Two months ago, my family and I began a huge task. It has taken us all of those two months to complete it! What began as a small organizing project turned into rearranging bedrooms, completely cleaning out one bedroom, and turning that bedroom into a planner, craft, office room.
It’s been several years since I’ve had a creative space. I’ve been working in our bedroom and had all of my supplies stored in four different areas of our home. This did not lead to much creativity or productivity.
I’m still settling into this room of my own. My husband has helped me greatly. He built some very functional projects to hang on the walls. My graphic designer daughter, Natalie, has created some beautiful, encouraging artwork to hang. You’ll be able to download these same artwork printables at the end of this post.
The first job was to unload this room, which was formerly our youngest’s bedroom. She’s moved upstairs with her sisters, freeing this room up for me. My original plan was to build a large desk/workstation but I found the cost for supplies was more than I wanted to spend. Instead, I moved items from other rooms into this room. This kept costs down so that I could invest more into the paint and other supplies. 🙂
For inspiration, I visited Lowe’s and checked out the Olympic paint display. Are you like me and find that seeing all of the fun colors inspire creativity? I chose a gray color for the walls and accent colors for the frames of the wall items. (And, oh my! Did you know that you can see what your room will look like in different colors without even leaving your home?! Yes! Check out the Olympic Paint Visualizer!)
Once we had all of our supplies, the building began! My husband took measurements and got to work.
I can’t wait to show you all that we’ve created! First up, the magnetic board!
MAGNETIC BOARD:
First up, he created a magnetic board. Originally, I had wanted a large corkboard. When he suggested making a magnetic board, I jumped at that idea! A corkboard will eventually have large holes in it, I run the risk of dropping push pins (only to later find them stuck in my foot!), and won’t be as pretty. Not to mention, finding cork to use was impossible. The magnetic board is much more durable and functional. Plus, I love the look of it!
We purchased the metal from a local heating and air conditioning company. It was inexpensive and cut to size. Just be sure to wear gloves when handling it as the edges will be sharp.
My husband began by making a back frame from molding. For this one, he made the corners by cutting lath marks with the table saw and chiseling the area out. This was quite time-consuming, so he used a different method for the other two projects.
He used the nail gun to tack the pieces together, squared up the sides to ensure the sides were straight. Once the corners were ready to assemble, he used the nail gun to attach the two pieces into corners. This became the back for the magnetic board.
He nailed the metallic sheet onto the back frame. Then he used a belt sander to sand down the edges so they would not be sharp.
Next up was to make the front frame. He used the miter saw to make the frame. I then painted the pieces (for future frames, we painted before cutting). I am super impressed with the Olympic paint that we used. It covered so well, with easy clean up. I’m not a great painter, but I had no trouble getting even coverage with this paint. 🙂
He laid the frame out on the metallic sheet, then used the nail gun to staple the frame on.
We put putty on the staple heads and waited for it to cure and dry. Once dry, a light sanding smoothed the frame. The final details were to touch up the paint over these areas and to paint the edges of the back frame.
Once screwed to the wall, the magnetic board was complete!
Once hung on the wall, the first thing that I added to the magnetic board was from a Post-It calendar. I have two calendar months on the board. This allows me to plan projects and have a deadlines reminder right next to my desk. I have plenty of room to add other papers as I need.
PEGBOARD:
Once the pegboard was cut to size, it was sanded and wiped clean. This was necessary to remove the coating so that the paint would adhere to the board well. The Olympic paint that I used covered the board so easily. Quality tools and products do make a huge difference!
Next, my husband added lath board to make the back frame. This is needed not only for strength, but the pegboard must be off the wall so that the pegs will be able to be inserted.
Again, the front frame was created and added in the same manner as the magnetic board. After it was stapled in place, we puttied the staple holes. Once dry, we sanded the area and touched up the paint.
CHALKBOARD:
The chalkboard was cut to size. Once cut, we used a rasp to smooth the edges.
The front frame was built as before, then attached. Staple holes were puttied, then sanded and the paint touched up.
Once these big wall projects were installed, I printed the artwork that Natalie had created for me onto cardstock. My son, Thomas cut some frames out of poster board. I painted those frames with the same colors I’d already used. Once dry, I attached the cardstock to the frame. Then I pulled out my favorite office supply product, my laminator, and laminated the artwork. I originally was going to use frames and bought some inexpensive ones. That idea was scrapped when I saw how flimsy those frames truly were. Plus, I love using my laminator. 😉
If you’d like to download your own copies of these beautiful encouraging artwork printables, you can do so by entering your info in the subscribe box below!
Since I’m an office supply addict/planner nerd, I have a ton of supplies. While I have much on the shelves my husband lovingly built me a few years ago, I wanted to have washi tape and pens at my fingertips. Having my tools conveniently out on the desk means it’s simple to sit down to do a project or some planning.
I used drawers to organize these items, as well as the pegboard cups and hooks. I haven’t filled the pegboard with all of the cups that I’d like to use. I’m taking some time to see which tools I truly need to have out and available before investing more money into supplies.
This project was fun to do, both because I was working with my husband, and because it meant a whole new room for me to be creative.
I’d love to see your creative space! Don’t forget to download your free printable wall art! Enter your info below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and access our free printables library.
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Beth Cranford says
Oh that washi! Can I come play?
I’m working on my space right now. Hubby doesn’t know it but I’m painting the wall my table is on the same color as my blog. I’m so excited! Thanks for inspiring me with your photos!
Laurie Bostwick says
I can’t wait to see a photo of your new space, Beth!! Have FUN!