DIY Life

Got no tools? Need somewhere to hang your photos, notes, calendar, etc.? Not allowed or unwilling to put holes in your wall with push pins? Don't fret because I've got a fast, slick way to make your own magnetic, wall-mounted bulletin board using no tools!

Ingredients:

- Thin sheet steel purchased from the local home center's duct work aisle (for larger pieces) or roofing aisle (Ask for tin shingles- they are not actually tin nor are they shingles, but then a monkey wrench has nothing to do with fixing simians either).

- Spray adhesive- Choose wisely here. 3M makes 3 commonly stocked strengths 45, 77, and 90. 45 is the lightest strength and the best chance of being able to be pulled off the wall with little to no damage. Use 90 and removal will require a wrecking ball.

-Spray paint- Get a primer for metal and a top coat. I recommend using product labeled as "appliance" enamel. This stuff can take a beating without showing it, but the colors are limited. Choose which ever color you need/ want, but make sure it is a semi gloss or hi gloss as the finish on these is more durable than matte finishes.

- Molding- This is an optional extra, but can really put a polish to the project.

The most important advice that I think anyone can get when embarking on a new DIY project is: "Don't Panic!"

A perfect example was my creation of a custom framed mirror. My wife and I couldn't find one at a retail location that had all the right qualities. It had to be the right size, color, style, price, and lack of ugliness. We found many that had on or two of these factors, but never one with3 or more out of the 5. So I declared that I could easily make one. Visions of slapping a mirror to the wall with mastic and then gluing molding around it danced in my head. She agreed.

3 days later after intense negotiations and molding shopping I was left needing to create from scratch a framed mirror that had its own backing "in case we decide to move it later". So much for "slapping" it to the wall with glue!