One of the easiest projects I’ve ever completed has to be this DIY dry erase board idea. It takes just a couple of minutes and you can make it cute with a pattern, your favorite fabric, etc.
I am constantly writing notes and messages to myself to help me remember what I have going on for the day.
But my office is also my bedroom, so an ugly dry erase board is just not an option.
I’ve been thinking about solutions to this problem for a while, and at one point considered Idea Paint, but eventually changed my mind.
I wanted something that could pull double-duty, and that’s when I came up with this…an idea for a pretty dry erase board that serves as wall art when not in use.
DIY Dry Erase Board Materials
- Picture frame with glass or plexi insert*
- Fabric scraps
- Heavy duty tape
- Dry erase markers
*I recommend a Ribba frame from IKEA like the one I used.
How To Make a DIY Dry Erase Board
1. Remove everything from the frame (paper, mat, backing) except for the glass.
2. Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your frame backing (about an extra 2 inches all the way around). Whether your backing is hardboard or cardboard, this tutorial will work, so don’t worry.
3. Place cut fabric over frame backing and then flip over.
4. Fold over excess fabric and then, using heavy duty tape, attach the fabric to your backing.
5. Place the now fabric-covered frame backing into the frame and you are all done! You are ready to write notes all over your pretty dry erase board.
Looking for more office and organization ideas like this one?
The best place to start is my big list of DIY organization ideas– with over 40 projects that will help you get organized and stay organized!
And here are a few more specific ideas you might like…
- My DIY wooden desk organizer, that can double as a desk planter – while also holding notebooks and pens. This is a fun one!
- This tiny (and cute) hanging cubbies are a fast project to try.
- A DIY desk organizer made of cork. I love these!
- This DIY wall organizer is one of the most helpful organizational DIYs I have. LOVE it!
- And a wooden pencil organizer that doubles as a makeup caddy.
DIY Dry Erase Board
Equipment
- Picture frame with glass or plexi insert
- Fabric scraps
- Heavy duty tape
- Dry erase markers
Instructions
- Remove everything from the frame (paper, mat, backing) except for the glass.
- Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your frame backing (about an extra 2 inches all the way around). Whether your backing is hardboard or cardboard, this tutorial will work, so don't worry.
- Place cut fabric over frame backing and then flip over.
- Fold over excess fabric and then, using heavy duty tape, attach the fabric to your backing.
- Place the now fabric-covered frame backing into the frame and you are all done! You are ready to write notes all over your pretty dry erase board.
95 comments | Click here to reply
Siamo spiacenti, ho eliminato questa frase
SmitassaumnI just made this, too and I love it – thank you!
AankeeThanks so much for featuring me MFTA. I just went over to your blog and left a comment, though I am not sure its showing up? Anyway, I really appreciate the link love. Have a great weekend.
papernstitchBrittni
Love the idea! We featured your instructions on our blog
http://mfta.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/diy-using-office-supplies/
MFTA[…] Wall art that’s also a dry erase board by Paperstitch […]
DIY using office supplies | Materials for the Arts[…] make a double duty dry erase board now […]
Papernstitch is in the Summer Issue of FreshHOME magazine | papernstitchCan’t wait to get started!
Mary Beth Bockius Burger[…] morceau de tissu, de l’adhésif, et des feutres effaçables ! Pour voir le tuto, c’est ici qu’il faut cliquer ! Publié dans Trucs, tutos et bricolage | Tags : Cadeaux, […]
Pour une fête des Pères moins galère # 7 | FeesmaisonThis is such a simple idea but could be so easily adapted for any room in the house. Really cheap and easy to change when you redecorate too.
Claire @ keepsmeoutofmischief[…] = 'wpp-256'; var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":false};Fresh Home reader Brittni from papernstitch sent me this clever DIY dry-erase board idea. She says, “I am constantly writing notes and […]
Reader Re-Do: Brittni’s Dry Erase Board – Fresh Home BlogI’m on the hunt for a white board but this is a much better idea, thank you!
Matt Canvas[…] Papernsnitch says both. […]
DIY Dreamin’Awesome idea!!! I’m doing it this weekend
Aisha[…] also made a dry erase memo board with this sheet of paper. I first saw the idea here on Papernstitch and loved it, so I had to try it. The original idea uses fabric as the backdrop, but I used the […]
The Scrapbook Paper that Just Won’t Quit « apartmentalizeGreat solution, Brittni! I hate the institutional look of most dry erase boards too. With your project, I can make several and hang them as a group. I’ll have one for the daily to-do list, one for ongoing projects, one for the shopping list, one for ideas I want to pursue, etc.
For the frames, if you want to save money and love the thrill of the hunt, thrift stores and yard sales are a great place to look. People are constantly getting rid of old picture frames.
TraciBThanks for sharing your process Nicole. Sounds like you really took it to the next level. 🙂
papernstitch-Brittni
This absolutely inspired a last minute Christmas gift last night, but, as I do, I got a little insane.
Instead of fabric I used patterned scrapbook paper, under a tracing paper sheet cut to size so that it washes out the image and makes it pale enough to write on. I included several different patterns of paper so that the background can be changed out.
Not yet satisfied, I then ran to Walmart, got some of those little metal hooks you screw into the ceiling to hang wire baskets, and screwed them (two per board) into the bottom edge of the frame. They perfectly hold one dry erase marker. So now it doesn’t so much seamlessly double as wall art–but thank you for planting such a simple seed that grew into such an awesome project. I am way proud of them.
Nicole[…] from Ikea) to make a dry erase board, using the extra fabric from the wall makeover. I saw the idea here quite a while ago and was excited to finally get to make my own. Sadly, there were two problems […]
workplace facelift « asphalt flowersHi Rosa. Thank you. That’s very sweet. I do have a few recommendations for typewriters. Here are a few of my favorite shops that sell a good selection of them:
papernstitchhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/nerdnest?section_id=6607776
http://www.etsy.com/shop/meedily
http://www.vintagetypewritershoppe.com/Vintage_Typewriters.html
Hi there! I just wanted to comment and say not only do I love this tutorial [well, all of your tutorials really!!] I also wanted to comment about your typewriter because I adore it! I have been looking to buy one and was wondering if you have any recommendations? I want something retro looking but still functioning… But if you can’t help no worries! Please keep up the beautiful tutorials and blog I’m always worried my favourites will one day stop and I’ll have to go looking for amazing images myself!
rosaRosa x
[…] DIY idea inspiration is courtesy of papernstitch — You can make your own dry erase board out of a picture frame, lined with pretty paper or […]
Smitten and Hazel » DIY Inspiration: make your own dry erase board[…] I have some DIY projects lined up like this decorative double-duty dry erase bored and this simple lightbox to enhance the productivity in my studio. I have enjoyed keeping up with […]
Getting ready for November « Gina Hief[…] Tutorial: Double Duty Dry Erase Board @ papernstitch […]
salty » link purgeThat i ssuch a brilliant idea. So cheat and easy to do. I am defo going to make one of these before I leave for Uni
sage[…] my tutorial for double duty dry erase boards, Chiara of Celestefrittata created this super cool (and functional) perpetual calendar. Why […]
papernstitch – DIY Perpetual Calendar - A daily dose of handmade, design, and style inspiration[…] If you love perpetual calendars like I do, this project is for you! I came up with this idea reading this tutorial by Brittni of paper n stitch who wrote a beautiful tutorial Double Duty Dry Erase Board. […]
DIY dry erase board perpetual calendar « Celestefrittata[…] Dry Erase Board Simple DIY Wall Art Pillows made from vintage hankies Great alternative to wallpaper Pretty Coffee […]
MONDAY INSPIRATION | fav DIY projects[…] thrilled to see the results. My double duty dry erase board project, which you may remember seeing here a couple months back made the cut, alongside the likes of Design Sponge, How About Orange, and a […]
paper n stitch – Top DIY Projects - A daily dose of handmade, design, and style inspiration[…] Dry Erase Board from Paper ‘n Stitch […]
Indie Fixx / Back to School Guide: last day – diy school suppliesThank you so much for this idea! I wondered how to add a frame backing to a dry erase board. Need it for the bar menu at my wedding. This is perfect!
ruby[…] communities that way! Following Ghostly Ferns links to her blog I noticed she had posted about a Paper-n Stitch tutorial for making your own dry erase board out of an IKEA frame. Cute!! And handy! You may also […]
Follow the leader · Indie Crafts @ CraftGossip[…] Paper N Stitch just recently posted a tutorial for a DIY dry erase board stupid-easy project that would solve three problems: 1) get rid of the […]
Fabric Scraps DIY | Emeline & Annabelle: Couture Cafe[…] juli 19, 2010 Hoort bij: Uncategorized — Thea @ 22:09 Dit is wel heel erg simpel, de stof die je op de achtergrond plakt kan je eindeloos variëren. […]
memobord « mooi bedacht[…] such a simple idea, I love it! Saw this on paper n stitch (comes with a handy tutorial) and a great blog called elephantine: part dry erase board, part wall […]
double duty « Pleasant Living[…] saw the idea here (made with fabric). And then found a meal planner here. And some free artwork here. Last night I […]
diy – dry erase board « movita (domesticated)Instead of framed “art,” we went whole hog and purchased tempered-glass desk protectors from IKEA for our office, then painted the backs with white exterior paint.
Definitely a different function than the brilliant idea in this post. I only mention it because the tempered glass is amazingly easy to write on and erase; we’ve had the boards up for six months and haven’t cleaned the glass yet! Worth checking into. 🙂
RichLove this! Such a great and simple custom idea.
I put one together yesterday to use by my computer desk. You can see it right here: http://jackiesullivan.blogspot.com/2010/06/custom-dry-erase-board.html
Jackiei love it!!!!
akijenggotsimple and cute…
[…] you Paper n Stitch for coming up with such a cute […]
weekend projects - waysideviolet[…] [Tutorial: Double Duty Dry Erase Board] […]
How To: Make a Double Duty Dry Erase Board « Inside, Out: Home + GardenWhat a great idea! I love it! And I loooove those RIBBA frames, they are so stylish and cool!
Adventures in Dressmaking[…] see the directions here: http://www.papernstitchblog.com/2010/06/02/tutorial-double-duty-dry-erase-board/ var flattr_wp_ver = '0.9.11'; var flattr_uid = 'fastercraft'; var flattr_url = […]
Boards: A lot more colors than a white board FasterCraft — FasterCraftthat’s wonderful kate. i’d love to see a photo when you have it.
papernstitch-brittni
I finally made one of these and I love it! I used a vintage embroidered linen and a garage sale frame. The whole project cost me $2! I’m going to have photos of mine and a link to your post up on my blog later this week. thanks!
KatesShortandSweets.blogspot.com
KateThanks Shannon. I’d love for you to share my project on your site. Of course. Feel free to borrow any photos you would like.
Hannah, these will look great in your sewing room. I have a couple hanging up above my desk right now and I use them everyday. Jeff and I write little notes to each other on them too. Fun!
papernstitch-Brittni
I love this idea! I’d like to feature it on my site, fastercraft.com. Would it be okay with you if I used one of two of your photos (with full credit to you, of course)?
ShannonGENIUS! I love this idea. I’m constantly making project lists and to do lists on my bathroom mirror or grocery list pad, and neither of those things are in my sewing room. This is such a cute, practical, and cheap way to decorate my sewing room!
HannahThanks!!
Such a nice idea 😉 Thanks Can’t wait to see what other goodness you’ve got here!
Feyza DEMIRTASThank you this fabulous idea. I’m thinking Christmas gifts for everyone on my list. 🙂
NickiAbsolutely love this idea! I’ve always disliked the ugly eggshell white of normal dry erase boards, and this is perfect to decorate and be functional. Thanks so much for the tutorial!
PS. Found you through Oh Hello Friend, and I am so glad she directed me here!
Ashley[…] How to make a dry erase board. We love us some dry erase boards in this house. LOVE THEM. […]
Things we love to do « jodimichelleLove this simple, brilliant idea. I have kicked my self over from How About Orange to see your idea up close. Thanks for sharing.
K-SueAbsolutely Heather. Great idea. Yes, the real key is using light colors with minimal patterns, so that you can still read your messages.
papernstitch-Brittni
You could use wrapping paper or other decorative paper instead of fabric as long as the pattern wouldn’t interfere with being able to read what’s being written.
Heather[…] It’s surprising how many companies have few or no whiteboards. Often, if there are any whiteboards, they’re reserved for the conference rooms. What a shame! Whiteboards are the perfect, risk free canvas for developing and sharing ideas with others. We have them all over the place. In our conference rooms, in open spaces, by our desks. (By the way, if you don’t have a good whiteboard in your working space, here’s a nifty idea for DIY whiteboard.) […]
adaptive path » blog » Leah Buley » The Creative Office[…] Fabric Backed Dry Erase Board — Another easy way to use some of my fabric stash. Cute and functional! […]
Some Crafty Projects I Want to Try | Wendolonia[…] to make a dry erase board that’s way cuter than your average whiteboard. I LOVE this so […]
QuirkyKnitGirl » Blog Archiv » Wednesday Wanderings: Community Film GrasshopperGenius! Can’t wait to see what other goodness you’ve got here!
Brooke[…] but I was just going to try it with white paper, for a plain white background… then I saw this tutorial via Craft: and thought of using images for the backgrounds! Now I have a great looking […]
do stuff! » Dry Erase Magnets tutorial, plus other magnet ideas!Thanks Penny. The clock is Tivoli Audio and you can find them here (they come in lots of colors): http://www.nest-living.com/search?q=Tivoli+Audio
papernstitchThis is so cool! Can anyone tell me where that radio in the first picture is from?
PennySuper idea! I want one in every room!
patsyGreat idea! I am in love with that thing in the first picture, which I am going to assume is either an alarm clock or radio, or both.
OliviaWhat a great idea!Thanks for sharing .)/s
sannaGreat idea… another twist on this is to use a mirror..I gotten into the habitof making my To Dolist for the day while I’m getting ready in the morning, bruhsing my teeth, etc…A dry Erase marker works great on the bathroom mirror; it should also work fine on a framed mirror in the office…
TinaWow, I really can’t believe I didn’t think of this. I tend to write the occasional note or reminder on my bathroom mirror and this is just a few steps (but much prettier) away from that. Thank you!
KimThis is fabulous! I’m off to buy a cool frame… 🙂
Danielle DawsSO simple and cute! What a great idea!
KristenThanks for the tip Cameron. Good to know about glass vs. plexi. I’ll definitely be going with glass for my extra boards as well.
papernstitchI love this idea… I actually made one of these myself a few years back but with pretty paper instead of fabric. And just to let everyone know, if you use plexiglass instead of glass it will get “cloudy” over time as each time you clean it off it will make tiny tiny scratches on the surface. (I used to work in a frame shop.) 🙂
CameronMuy buen sitio lo agrego a mis favoritos
rent apartment buenos airesThis is so easy and brilliant! I am smitten. Thanks for sharing!
geek+nerdwhat a sweet project! thanks for sharing!
jennifer youngj.
[…] I came across an absolutely BRILLIANT idea from Paper n Stitch The Blog. It’s called the Double Duty Dry Erase Board. Seeing this Tutorial was one of those moments I could not help saying to myself “Shut the […]
Brilliant Easy Dry Erase Option | Fashionably OrganizedI love how the most brilliant projects are always the simplest. Can’t wait to make one of these for my kitchen and another for my boys!
WendySometimes you come across an idea and find yourself instantly wondering why you did not think of that yourself. I love that your pretty dry erase boards can be customized to go on a wall or a desk and with absolutely any decor. This idea is a keeper for sure! So, do you just clean your messages off with a window cleaner?
MargoAbsolutely brilliant idea! I love it! AND I already had plans to go to IKEA! yay!
shenThis is brilliant! <3
Eva[…] love this brilliant twist on a dry erase board from Brittni of Paper n Stitch. Sure, dry erase boards are incredibly handy, but they are also […]
How-To: Fabric-Backed Dry Erase Board | Crafts Kids :: Free Crafts Network[…] love this brilliant twist on a dry erase board from Brittni of Paper n Stitch. Sure, dry erase boards are incredibly handy, but they are also […]
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paper n stitch – Weekend Links - A daily dose of handmade, design, and style inspirationClever gal! Good for you and I love that you share your idea too. I make great dry erase markers with erasers
Julia(I invented the eraser cap for dry erase markers). Would love to send you one for your great idea- either shoot me and e-mail julia@kleenslate.com or visit my web site and send me an e-mail through there. i will throw in a paddle too- it comes with the marker/eraser right in the handle- take your dry erase with you! http://www.kleenslate.com.
Keep those ideas rolling!
i LOVE this idea!!
can’t wait to try it out, i think i’m going to make one for every room!! 🙂
skyethis is a great idea Brittni and would save a ton of paper waste in my studio… !
emma lambemma x
[…] know I have been talking a lot about wall art (here and here), but I just can’t get enough of it lately. And I have one more idea to share with […]
paper n stitch – More Wall Decor - A daily dose of handmade, design, and style inspirationthanks so much to all you lovelies. if you do complete this project, i would love to see pictures.
papernstitch-Brittni
oooo I can’t wait to try thiiiiis!
MeeksI LOVE THIS! I can’t wait to make this one. .gotta plan a trip to ikea, now. hearts <3
jonahlizaWhat a great idea!!! I would not have known you could write on the glass like that! awesome use for scraps of fabric I can’t bear to part with.
Jacqui Mee a BeeThanks!
WOW. Genius. I love love love this idea. Oh man. Need to drive out to IKEA right now!
ConnieSuch a great idea! Much better than my scrap paper taped all over the wall.
laurenGreat idea!, very practical and cute at the same time, love it!
AnaThanks Brenda and Tania. I am definitely going to be making more of these myself. They’re so easy and fun.
papernstitch-Brittni
What a clever idea! This would make a wonderful gift for someone else as well. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
TaniaWhat a great idea!!! I’ll definitely make one (or more) myself!!!
Brenda Lavell