DIY Magnetic Organizational Board from a Thrifted Frame
DIY Magnetic Organizational Board
I don’t know about your house, but ours is filled with lists, coupons and receipts floating around here all the time. It’s almost enough to drive me nuts, so I wanted to come up with an easy, accessible, stylish way to keep track of all of those little papers.
We don’t have a ton of wall space in our kitchen to add much of an organizing system, so I decided to makeover a thrifted large frame into a functional magnetic organizational board that we could hang on the inside of our pantry door. Here’s how it turned out!
I love the pop of happy yellow, and how all of those random little papers now have a specific place!
Here’s how we did it:
First we started off with a large thrifted frame, in the size that we wanted the organizational board to be.
Then we bought a large piece of magnetic metal from Lowe’s, and cut it to fit the inside of the frame.
The metal was so large that in the end it made two organizational boards.
Then we bought a piece of decorative radiator covering (that, FYI, is not magnetic) and cut it to fit the inside of the frame as well. Mostly this was just for visual interest. I love the texture that the metal has to offer, and they come in different styles too! Home Depot doesn’t carry these, they are only at Lowe’s.
We used a piece of cardboard for a template and drew out exactly how big each piece of metal needed to be, to fit each frame.
To cut the metal we used some heavy duty tin snips.
After everything was all cut, the painting started!
I used this Krylon Farm & Implement yellow spray paint for the metal backing. I chose this kind of spray paint because it works really well on metal, and I wanted the paint to be as durable as possible, since our organizational board would be getting a lot of use.
After a few coats of yellow on the metal, I spray painted our thrifted frame white and sanded it down a bit, to give it a distressed look.
I left the decorative metal just the way it came, and then layered the pieces inside the frame, like so!
I added a few small wooden plaques with decorative paper and vinyl labels on them to the board as well. I just adhered those with command picture hanging strips, so they would stay in place well, and the magnets were bought from Hobby Lobby.
We have our board hung on the back of our pantry door, with a bunch of picture hanging strips. It’s the perfect place, because it’s where everything and everyONE tend to gather ๐
Also next to my coupons I have a little i-Slice cutting tool that’s magnetic from Pampered Chef that I use to “clip coupons”. It’s a lifesaver!
I’m excited to get organized for the new year, and having creative, cute ways to STAY organized is the key for me… because it just makes it more fun.
Have you started de-cluttering your space for 2012 yet!? What are some of your favorite ways to get organized?
Abbey D. says
What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing!
Liz Marie says
Love this!!! Such an awesome idea. It looks so awesome hanging on that beautiful door. Very well made!! You never cease to amaze me…
xx Liz Marie
Unknown says
love it!!! Looks great!!! I organized all the closets in my house this week! everythingemilygblog.blogspot
Breezy Brie says
O my goodness! ADORABLE! Thanks for the inspiration. I really need to do something like this too!
Brie @ BreezyPinkDaisies
B's Mommy says
Shelley YOU make organizing so much fun!! I can't wait to recreate your idea. Thank you for the tutorial.
How I am going to de-clutter this year… a huge bon fire!! LoL! ๐
Pam says
That is brilliant! I'm thinking about what I've got to clear out, that's as far as I've gotten.
steph anne says
I love this!!! This is just what I need for our office!
East Coast Creative says
Who would have thought your pantry could become any more amazing?? It looks awesome and I just might need to try this sometime during the rest of Christmas vacation. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Monica (and Jess)
Lil Mama Stuart says
I think I have seen the pretty radiator covers at Home Depot. I was wondering what I could use it for, thanks for the FYI that they are not magnetic.
Schnelle says
That's such a great idea! It came out really nice. I also like how you can hide it away behind the door.
Honey I'm Home Blog says
What a great idea. And it looks so pretty too {as usual}. Happy New Year to one of my favorite bloggers!
Warmly, Michelle
Ruby Jean says
Oh I LOVE it… But I am REALLY loving that Beautiful Pantry door of yours…. Beautiful!!
Erica says
I love love love love this! Just what I needed. I too don't have a lot of wall space in our kitchen, so our table, top of the fridge, counters, etc are a collect space it seems! I might steal this idea ๐
Evanssays, be sweet says
Genius and cute! Love it when those two work together.
Kayla and Andrew says
This is so cute and so functional! What a great idea! :]
Amy Waller says
So stinkin' cute, Shelley! I just love it! That decorative metal is key, for sure! And the pop of yellow is perfect for your bright & cheery home! I might just have to make one of these now! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo- Amy @ All In A Day
Jessica Bencriscutto says
Love this idea! I also NEED that blue & green rug in your kitchen- can you share where you got it!?
Unknown says
Looks great! I need to get all my crap off my fridge and into a pantry as well! Ugh…
Aloha,
Charlie
Emily [On the V Side] says
Remember that time I told you I had pantry envy?
Yep…. still do. How in the world you managed to top your pantry cuteness is beyond me. ๐
Great job – I love it!
Emily
Robin says
Do you have a -how to- on your door? I love the colors. I am trying to figure something out for our kitchen table and I'm thinking that color would be exactly what I am needing! And the organizer is awesome. I love the yellow!
Denissa says
Love it! It looks so great on your awesome door ๐
Unknown says
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing the tute.
Nancy
Posh Ideas says
Love it Shelley you are a rockstar! My goal for the 2012 is organzine something every single day. These don't have to be big projects but daily tidy up a drawer, shelf, etc. and save bigger organizing projects for the weekends! Keep the inspriation coming!
Jayme Smith says
So cute! Love it!
Jennifer Spadaro says
It's really cute! And it's pretty and functional, you just can't beat that!
Shannon says
Super cute!
I just wanted to say thanks for recommending the Multi-Function Power Tool on your blog as a gift idea. I bought one for my husband for Christmas. He is a woodworker & does a lot of DIY stuff around the house. I wasn't totally sure that he would like it, just because I figured he would have other tools that he could use for the various jobs that this one does. However, he was excited about it & had actually been wanting one. He has already used it several times, just in the past few days. Great idea! Thanks!!
Caitlin says
This is so awesome and creative! I think it looks amazing and I'm dreaming up a place for one in my own house…
Unknown says
what a really fun & functional project!
Ann-Margaret {Ann-Margaret's Visions} says
I LOVE this, Shelley!! Have been thinking I wanted to create a cute spot for all the "must haves" like grocery lists, coupons, notes, etc, and this will be perfect!! I even have a board that will be great for this…just need to repaint it so I can hang it the long way!! Thanks for the fun inspiration!!
Anonymous says
First of all I love your door! And second of all I'm so glad to hear where you found your metal mesh from! What a great idea!!! Thanks for sharing ๐
Room to Inspire says
I love this – a couple of these would be great for our "command center"…hum…thanks for sharing!
Chelsea
Kelly r says
That is an aweaome idea! Btw where did your kitchen rug come from??? Love it!
Kelly r says
What an awesome idea! Btw where did you get your kitchen rug?? Love it!
Kelly r says
That is an aweaome idea! Btw where did your kitchen rug come from??? Love it!
Kelly r says
That is an aweaome idea! Btw where did your kitchen rug come from??? Love it!
Kelly r says
That is an aweaome idea! Btw where did your kitchen rug come from??? Love it!
liZ says
So cute and I love the yellow….and all I have been doing for the last 48 hours is cleaning, and reorganizing…this is my favorite week of the entire year it's like better than spring cleaning.
liZ
(simplesimonandco)
Erica says
oh how i wish this would pop into your shop to just purchase. i'd love to just buy this already done…. please, oh please?!
Anonymous says
Very pretty! I have bought the Pin boards in the past, they are so ugly! I always want one of these in my kitchen because the fridge is always covered with stuff and usually ends up getting knocked off. Will have to try to make these!! Love it!
Unknown says
Hmph. And here I thought my fabric-covered magnetic board w/ coordinating magnets was the bomb: Methinks you have trumped my message board, as usual ๐ Any way you can break down costs on this? That always helps me decide whether it's a home improvement project our wallet can manage! So the radiator grill doesn't impede the magnetic…ity(?!) of the board? Upon first look, I was sure you'd salvaged a confession vestibule from a church. Such a cool look!
Serena says
Awesome! Where did you get that fabulous kitchen rug? ๐
Tonya @ Love of Family And Home says
So cute!! Love the colors!
Sharon says
Thanks for the tutorial – this is exactly what we were looking to make last week but searched ad infinitim at Home Depot for the radiator cover with no success. I'm so glad to hear it's available at Lowe's! My daughter wants to hang her earrings on this with fabric layered behind it ๐ Love it in the kitchen/office too! Thanks so much!
Ivy Bingham says
I love this magnetic organizing board. And I love the blue door that it is on and your kitchen floor. Just found your blog. I will def be checking it out!!
Maria says
love this! you are amazing!
Mindy says
This is BRILLIANT! Our kitchen doesn't have a pantry… Boo, but I could definitely try this idea on a wall in my dinning area or in my craft room! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Photo By Emilie says
Gosh this is such a great idea!! LOVE!!
Andrea says
I love it, so I pinned it. One of my favorite projects ya'll have done.
Moda Photography says
So cute! Can't wait to make one of my own! Yea!
Catherine at Design Editor says
Love this! You guys are too good!
{a charming nest} says
Ooh I love your style, your blog, and just about everything about you. I love this idea, and can't wait to give a version of this a try. I think you are just about the cutest thing out there. Btw…good luck in your 2 month progress with your trainer. I have struggled with my weight my whole life, and am hoping 2012 will be the year…qtreqdmill and nutritionist here I come!
Amy says
This is so cute and functional but I have to tell you I was so excited when I opened Cottages & Bungalows tonight and saw your amazing pantry featured there.
Unknown says
What kind of light is hanging over your sink? I love it. Have been searching for a light just like this.
Thanks
Angela
Unknown says
Really cute Shelley! I have been wanting to buy the decorative radiator tins to make something with them for the longest time, but can't convince the hubs they are worth the price. Darn him, hehe. Thanks for sharing your fun organizing idea.
Laura Bray says
Just visiting for the first time. Your blog is so cute! Thanks for sharing the great tutorial. I'll be back to visit again soon.
Shirley Guenther says
Love that idea!!!! I absolutley love your pantry door!!!!
Mary Ann Pickett says
I just got a new calendar…organization–here I come. Love your blog.
Following you and looking forward to the new year with you.
Mary Ann
SweetSugarBelle says
YOu are amazing! This is SOOOOOOOOO cute!!!
Monica says
Gorgeous! ๐
The Sheridans says
Woot Woot! Saw this on Studio 5 this morning…when they said Shelley Smith, I perked right up and knew that it would be good. Loved this idea. I have the exact same frame that I refused to throw away and now I am putting it to good use!
Amber Jones says
Just discovered your blog tonight and I'm SO excited about what I see here! Can't wait to do this project (and paint and organize my pantry)!! Your work is GORGEOUS!!!
Veronica says
Great idea! Would also be great for putting the magnetic spice canisters too…hmm just might do that. Thanks!
rcaoldham says
I love your Blog!! Could you please tell me where you got your light that is hanging above your kitchen sink? It is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you…Thank you for all your sharing.Christi O
rcaoldham says
I love your Blog! Thank you for all the wonderful ideas that you share and taking the time to do so. I wanted to see if you could tell me where you got the light that is hanging from above your kitchen sink? It is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you!!! Christi O
Mrs. Limestone says
I did nearly the same project last year (without the metal sheet in the back) and have been meaning to finish it off – love the color pop!
{twenty}something says
Love it! Please tell me you have. Tutorial for that door?! I would love to read that post! Twentysomething
Rachel says
I Really want to do this for myself, I went to Lowes (and have since looked online) but I can't find the decorative radiator covering anywhere!! any search tips to find it?
Rachel says
I really want to do this for myself… I went looking at Lowes today for the decorative radiator covering and couldn't for the life of me find it… and neither could the guy that helped me. Any search tips? I couldn't find it at lowes.com either ๐
Unknown says
This is a great tutorial and one that would do well for everyone to have in their own home. Been looking for your decorative radiator covering and it's been quite elusive to find. Might have to swap for something different. Thanks for sharing I love your blog.
Kathy says
I LOVE THIS!!! I've been trying to find a system of corralling all the coupons I have laying around as well! I really want to attempt this on our basement door… thanks so much for the tutorial!!
jody says
I have been to several different Lowes and Home Depots and cant find the covers either! I even looked on their website…. Where can we find these?
jody says
I have been to several different Lowes and Home Depots and can not find these! I even searched their websites…. where can we get these?
Leslie says
I think HD carries the radiator grates now, I just bought one last week. They only had 12" x 21" though. ๐
Betty says
Love this idea!
Jeff, Chelsea & Rustin says
What color of paint did you use on your door? Love it!
Kathy says
I finally got around to make my org board and I wanted to let you know I gave you a shout out on my blog! Thanks again for the tutorial and helping me get my house organized!! ๐
Lily says
love it!!! Looks great!!! I organized all the closets in my house this week!
โฅ table top fridge
Heidi of Operation Organization says
I love what you've done to create such a pretty AND functional solution! ๐
I've featured a photo of your finished product on my site:
operationorganization-mn.com/2012/06/organizing-small-spaces-utilize-every.html
Cheers & Happy Organizing!
~H
Laura Z says
I know this was a long time ago, but do you remember what department you got the radiator cover in? I have been to a couple Lowe's and can't find them and the employees don't have a clue what I'm talking about!
Laura says
Hello, just stumbled upon your project. What did you use to attach the sheet metal and radiator cover to the back of the frame?
Anonymous says
What color is the pantry door?
Jamie Tucker says
Love how this door looks!
Nicole Feliciano says
Love this plan! Shared it on Friday Finds today momtrends.com/2013/01/friday-finds-new-years-resolutions/ and pinning now!
Anonymous says
Your memo board turned out great and thanks for posting your tutorial. I've got this linked to my magnetic boards post too today, for inspiration!
new_dash_y says
does the radiator cover lay flat on the sheet metal? when i placed mine together its not quite as flat therefore the magnets do no stick well. maybe i need to get stronger magnets?
thesavvysunflower says
This is a great idea! And it looks so cute with your kitchen design. I am actually commenting because I love your flooring!! It is so cheery and cute – it looks like vinyl – did you recently put this in? It also looks great with the rest of your kitchen. We are just about to embark on a face lift in our kitchen, I really like yours ๐
thesavvysunflower says
This is a great idea!! I think the pantry door is so fun in this color, and I love your flooring – it is so cheery! We are about to freshen up our kitchen, hope it turns out as lovely as yours ๐