Wall Activity Center

Several months ago I fell in love with the Pottery Barn 'school house utility decor' - but did not want to spend $169 each on a chalk board, cork board, and paper roll dry erase board. So it was time to figure out how to make something similar myself. Since my kids are little and I didn't want tacks at their level I just did the chalk board and dry erase easel.

You will need:

• 2 large dry erase boards, one large cork board (if you want to do all 3) - I used the board dudes black framed version so I didn't have to paint the frame, such as this.
• Painters tape.
• Chalk board spray.
• Small curtain rod approximately 22" long with 2.5" bracket projections such as this (note this is not the one I used, nor have I purchased this one).
• Paper roll - I bought the one from Ikea.
• Drill with 1/4" drill bit, and long screws - for mounting, 4 each.

What I did:

1. Tape the framed edges of one of the dry erase boards, spray evenly with chalk board spray - set aside and let dry.
2. On the other dry erase board, mount the curtain rod brackets . I set mine 4" from the top.
3. Drill a 1/4" (or sized to your screws) hole in each of the 4 corners of the boards. I placed mine 2" from the top and bottom. This will allow you to mount the boards without fear that it will fall down, and remove from wall without cracking frame. Go slow when drilling and use a firm even pressure.

4. Mount boards to the wall, with screws - add paper roll to curtain rod and enjoy!

Variations: Paint the framed portion of the boards bright colors, or using plywood recreate the school house theme and paint. Add a ledge to the bottom of each board.

Have other questions or theme suggestions for this project? Leave me a message!