Handmade Christmas: Chalkboard Magnet Board Combo

Every year, my sister-in-law creates a family calendar on one of those photo sites.  Every year around this time, my she sends me a text requesting pictures of our family to include in the calendar.  While searching through a year's worth of photos, I came across a picture of a handmade gift Joe made for Grace last Christmas.  I can't believe I'm just now sharing this with you. 

Grace loves to play with the magnets on her Aunt Barb's refrigerator.  When we go to visit, the fridge is Grace's first stop when we enter the house!  The magnets keep her busy and in one spot for a while (making it much easier on me in the not-baby-proofed house)! 

Joe suggested that we get Grace some magnets to play with at our house.  My only problem with that idea is that our kitchen is so tiny.  My fridge is directly behind our cooktop stove.  I knew it would be frustrating (as well as unsafe) to have Grace playing at the fridge while I'm trying to cook dinner. 

I asked Joe if he could just attach a sheet of metal to the wall.  Simple.  Industrial.  Joe didn't like that idea though.  He was concerned that the edges would be too sharp for Grace to play around.  He suggested building a frame to put around the square sheet of metal.  I loved the idea!  Not only would that make it safe for Grace, it would also make the magnet board look finished. 

Soon after, one of us thought about painting the metal sheet with chalkboard paint.  I can't remember which one of us came up with that idea, but we both agreed it was the perfect idea to complete our project. 

I wish I would have taken step-by-step photos as Joe was building, but I was in the house baking cookies while he worked out in the garage.  Here's a photo of the finished chalk board/magnet board (Joe painted the frame to match our baseboards throughout the house) filled with the magnets Santa left under the tree: 

Joe hung the board in our living room and Grace uses it all the time.  We'll move it into her playroom when it's finished (we're not even started yet).  Actually, I'm considering making her a bigger one when her playroom is complete and moving this one into the kitchen for me! 

We really liked the idea of having a handmade gift under the tree for Grace and have plans for another project for this year.  I just hope Joe finds the time to build it.


I'll be linking this post to the following blog carnivals and linky parties:

• Show Me How at It's a Blog Party!
• Made By You Monday at Skip to my Lou
• Just Something I Whipped Up at The Girl Creative
• Making the World Cuter Monday at Making the World Cuter
• Make It Great Monday at Etcetorize