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A place for lists


(Alternate Title: Did you know you can write on glass with a dry-erase marker?)


The other day, I was feeling totally overwhelmed by my to-do list.

It was long.  

And time was short. 

And believe it or not, I couldn't even FIND the darn thing.  I had a mental list going, but I couldn't prioritize it or choose a task to complete without seeing a hard copy.  So, I did what any busy gal would do - a quick project.

Supplies:

A picture frame with glass (8x13 bought 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby)
Something to put in the frame like paper or fabric (I used two fabric placemats that I've had forever)
Something to hang the frame with (drill, drywall anchor and screw)
Dry erase marker


Procedure:

I tied a little ribbon between the two hangars on the back.  I did NOT want to mess around with putting two (four) holes in the wall in exactly the right places, so this was much easier.

  

I taped the placemats in the frame, without cutting them to size, because heaven forbid I do anything permanent.

 


Tip: When choosing a backing fabric or paper, choose something LIGHT and simple.  This gray ticking stripe was just too dark.


Cream, tone-on-tone striped placemat = MUCH better.



Finally, I hung these using my drill, screws and anchors.  Since I knew they'd get touched a lot, I wanted them hung securely.  I'm thinking about writing a tutorial on hanging things, after I google it to make sure I'm doing it correctly. 


I put them on the wall right off the kitchen, leading to the stairway and bathroom, where I would see them a million times a day.


Now, I just need to come up with a great place to keep the marker.  Suggestions?



Would you like to comment?

  1. Hang the pen, with a piece of nice ribbon, to a hook or screw between the frames. But, of course, tie a nice bow at the top so it looks more attractive. That's what I do. I bought a roll of ribbon..plenty to use again, but the pen (if the top stays on) will last for quite a while.
    I noticed the storage cabinets there also...a girls dream come true!!

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  2. Did you know they work on mirrors too?? All 4 of us have dry-erase markers in our vanity drop-down. If we have a message for someone in the house, or take a phone message, we go to their vanity mirror (we all have our own) and write them a message.
    Personally, I do my best thinking of the day while shampooing my hair in the shower. I am able to record my thoughts almost immediately on my mirror with my dry-erase marker... it is something I do almost daily.
    My bathroom vanity mirror is full of thoughts/ideas/to dos..... but it works well for our family.

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  3. Or put a little piece of velcro on the frame and a piece on the marker. ;)

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  4. Good idea about the ribbon on the back! And great idea for a quick project. Maybe staple a ribbon to the back of the frame and loop the other end around the marker?

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  5. An organizational dream come true! And a lot cheaper than buying a whiteboard, too. I let my students write on my classroom windows with dry erase markers. They think it's the best thing ever. The custodians don't agree, I'm afraid...

    Hmm...marker...I'd agree about some cute ribbon attached somehow! I know I'd personally lose it, otherwise. :)

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  6. Very cute! I suggest a loop of ribbon or twill tape fit between the frame and the edge of the glass along the bottom edge. Just enough to fit the pen through. Kind of like I did here http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2010/04/twill-tape-week-memory.html Susan :)

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  7. this project has been on my list for a while too! :)

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  8. Love it! How about some cute ribbon and a hot glue gun to attach the marker?

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  9. Cute idea.
    I just don't have any wall space.

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