DIY Magnetic Board

When I was getting ready for college right after graduating high school, I was really excited to decorate my very own dorm room. However, money was not something I had a lot of in excess. So, I decided to make my own decorations, and with the help from some friends, I was completely ready by the time the first term started.

One of the craft projects I made was a framed magnetic board. Because of the limited space in a dorm room, I made my diy magnetic board to help me organize things and display pictures, reminders, or whatever I needed.

Honestly, this project was probably one of my favorites because of all of the variations you could create. It is a really easy idea to riff on and really make your own, which is kind of what diy is all about.

For this project, I’ll show you how to create your own diy magnetic board based on how I made mine. I would definitely suggest looking back in the tips and notes section though to see some different options you have for supplies or ideas on how you could customize this project for yourself!

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Supplies:

• Old Frame: Any size works for this project really, and I have even used frames that don’t have the glass or backing in them.
• Decorative Paper: You will need to make sure the paper is big enough to fit in the frame.
• Metal Wire Mesh: You can find different sizes and strengths at most craft and hardware stores. Just make sure it is magnetic!
• Wire Cutter: You will want a heavier duty pair that can cut through the wire mesh.
• Twine -or- Metal Hanger: If your frame doesn’t have a metal hanger on the back, you can attach the twine to hang it instead if you desire.
• Wire Nail & Hammer: To hang it up where you want!
• Magnets: You will use these to decorate and organize whatever you would like!

Tips and Notes:

-You do not need to have a glass pane, decorative paper, or even a backing if you choose. You could easily make this magnetic board with just a unique frame and the wire mesh.

-If your frame doesn’t have a backing, but you want one, you can cut out a thick piece of cardboard from an old box to match the dimensions of the frame. I recommend that you make it slightly smaller than larger as you will want to make sure it fits easily in over the top of the paper and wire mesh.

-You can usually find old frames that would work great for this project at thrift stores. I also have used old cabinet doors from Habitat for Humanity that had the center piece punched out to make a big magnetic board.

-Painting the frame is always an option, and you can make it compliment the decorative paper or make it the focus with a bold color choice or eye-catching pattern!

-If you wanted to add the glass pane to the frame, you can make a dry erase magnetic board that is customized to your style!

-I have used old wire mesh that was found outside before for this project. However, if you are recycling the wire mesh, you will need to clean it with a brush and soap, and you can spray paint it to protect it from rusting or to add some neutral or fun color.

-If you choose not to have the glass pane in the frame, this board would be a great place to hang earrings or jewelry in a small bathroom. You could even attach magnets to the back of your makeup containers and place them on your decorative magnetic board as well!

How do you make a homemade magnetic organizer?

Start off by measuring the inside dimensions of the frame you chose. You will need to measure mark the paper and wire mesh to those dimensions. *Note: If you are choosing to paint the frame and/or the wire mesh, this is when you will need to do so. Do not move on until these pieces are completely dry!*

You will then need to use the wire cutters to cut a piece of your metal wire mesh to the measured dimensions of the frame. Also, cut the decorative paper to the same dimensions as well.

Now, there are a couple of different ways you can arrange the metal wire mesh and the paper in the frame. If your frame has the glass piece that you want to keep, you can place the paper in the frame first and then the wire mesh. However, if your old frame is missing the glass, like mine is, you can put the metal in first and then put the paper as the background if you choose. If you have a backing, you can place this in the back to hold everything in place, but if not, just make sure the metal or plastic fasteners for the backing are replaced and tightly hold the paper and wire mesh in the frame.

If the frame doesn’t have a hanger, you can attach twine to the back either by stapling it to the back or tying it to two of the fasteners on the frame (see picture) to hang it from the twine instead.

Finally, use the wire nail and hammer to hang your custom magnetic board where you would like. Attach your magnets, and you’re ready to go!

If you make your own DIY magnetic board, I would love to see how it turns out! Share it with me via Instagram or Facebook @godsgiftofcreativity, or you can tell me about it in the comment section below! Also, subscribe to my blog if you want to see more DIY projects from me, and don’t forget to check out my other blog posts!

Thanks so much!

-Chelsey