCY7b4GLT-gHx_osL5SXpoLie_MzrJBBCtlwGk5WxRR_eLk2J7JZusbEBc3YjKjzTHc50oiuKYK3CuPy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_31-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20YhLw2xDrojn3c9jTUSI8UnqE8boDhg89e1ZJ-Dh-uU_jSNsbZl-XKealycFtCY7b4GLT-gHx_osL5SXpoLie_MzrJBBCtlwGk5WxRR_eLk2J7JZusbEBc3YjKjzTHc50oiuKYK3CuPy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_31-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The entire thing is a bit heavy, so I picked up two packages of 16 pound rated Command Strips.  Following the directions on the package, we wiped everything down with Isopropyl Alcohol prior to affixing the strips.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Itq2p4A6f-PMV7YhygPwtRaaT8tipGtBkde2S2IYKCpCw0iZyWacqpRoEjSPwLna1MMJZA0mP9ccsR6yv_Bw7Ng82tVhpY_36fnbFks8N6QdGo_JKWa9MXv7dMjmhgPXzGems7XsnCr/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Itq2p4A6f-PMV7YhygPwtRaaT8tipGtBkde2S2IYKCpCw0iZyWacqpRoEjSPwLna1MMJZA0mP9ccsR6yv_Bw7Ng82tVhpY_36fnbFks8N6QdGo_JKWa9MXv7dMjmhgPXzGems7XsnCr/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_32.jpg" /></a></div><br />Level, stick, press, hold, press, run, pray.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xsTcTg8_EswiBy96sruiu7BFw_ZIvpEHJhLWBTpmXbErU-eF26BCppzQTH5fUVH9wW1Q4x7R0tX-0wzvSQzJwpjEhgOUIWZYSlZVz8jIWs5O3sW6sC6fjmYsR7kgzbgnStec5IUfqnXK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xsTcTg8_EswiBy96sruiu7BFw_ZIvpEHJhLWBTpmXbErU-eF26BCppzQTH5fUVH9wW1Q4x7R0tX-0wzvSQzJwpjEhgOUIWZYSlZVz8jIWs5O3sW6sC6fjmYsR7kgzbgnStec5IUfqnXK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_33.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ready to see how lovely she finally turned out, multiple days later?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ERuK4bPOTwmOARq3ubCJAjPOZCxJG0KUYXTXmDQ0sa6jaWSlwAHgdyigSYOqKN8088aXROuNB8clVTWtsbNVrmQDLVwztVAaCcJpJbXQLKM47e6cQuE99548vv58XQwpzi0FaZdcMCH-/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_35-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ERuK4bPOTwmOARq3ubCJAjPOZCxJG0KUYXTXmDQ0sa6jaWSlwAHgdyigSYOqKN8088aXROuNB8clVTWtsbNVrmQDLVwztVAaCcJpJbXQLKM47e6cQuE99548vv58XQwpzi0FaZdcMCH-/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_35-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Like I said, so many blessings in disguise and it turned out so much better than I initially imagined.  So very excited about the magnetic feature, I went to my fabric scraps and button making kit and whipped up a few colorful magnets for the new board!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoP_BejuYRbKfAklzl6SEr68KspqhYV3K7Y_8EIdwPh_kuCBWphwQJChJ8jS6v3JQz7k9B5idnY003WjYZ2u9XkT40EmTMXkR051dq1-XkA22C1qQYcDtPHMZERoT1Gv6X36fB9kbXjfm/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_38-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoP_BejuYRbKfAklzl6SEr68KspqhYV3K7Y_8EIdwPh_kuCBWphwQJChJ8jS6v3JQz7k9B5idnY003WjYZ2u9XkT40EmTMXkR051dq1-XkA22C1qQYcDtPHMZERoT1Gv6X36fB9kbXjfm/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_38-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />And although the board will ultimately hold daily mail and our calendars/schedules (working on those this week), I couldn't wait to give it a test spin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3yEyvEFg49R0tEFbaWfRe7Jwq8r9q2NwSYk_Ns4hk8W6sFnyymaTX_S_hElYygslbxZd7BPOGNMAQSOxQUYAZn2QAGZKKItuNNfinFQuur_qxsv03AxRi-MaKM6uYxm7xY_ICZ7ZXXKK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_44-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3yEyvEFg49R0tEFbaWfRe7Jwq8r9q2NwSYk_Ns4hk8W6sFnyymaTX_S_hElYygslbxZd7BPOGNMAQSOxQUYAZn2QAGZKKItuNNfinFQuur_qxsv03AxRi-MaKM6uYxm7xY_ICZ7ZXXKK/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_44-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The wood tone turned out so lovely, and I really like how the new color plays with everything else we already have going on.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgvnxagmtR93BXhDOP76MwC3015B4EDltm6KWqxvQzkZuHSPMOymSI-zRT5mPyFRi4CWFt0B5z-5IMYTzrg-eRR0NOdNjMF-Y2hCbPy0UG0tMCqUqbsx4PC8UJ_mdgshi4kOzOfpfKd4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjgvnxagmtR93BXhDOP76MwC3015B4EDltm6KWqxvQzkZuHSPMOymSI-zRT5mPyFRi4CWFt0B5z-5IMYTzrg-eRR0NOdNjMF-Y2hCbPy0UG0tMCqUqbsx4PC8UJ_mdgshi4kOzOfpfKd4/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_47.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the hooks at the bottom add such a sweet and special little detail to the entire project.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluNnEf4SLPyBLKNnwWU_1uChhcI0uWaq1KtBVj5E0oeyijXUbVTCnO5JcTo8jNf37YOGGzAMc3kAOXlPcrgZLdxCjVRX5o5q0i0E59MjgSl1JelOv3Gsop56lCNkFMkNCnCF1-yseB98N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluNnEf4SLPyBLKNnwWU_1uChhcI0uWaq1KtBVj5E0oeyijXUbVTCnO5JcTo8jNf37YOGGzAMc3kAOXlPcrgZLdxCjVRX5o5q0i0E59MjgSl1JelOv3Gsop56lCNkFMkNCnCF1-yseB98N/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_40.jpg" /></a></div><br />While the rail does its job at holding mail and magazines in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpR_L-Asi1wo53SFnh4kAGdBKyUatjQBqA72zFYBAw-tKfD_bZYXiiPwCYg5N3lDFP7wO3ZBTnDNUEemfMZm8leT3AheJOje9C9HSIkUOK3p2hwtjs6jd6wHz1eTfV6QqWtESVaXzK1W/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUpR_L-Asi1wo53SFnh4kAGdBKyUatjQBqA72zFYBAw-tKfD_bZYXiiPwCYg5N3lDFP7wO3ZBTnDNUEemfMZm8leT3AheJOje9C9HSIkUOK3p2hwtjs6jd6wHz1eTfV6QqWtESVaXzK1W/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_42.jpg" /></a></div><br />I purchased some strong magnets from the hardware store and affixed them to the bottom side of the buttons with superglue.  They can hold through multiple layers of paper so those also get a thumbs up from me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygZ0NiPrw7nXznPceuuwS4jr9lJ8-55lrwS-wQb1MLHDhOA787dB3cRHrDg5tj4ejlezUmsYFV8lnSxlGOvRTzkw-yd3yF-TdSAbtxYRIZ2Gimj37HI6IxbCHA9J5KWpMO0H2v6gAHfYv/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygZ0NiPrw7nXznPceuuwS4jr9lJ8-55lrwS-wQb1MLHDhOA787dB3cRHrDg5tj4ejlezUmsYFV8lnSxlGOvRTzkw-yd3yF-TdSAbtxYRIZ2Gimj37HI6IxbCHA9J5KWpMO0H2v6gAHfYv/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_45.jpg" /></a></div><br />Plus, they really just make the board happier!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGcSxFSFa8EOcFMP8YUo-7z1aW1hcNclG6Nru3yUijduFDQVpepvNWWv-I0NDdUcJEt3yLKfFfz6xrHNKTxBfKW4as0HRN3zXuygv-2pULLhYQ65M6fosCBU-iNSQaZN9GtAue_RpmjEi/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGcSxFSFa8EOcFMP8YUo-7z1aW1hcNclG6Nru3yUijduFDQVpepvNWWv-I0NDdUcJEt3yLKfFfz6xrHNKTxBfKW4as0HRN3zXuygv-2pULLhYQ65M6fosCBU-iNSQaZN9GtAue_RpmjEi/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_46.jpg" /></a></div><br />So there you have it!  Now that you have learned from all of <i>our</i> mistakes, it shouldn't be too hard to actually DIY one of these beauties.  And total cost was approximately:<br /><br /><ul><li>Wood: $12.00</li><li>Sheet Metal: $30.00</li><li>Stain/Paint: Had on hand, approx $4.50 for small stain and $3-4 for paint tester.</li><li>Rail: $9.00 </li><li>Hooks: $3.00</li><li><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Command-Large-Bath-Picture-Hanging-Water-Resistant-Refill-Strips-4-Pack-17206B-ES/205520080" target="_blank">Command Strips</a> (optional): $10.00</li><li>My Happiness: Priceless</li></ul><br />This was definitely a turning lemons into lemonade type of story.  And also an "If at first you don't succeed; try and try again" process.  So happy we stuck it out!  And I am also smitten that it turned out to be something that I enjoy looking at.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWEvGVv4dyiJNcNnO2WW3IRqmFTLn-G9leI6oWPxqrhrrVi7WMkbUbVsoZlF1C8-0uHJ91cN9k5t9Rg_LnVqLzU_D9BZ3n0BOYfnMjzUt-J8_v3G8fMqJNtlD-0gAEm5J2LoiesmKYDy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiWEvGVv4dyiJNcNnO2WW3IRqmFTLn-G9leI6oWPxqrhrrVi7WMkbUbVsoZlF1C8-0uHJ91cN9k5t9Rg_LnVqLzU_D9BZ3n0BOYfnMjzUt-J8_v3G8fMqJNtlD-0gAEm5J2LoiesmKYDy/s1600/DIY_Magnetic_Memo_Board_39.jpg" /></a></div><br />Now to get back to the rest of our weekly <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/06/four-week-wait-no-more-organizing.html" target="_blank">"Wait-No-More" challenge</a>, I still have so much to do before Friday.  I am so excited to see what you all have been working on as well!<br /><br />

DIY Magnetic Memo Board

Welcome to my latest therapy session.  I say that, because it seems like so many of my posts recently have been all about "keepin' ...

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Quick Tip Tuesday: "Sole" Mate - Shoe Care Kit

For those of you who love to be prepared, and adore projects that involve zero DIY skills, this one is for you!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0e6LUiHYavN7wTyHs3vATyVf4q-4i5bd6Wi94OQe9e98mPECPBRmFkadhYcmGm3u-DnakdDZhN1cJ9grNTYdMK4WL0d6sE8f6IlT3jodI8Y_cbW9ld0m_OqE_DZAYlH-E76iHP_zQQoE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0e6LUiHYavN7wTyHs3vATyVf4q-4i5bd6Wi94OQe9e98mPECPBRmFkadhYcmGm3u-DnakdDZhN1cJ9grNTYdMK4WL0d6sE8f6IlT3jodI8Y_cbW9ld0m_OqE_DZAYlH-E76iHP_zQQoE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Truly, today's task was as simple as stocking up on a few essentials and corralling them in an easy-to-access bin.  <br /><br />This was definitely another case of, <i>"Why did I wait so long to do this?!"</i>  <br /><br />I don't purchase new clothing seasonally, but shoes?  I have a bit of a love affair with shoes.  And just like everything else, there are times when I might save big on clearance flats or splurge on comfort and style.<br /><br />And while I appreciate having footwear for various outfit types and seasons, our Wisconsin weather does not always love our shoes in return.  My boots are always covered in a salty film, the boy's tennies tend to be mud magnets and the hubby's dress shoes become dull and dirty after multiple days of wear.  <br /><br />Shoes are an investment, but how do we extend their life and keep them looking nice season after season?  We create a shoe care kit, that is how!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRVvldSBlLMir6ihWpA1WARmu_gnKGNIhvZloaQfXORdDjKLLHeAsENLata1uOFWVpFrQ1p3unNoW7g59xykNBJ_BfR9I17CjOp60iBqYzaJrndBs1IkT0g_liSnLVfwWTVq6NF9YGAmE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRVvldSBlLMir6ihWpA1WARmu_gnKGNIhvZloaQfXORdDjKLLHeAsENLata1uOFWVpFrQ1p3unNoW7g59xykNBJ_BfR9I17CjOp60iBqYzaJrndBs1IkT0g_liSnLVfwWTVq6NF9YGAmE/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />What you put in your shoe care kit will vary based on your environment and shoe types.  Different types of shoes require different types of care.  So to create our kit, I took note of the types of the shoes we wear most frequently.  <br /><br /><ul><li><b>Suede:</b> I added both a <a href="http://amzn.to/1diwalJ" target="_blank">suede cleaner</a> and an eraser bar (<a href="http://amzn.to/1cNMjPd" target="_blank">similar</a>).<b> </b></li><li><b>Leather:</b> I added <a href="http://amzn.to/1PvL5Kh" target="_blank">saddle soap</a> and a rag (to clean and soften) as well as <a href="http://amzn.to/1diz5dW" target="_blank">shoe polish</a> and an <a href="http://amzn.to/1JYwBvB" target="_blank">applicator brush</a>.<b> </b></li><li><b>Tennis Shoes:</b> I added baking soda and a toothbrush (combine baking soda with dish/laundry detergent and gently scrub shoe and soles with the toothbrush). </li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbxU6MDATegaLt6tXiwi35C2z7g2zrxwnb01zajFgFq52WTOxfU_hODvmNkU8yqmZlRJWRycUKHy28vPNfZ4s_gU_Gdt1q8auiYQAtREzhY3S5HDwQAjxOs-WXPuJsUJR2rfX-n-lYdC6/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbxU6MDATegaLt6tXiwi35C2z7g2zrxwnb01zajFgFq52WTOxfU_hODvmNkU8yqmZlRJWRycUKHy28vPNfZ4s_gU_Gdt1q8auiYQAtREzhY3S5HDwQAjxOs-WXPuJsUJR2rfX-n-lYdC6/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />I also added a variety of spare shoe laces, comfort pads and an anti-friction stick.  Those items were tossed into containers found at the dollar store and labeled with vinyl cut from my Silhouette.<br /><br />A few other items that could be added to the kit are: a magic eraser (for those really tough cleanings - not to be used on delicate shoe finishes), rain and stain repellent, color shine, conditioning cream, shoe grips, shoe horns, shoe whitener, etc...  Whatever footwear maintenance items that make sense based on your shoe wearing habits.  (Should we start taking a drink every time I type out the word <i>shoe</i>?)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eiCSXN5hQoiCywgl2j9DfsQTz1zhwj-XNzg2lZt2yRmTZSZCFp2Q72nrntnuibzQQzirP568TsdkZ1Y69ibl8N009xeI-LQa8bm1cdr-Hd47jUKuFqDENlHqov3xNQ-1QRwYusI_s_pb/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eiCSXN5hQoiCywgl2j9DfsQTz1zhwj-XNzg2lZt2yRmTZSZCFp2Q72nrntnuibzQQzirP568TsdkZ1Y69ibl8N009xeI-LQa8bm1cdr-Hd47jUKuFqDENlHqov3xNQ-1QRwYusI_s_pb/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />I found a narrow bin that can tuck away on our coat closet shelf, and printed off a label for the front.  Popped everything inside and boom, done!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7O9eVWMZjrQABgW8SgAbk5BpVDZiOKMuF2Qsbh9iZBAwCjnSz6oFB9FQB1tbO_19dPwdHXJK5T4aW2Da41dXybCqLAFhjWt70o885YiDRoG9Ez8yPu-a6mKGUUiekJNLa2UkC36CuV7z/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7O9eVWMZjrQABgW8SgAbk5BpVDZiOKMuF2Qsbh9iZBAwCjnSz6oFB9FQB1tbO_19dPwdHXJK5T4aW2Da41dXybCqLAFhjWt70o885YiDRoG9Ez8yPu-a6mKGUUiekJNLa2UkC36CuV7z/s1600/Shoe_Care_Kit_Caddy_6.jpg" /></a></div><br />Part of being organized, is being prepared ahead of time.  For me, that comes in the form of small kits or zones around our home.  In fact, I am a kit-making fanatic!  Sewing kits, cleaning kits, medical kits, stain kits, tool kits... I love and frequently use them all!  This is one more I know I will be grateful I took the time to put together, especially now that I will be able to extend the life (and looks) of my favorite foot candy.<br /><br />What are your top shoe cleaning tips and tricks?  Any footwear maintenance essentials that we should add to our new caddy?<br /><br /><i>Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/quick-tip-gallery.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</i>

Quick Tip Tuesday: "Sole" Mate - Shoe Care Kit

For those of you who love to be prepared, and adore projects that involve zero DIY skills, this one is for you! Truly, today's task was ...

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DIY Tray Turned Mirror

Although we took on quite a few large projects in our recent <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2015/05/one-room-challenge-week-6-iheart-living.html" target="_blank">living room renovation</a>, one of my favorites ended up being a last minute mirror update.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c0fwl79d8wkkCgGSDZYvzpsdFB0SkqUfK-QD6ccGTadl42oC-flDQUtap3j9eZBMY6etecaTCWt9x-fFdbqOil0D7sT9HGh6AxgkJZTpIkFIo-G_0Tm8143qGwGKK5f1kAmh3yedSYCs/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c0fwl79d8wkkCgGSDZYvzpsdFB0SkqUfK-QD6ccGTadl42oC-flDQUtap3j9eZBMY6etecaTCWt9x-fFdbqOil0D7sT9HGh6AxgkJZTpIkFIo-G_0Tm8143qGwGKK5f1kAmh3yedSYCs/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_Header.png" /></a></div><br />Since the start of the living room update, I thought the mirror above the shoe cabinet was too small to scale (I have also been wanting to steal it to use in our bathroom).  But finding anything that wasn't also too big, was proving difficult.  I was looking for something square or round, wood finish and between 24" and 30" tall/wide.  Weeks of popping into shops and Internet searches and I was coming up short.  I found many I loved, but they were always too tall or wide.  And then I found "the one" at CB2.  It was nothing over-the-top amazing, but I appreciated the wood color, size and simplicity.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscQBm1p53COLt3huEWRhe5Fcg7_ofkcMTULZgDgvVad5xC4gyvbKFNg75GghT0XXuO5S7JFASZvclgDlKQop1Yo1YCdBhypNmr23a7qjl8wCfhVnsR4T461ik3Mg5wTf9JMY3P2972rbl/s1600/acacia-wood-mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscQBm1p53COLt3huEWRhe5Fcg7_ofkcMTULZgDgvVad5xC4gyvbKFNg75GghT0XXuO5S7JFASZvclgDlKQop1Yo1YCdBhypNmr23a7qjl8wCfhVnsR4T461ik3Mg5wTf9JMY3P2972rbl/s1600/acacia-wood-mirror.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.cb2.com/acacia-wood-24-mirror/s379140?a=501&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&country=US&gclid=CjwKEAjwvbGqBRCs3eH4o5C74CYSJAB3TODsTF9UGEMJksrEy-JKZUt72EPkXfENywrWnKhzH7sDTBoCtAjw_wcB" target="_blank">via</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At $129 it wasn't the cheapest option, but it definitely wasn't the most expensive I had found in my searching.  Thinking I had finally found what I had been digging for, I added it to my online shopping cart.  And then the <i>"back-ordered until May"</i> punch in the gut happened.  OK then. <br /><br />While doing some local shopping I decided to head into an actual CB2 store just to see if it would be a different story.  Then, I spotted it!  Hanging right smack dab in the center of the store.  I ran over to it like a kid running to that furry little puppy in a pet store window.  I was so hopeful and then so suddenly disappointed when I was told the store wouldn't be getting any more in until June.  Gah!  Such teases.<br /><br />So we started looking into a few DIY options and even began researching how to bend wood.  And then the universe aligned in my favor and there it was buried in a HomeGoods aisle... a drop dead gorgeous acacia wood tray.<br /><br />Measuring in at just over 24", I knew it was everything I was looking for in a mirror, minus the mirror itself.  Thanks to a handy tape measure in my handbag, I determined I needed to find a 22" mirror insert STAT.  A quick Google search later showed that IKEA sells a <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30133522/" target="_blank">22" frameless mirror</a>, and I just knew it was all meant to be.  I sighed in relief and crossed my fingers that the mirror would be in stock at IKEA and would truly fit as planned.  Lucky for me, it all worked out. <br /><br />To affix the new mirror to the tray, we started with a <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-10-fl-oz-PL530-Mirror-Marble-and-Granite-Adhesive-1693636/203438035" target="_blank">Mirror, Marble & Granite Loctite</a> adhesive.  I wanted to go right for stuff meant for these types of projects to reduce the risk of the mirror detaching and falling from the frame.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF-Pk-ChntLENQ1-u1iUx-z6RKq2AME_Uk0Af_RlYfGGrwQqn39kL349lvca5ODJVXd2v4h3e1vXV4ouMn-YzU894Q9bG-52fpItohvp0Sc8ou9oDWF6DYqlT9whpoHa-ihT_cLhBhlQB/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpF-Pk-ChntLENQ1-u1iUx-z6RKq2AME_Uk0Af_RlYfGGrwQqn39kL349lvca5ODJVXd2v4h3e1vXV4ouMn-YzU894Q9bG-52fpItohvp0Sc8ou9oDWF6DYqlT9whpoHa-ihT_cLhBhlQB/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />We were generous with the application of the glue....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry-dHC1RYGat1YNlHizTmheBbiw1lOuXG9x_7OW097lWwqp63Wl3a4vCpfWaWSRQyHVK3K8kLMstsiHCpHd8wgs2GCYWJLmKt1pa9fJ-PL633ZGhJllopfhLoQJ4Z7O7kfZCJG6PNNRqc/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry-dHC1RYGat1YNlHizTmheBbiw1lOuXG9x_7OW097lWwqp63Wl3a4vCpfWaWSRQyHVK3K8kLMstsiHCpHd8wgs2GCYWJLmKt1pa9fJ-PL633ZGhJllopfhLoQJ4Z7O7kfZCJG6PNNRqc/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />And as excited as I was to see it up on the wall, we waited a full 48 hours for the glue to cure to the mirror (which fit the frame like a glove).  The adhesion seems very solid, the mirror isn't going anywhere anytime soon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsirWaECAtX799bVFYhax5f13s81fwdSDCndW6rkgDARdUx22L9Sn4e9C4j9I1o-lZfOyIDmzNwgWbTGQbgOmnIzhzVEXxcUCihmZZxNwK-TIZjHsj1NmOLPExn-WJJFppTnZCKWM7rMdh/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsirWaECAtX799bVFYhax5f13s81fwdSDCndW6rkgDARdUx22L9Sn4e9C4j9I1o-lZfOyIDmzNwgWbTGQbgOmnIzhzVEXxcUCihmZZxNwK-TIZjHsj1NmOLPExn-WJJFppTnZCKWM7rMdh/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_5.jpg" /></a></div><br />The tray came with some rubber feet attached, which we left on the back to keep it cushioned against the wall.  To hang the mirror, we went with our trusted picture hanging system consisting of screws, hooks and wire rated to handle the weight of the mirror and tray (<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-17-Piece-Heavy-Object-Picture-Hanging-Kit-50932/100169293" target="_blank">similar</a>).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QWIQlTRq7sIOPO45yH3ZgTuDbbLCJZEopVIyC3hY7y6_YpQ05FNWZD3glLjf5vnOvfMyFh5DuuWs5L-lr91QLQXS-SCGsyIzUsnMLj1mT_CQkTo605YpTGy3v1dG5HU3Uq-QhcwAPuAJ/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QWIQlTRq7sIOPO45yH3ZgTuDbbLCJZEopVIyC3hY7y6_YpQ05FNWZD3glLjf5vnOvfMyFh5DuuWs5L-lr91QLQXS-SCGsyIzUsnMLj1mT_CQkTo605YpTGy3v1dG5HU3Uq-QhcwAPuAJ/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />Just be sure to select a screw that is not as thick as the tray, or add a washer or two to make up the difference.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpMiaKJGqRoP2u9bQSnPogOo9eZHoe4yoINoK00QGtKgxIBlOlktj93p3bBYpp_ehhmM9YOzuR-kU15KrHaXjNj1NFZemtp0pmxr2V_XwLm54tqoxDJf09rTWB9e2_T2_nQl8NtKxHQGw/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpMiaKJGqRoP2u9bQSnPogOo9eZHoe4yoINoK00QGtKgxIBlOlktj93p3bBYpp_ehhmM9YOzuR-kU15KrHaXjNj1NFZemtp0pmxr2V_XwLm54tqoxDJf09rTWB9e2_T2_nQl8NtKxHQGw/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_4.jpg" /></a></div><br />And that was it!  One of the easiest projects in the space, yet one of my absolute favorites.  I just love the warmth it adds, and that I was able to get the look of the CB2 option for half of the cost!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2R2uiE568CCaMXFOPo9cpHkGs-iZvxyt8tqvjym7PMrxS4x-7jrfstId7ShlNfSQVAjkuhYRGubxEnv6ACwGevBa38u4yVahoNBDDnz_jwV-ZwYnuulWUuW2m6kTU3p20APxObAek35e/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2R2uiE568CCaMXFOPo9cpHkGs-iZvxyt8tqvjym7PMrxS4x-7jrfstId7ShlNfSQVAjkuhYRGubxEnv6ACwGevBa38u4yVahoNBDDnz_jwV-ZwYnuulWUuW2m6kTU3p20APxObAek35e/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_9.jpg" /></a></div><br />And I thought the handles might bother me, but they don't at all.  In fact, I sort of love the quirkiness that they add.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqeWzPRmEdF-39Bg0iC-Ig1XE3IGQXTvG8gUjoSaja25D_nKTn3PUdh1wiOmuNL43eWs7YQkNLCeAmoL9yeWXozdy4Ay108XMSlbZDCqlPsp6wtc9TYcJqhCFvYON6VckO1RH6NlcsYxD/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqeWzPRmEdF-39Bg0iC-Ig1XE3IGQXTvG8gUjoSaja25D_nKTn3PUdh1wiOmuNL43eWs7YQkNLCeAmoL9yeWXozdy4Ay108XMSlbZDCqlPsp6wtc9TYcJqhCFvYON6VckO1RH6NlcsYxD/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_8.jpg" /></a></div><br />Knowing that every HomeGoods stocks and offers different products, it may be hard to track down this exact tray.  However, I still wanted to share in case you had one on hand, see one when you are out or use the powers of Google to track down something similar.  Also, the odds that IKEA happened to sell a frameless round mirror that fit perfectly was all about luck.  In my searches I did notice that both Lowes and Home Depot offer a giant variety of frameless mirror options; round, oval, square and rectangular.  And if all else fails, you may be able to find a home improvement or glass shop that could cut one for you.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_KMnmrbiSA0MyjmxiTKlusZUmfaENVxXfEB9fD8IYkvLNHpPfC3nWBT5Jhxu36glWqIOtesNFPpjWwJnBiTOKDsA78wOMFGUGxl5deVTXN5oOJs4Cdl8HOTJhbCN3S0YmRM1qeyVhcPe/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_KMnmrbiSA0MyjmxiTKlusZUmfaENVxXfEB9fD8IYkvLNHpPfC3nWBT5Jhxu36glWqIOtesNFPpjWwJnBiTOKDsA78wOMFGUGxl5deVTXN5oOJs4Cdl8HOTJhbCN3S0YmRM1qeyVhcPe/s1600/DIY_Tray_Mirror_10.jpg" /></a></div><br />There has been a lot of tray talk around here lately!  I guess it just goes to show how versatile they really are.  Not only do they rock for storage all over the home, they also make a pretty amazing framed mirror!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

DIY Tray Turned Mirror

Although we took on quite a few large projects in our recent living room renovation , one of my favorites ended up being a last minute mirro...

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