Kids Room Archives - Pretty Handy Girl

41+ Arts & Craft Projects to Entertain Your Kids

These 41+ arts and crafts for kids are the perfect way to encourage creativity and keep them entertained during the dog days of summer!

4 image collage Arts & Craft Projects for kids

Arts and Crafts for Kids

If you are looking for fun and engaging activities to keep the little ones busy, you are in the right place! This post includes over 40 easy arts and crafts for kids of all ages.

Whether you’re crafting on a rainy afternoon or planning a weekend project, these ideas are a creative way to spark imagination and build hands-on skills.

From colorful paper crafts to simple DIY’s using items you already have at home, there’s something for everyone.

The best part? Most of these projects are quick, mess-free, and tons of fun for the whole family!

Arts & Crafts for Kids

These are some of the best arts and crafts ideas to help young artists explore their creative side while having fun. Each project encourages imaginative play and helps develop important skills like fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Creative Block Desk & Art Utensil Holder

This creative block desk & art utensil holder is a great way to organize art supplies using fun shapes and different colors.

How to Paint Watercolor Daisies

Create easy to paint watercolor daisies with this fun and relaxing project! Perfect for beginners, this simple art idea uses light brushstrokes and soft colors to make beautiful floral designs. Great for handmade cards, wall art, or just practicing your painting skills!

Melted Crayon Hearts

Make melted crayon hearts the easy way—perfect for younger kids! This fun craft uses broken crayons in different colors to create bright, heart-shaped gifts that are simple and mess-free. A creative activity kids will love year round (or for Valentine's Day)!

Make Pinch Pots from Clay

Make pinch pots from clay—a perfect rainy day project for older kids that's creative, hands-on, and so much fun!

Make Your Own DIY Monster Dolls

Make your own monster dolls—a fun way for little kids to get creative with just a little help from adults if using hot glue or sewing.

DIY Thumbprint Design Envelope Pillows

Create DIY thumbprint design envelope pillows for a sweet, personal touch that family members will love! A heartfelt and easy project that turns fingerprints into lasting keepsakes.

DIY Garden Flags for Every Season

DIY garden flags for every season are a frugal and fun way to decorate your outdoor space year-round! Use fabric scraps, stencils, or paint to create personalized flags for holidays, seasons, and everything in between.

Simple Pounded Flower Gift Ideas

Try these simple pounded flower gift ideas—easy craft ideas using white paper and fresh blooms to create beautiful, nature-printed art pieces with watercolor paints. Perfect for cards, bookmarks, or framed gifts!

DIY Crafts Tweens Will Love

30+ DIY crafts tweens will love—packed with easy crafts made from basic materials you likely already have at home. Fun, creative, and perfect for keeping hands busy and imaginations flowing!

25+ Art and Craft Boredom Busters

Art and craft boredom busters are the perfect way to keep kids engaged with fun, hands-on art activities that spark creativity and imagination. Great for rainy days, weekends, or anytime inspiration strikes!

Sun Prints - Easy and Stylish Summer DIY Art

Learn how to make sun prints for an easy and stylish summer DIY art project that creates beautiful designs with a unique textured look using simple materials.

Decorative DIY Glass Bead Magnets

Create decorative DIY glass bead magnets that add a colorful and personalized touch to any fridge or magnetic surface.

Bottle Cap Magnet Flowers

Bottle cap art magnet flowers are a fun and creative diy craft that brightens up any space with colorful, handmade floral designs.

DIY Sea Shell Matching Game

This DIY sea shell matching game is a fun and educational activity that combines creativity with a beachy theme, perfect for kids and family playtime.

Dragonfly Garden Decor

Create a dragonfly garden decor using a wire whisk and skewer for a unique and charming DIY project that adds whimsical flair to your outdoor space.

Block Print Stamped Tea Towel

Create a DIY block print stamped tea towel is a simple and stylish craft that adds a personalized, textured look to your kitchen linens.

Simple Washi Tape Vases

Craft simple washi tape vases with this tutorial. They make thoughtful and easy teacher’s appreciation gifts with a colorful, textured look that brightens any space.

Dye-Sprayed Shirts

Make dye-sprayed shirts using simple painter's tape masks to create vibrant, textured designs with a fun and easy DIY technique perfect for summer fashion.

Glass Jar Votive Holders

Craft glass jar votive holders for a charming DIY project that adds a warm, textured glow to any room or outdoor setting.

Frosted Votive Candle Holders

DIY frosted votive candle holders are a simple and elegant way to add a soft, textured glow to your home decor.

26 Creative DIY Coaster Ideas

Here are 26 DIY coaster ideas that offer creative and functional ways to protect surfaces while adding a stylish, textured touch to your space. Little artists will enjoy these fun craft ideas.

30+ Creative Projects using Chalkboard Paint

Explore these creative projects using chalkboard paint to transform ordinary surfaces into fun, interactive spaces with a textured and customizable finish.

Make a Mini Macrame Wall Hanging

Make a mini macrame wall hanging: learn simple knotting techniques to create a stylish, textured piece of handmade decor perfect for any space.

Decorative DIY Pillows

Discover 41 decorative DIY pillows that offer a variety of stylish and textured designs to easily refresh your home decor with handmade charm.

DIY Leather Word Bracelets

DIY leather word bracelets are a trendy and personalized accessory that combines stylish textures with meaningful messages for a unique handmade look.

Back to School Pencil Vase

This back to school pencil vase is a fun and practical craft that adds a textured, colorful touch to a desk or gift idea for teachers.

DIY Library Book Box

Make a library book box for a fun and functional project that adds a charming, textured storage solution for your childs favorite reads.

DIY Gold Leaf Bottle Vases

DIY gold leaf bottle vases are elegant and stylish crafts that add a shimmering, textured touch to any home decor.

Woodland Fairy Garden in a Jar

Woodland fairy garden in a jar is a magical DIY project that creates a textured, enchanting miniature world perfect for indoor decor.

4x4 Picture Frame

This 4x4 picture frame is a simple and fun diy craft that lets children create a personalized keepsake for their favorite photos.

Cute Critter Plant Stakes

Create cute critter plant stakes to add a whimsical touch to your garden, making plants even more charming and fun.

DIY Yard Dice

DIY yard dice are a fun and interactive outdoor game project that adds a playful element to your backyard gatherings.

DIY Owl Bookends

These DIY owl bookends are a charming and creative project that adds a unique touch to a child's bookshelf or desk.

Make a Boo-Boo Bear

Make a boo-boo bear, a cozy rice ice and heat pack that provides soothing relief with a cute and textured handmade design kids will love.

DIY Clock Tutorial

Learn how to make a DIY clock with this tutorial that guides you step-by-step to create a stylish and functional timepiece for your home.

DIY Ring Holder

Craft a ring holder for a simple and elegant craft that provides a stylish way to keep your jewelry organized.

Soap Snowballs with a Surprise

These soap snowballs have a surprise inside that kids will flip for! They are a fun and DIY activity that combines playful textures with a hidden treat for extra bathtime delight.

Hanging Beaded Glass Flower Vases

Learn how to craft hanging beaded glass flower vases, They are a beautiful project that adds a colorful touch to your home or garden decor.

Painted Flower Garden Birdhouse Tutorial

This painted flower garden birdhouse tutorial shows you how to create a charming and colorful birdhouse with acrylic paints in your favorite colors. This is a great project that older children can make to brighten up your outdoor space.

Easy Decoupage Citrus Glass Plates

These pretty decoupage citrus glass plates feature bright and cheerful citrus fruits, perfect for adding a fresh and fun touch to your table decor.

10 Minute Tooth Fairy Pouch

You can make this cute tooth fairy pouch in just 10 minutes. It's an adorable project that creates a handy place to keep lost teeth safe.

Writing in the Sand Picture DIY

This writing in the sand picture captures a peaceful and creative moment, perfect for personalized beach-themed decor or keepsakes.

I hope you enjoyed this post all about easy arts and crafts for kids. Hopefully, you found a fun art activity (or two) to add to your summer craft list.

In the meantime, pin this image to save it to Pinterest to refer to later.

vertical collage arts and crafts for kids with text overlay

How to Reupholster This End Up Chairs (a Simple DIY)

This DIY reupholster chair tutorial features a This End Up chair. You can follow the same basic steps to recover and renew similar chairs.

As a parent of two elementary school students, I always ask my kids’ teachers if they need anything for their room. Usually the answer is markers, wipes, or snacks.

But, my kindergartner’s teacher knows about my secret identity after having taught my older son for a year.

So, she didn’t hesitate to ask me if I could possibly recover a few really sad looking chairs that had seen their fair share of kindergarten butts. 😉

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

How to Reupholster This End Up Chairs (a Simple DIY)

These poor chairs were still very study and in good shape, but the fabric was nubby, pilled, stained, and not in good condition.

I love a good challenge, especially with a solid piece of furniture, so I took all three of the chairs home over the Christmas break for my next DIY project.

I knew I could give these chairs new life. The first step involved removing the seats and the old upholstery fabric.

Before I touched the seats, I flipped over the chairs and marked the front side of the chair so they would fit together perfectly when I put them back together.

Next I removed all the screws securing the chair seat to the frame of the chair (all six of them.)

turn chair upside down and look for screw locations

Because of the construction of these chairs, I found it necessary to use a longer bit on my drill to get into each hole.

upside down chair and drill removing screw from under seat cushion on a chair

I pried off the piping from the seat backs with a 5-in-1 painter’s tool and needle-nosed pliers. Then removed the old fabric and old foam.

prying old piping off a this end up chair back

After the seats were removed, each chair got a good cleaning, a little sanding and then a couple coats of Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint (colors used: tricycle and luckett’s green) and the blue one was chalk painted.

I used the bonding agent with the milk paint to make sure the paint would stick to the chairs.

three this end up style chairs with a new coat of paint in red, green, and blue

Finally, the chairs each got two coats of Minwax Polycrylic because those kindergartners are tough on furniture and this is a great way to give them a bit more protection.

adding a top coat of polycrylic over the red painted chair frame

Now on to the fun part!

How to Reupholster This End Up Style Chairs:

You can pick up the supplies at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local craft store.

Materials:

Fabric
Oil cloth tablecloth (optional for waterproofing)
Batting
Staple gun
Staple Remover
1/4″ staples
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Screwdriver
Piping (see tutorial for making your own piping)
Hammer (for any staples that don’t go in all the way)

spoonflower space themed fabric for recovering the chairs

I let my son’s teacher to pick out new fabric from one of my favorite fabric sources, Spoonflower.com.

Not only do they have loads of designs to choose from, but you can also upload your own graphics and create your own custom fabric!

You can also check out your local fabric store.

She picked out adorable space themed patterned fabric: Rocketship fabric and Space Fireworks fabric.

With a primary color palette, they are the perfect fabric choice for a kindergarten classroom.

Instructions:

Cut out fabric, oil-cloth (optional), and any additional batting a few inches larger than the bottom of the chair seat.

The great thing about this project is no sewing machine is needed for this upholstery project.

cut fabric, oil cloth, and batting to larger size than original cushion

Layer the new pieces of fabric face down on the floor. then the oil-cloth next (I put the oil-cloth face up so the fuzzy back side would be against the fabric to keep it from feeling too crinkly.)

Cut a square out of each corner about 1″ from the seat cushion corner.

cut out corners of fabric and batting before folding

Staple one staple into the center of each side. Work across form each other, gently stretching the fabric taut.

Staple fabric onto seat backing in this order. top, bottom, side, and side

Add more staples along each side.

bottom of chair with new fabric stapled to it.

Corners are neatly folded and then stapled to secure them. Hammer any staples that didn’t go completely into the bottom of the seat.

fold over fabric corners on seat cushion then staple

Re-attach the seat to the chair frame by replacing all the screws.

attach the seat bottom with screws driven from the underside

Flip the chair right side up and follow these steps:

Layer batting, then fabric over the chair back. Trim the batting to fit perfectly on the back of the chair.
Cut the fabric about an inch wider on the two sides and the bottom. Fold under the raw edges of the fabric.
Secure the fabric to the chair back by stapling at the top of both sides first.

adding new batting to the chair back, cutting fabric to fit over batting, and stapling the top of the back to hold fabric in place

Next put a few staples into the bottom of the seat back (hidden from view.)

staple fabric from the underside of the chair back

Continue stapling the fabric to the chair along the sides.

Set your staples as close to the frame as possible so the piping will hide your staples later.

Hammer any staples that stick up.

Add staples to the ends of the seat back.

If you haven’t done so already, make your piping.

The easiest way to do that is to sew your piping following this tutorial. Trim the excess fabric from the piping.

Peel back the ends of the piping fabric to expose about an inch of the rope inside. Cut the rope.

Then fold the fabric back and tuck the raw edges inside. This will give you a flat section at the end of your piping.

roll back edge, cut excess rope, fold edge of piping

Staple this flat end to the underside of the chair back.
Spread some hot glue on top of the staples along the side of the chair back.
Pull the piping taut and press it into the hot glue.
Secure the end of the piping with hot glue and a staple.

staple, hot glue, and press piping onto chair back. Finish with a dab of hot glue underneath

Secure the piping to the opposite side using the same method. Follow the same tutorial for the second chair.

Refinished chair close up seat back with piping

That’s it! Check out this sweet new chair!

one red refurbished this end up style chair with red frame and space fabric

Would you know that it was the same chair if I hadn’t shown you?

BEFORE:

AFTER:

close up seat cushion of a this end up style chair

Good, let’s keep it our little secret ;-).

The next time you see an outdated chair at the thrift store, consider giving it a new look with this easy blog post tutorial.

There is no need for a professional upholsterer. Give it a try. You will be amazed at just how easy it is. Good luck!

The new chairs were such a big hit with the kids. They all rushed to be the first to sit on them.

I think their teacher was happy with the finished product too.

happy teacher posing with a refinished chair

It’s a happy trio of kindergarten chairs!

three this end up style chairs refinished with colorful frames and space themed fabric

Pin this image to save for later or share with a friend:

You might also like this chair makeover with a video tutorial on my YouTube channel:

How to Easily Reupholster Your Chairs | Pretty Handy Girl

Pin for later!

May 7, 2025/7 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

bedroom, circular saw, DIY, DIY tools, DIYCourage, DIYLikeaBoss, Do It Yourself, Furniture, Guest room, Home Decor, Kids Room, maximize space, storage, Uncategorized

DIY Wall Bookshelf

Looking for a way to organize and free up floor space in your home? Expand your DIY talents and build this adorable DIY wall bookshelf. I built this as the final addition to my daughter’s new room and although the joinery is slightly more advanced it still easy enough for a beginner DIYer.

DIY Wall Bookshelf

This bookshelf was the perfect last piece that brought my daughter’s room together. I used dowel joinery to build the bookshelf (which may sound complicated but is fun to use and quite simple when you get the hang of it). To hang this shelf on the wall I used a French cleat which again sounds more advance is a convenient and secure way to install heavy objects on a wall. So stay with me and read through the instructions. I know you can do this! Let’s make it!

How to Make a DIY Wall-Mounted Bookshelf

Materials:

2- 1″ x 6″ x 8′ boards
1- 3/8″ x 4″ round dowel
1 box 3/8″ wooden dowels
wood glue

Tools:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Miter saw or circular saw
Table saw or circular saw
Doweling jig that can center over 3/4″ material
Jigsaw (optional) used to cut curve design at the top of the shelf
3/8″ drill bit
Drill
6″ combination square (optional but highly recommended!)
Rubber Mallet

Cut List:

2- 1″ x 6″ @ 34″ – shelf sides
3- 1″ x 6″ @ 22″ – shelves
1- 1″ x 6″ @ 22″ ripped to 2½” width – shelf cleat for hanging on the wall
2- 3/8″ dowel @ 22 ¾” length

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut the curve at the top of the shelf sides (optional)

Measure 3″ in from the front and 3″ down from the top on both 1″ x 6″ side pieces and create a curve connecting the two marks. (I used a plastic bowl that I found in my kitchen as a stencil.)

Using your jigsaw, carefully cut along the curved line you’ve drawn until it is cut away.
Repeat for both sides. Sand the curve smooth with sandpaper.

Step 2: Measure and mark dowel placement on the bookshelf sides

This is the step where the 6″ combination square is a lifesaver!
Lay the two side boards next to one another on your work surface so they are a mirror image of one another, insides facing up. (Like opening a book.)
Use the diagram below for measuring and marking the placement of the dowels.

Each shelf dowel will be 1½” in from the front and back of the board and measure up 1/2″, 13″, and 26″ from the bottom of the board as shown.
Both long dowels will be measured and marked 1″ in from the front of each side and 4 ½” and 17 ½” from the bottom of the sides as shown

Repeat these markings for both sides of the bookshelf.
You should have a total of 16 markings. 8 for each side. 6 for the shelf dowels and 2 for the long dowels.

Step 3: Drill holes for dowels

Using your 3/8″ drill bit place a piece of painter’s tape on the drill bit to mark a depth of 3/8″. You don’t want to drill through the sides of the bookshelf, just half-way.

With the drill bit securely in your drill (and material clamped to your work surface), drill straight down into each marking of the side board until the drill bit has reached the depth of the tape.

You will create 16 holes in total, 8 for each side.

Step 4: Measure and mark dowel placement in shelf boards

Using your combination square, mark the center of each side edge of the 3 shelf boards
Next measure and mark 1 ½” in from the front and back of the 3 boards as shown. Make this same 1 ½” mark on the face of the boards as well for reference when using your doweling jig.

Step 5: Drill dowel holes in shelf boards

I’ll let you in on my secret! I use my Kreg pocket-hole bit for this step because it is 3/8″, it makes drilling into the end grain much easier and has a collar that can be set to the depth I want!
The depth of your hole = length of the dowel minus 3/8″ (the depth of the hole in the side boards.)
Now, using your doweling jig and the reference marks you’ve created on the face of the board you can go ahead and drill the 12 holes to the depth determined above into the sides of the shelves.

Step 6: Dry fit!

It is important when using dowels for joinery that you complete a dry fit test of the project first.
You want to make sure the holes are large enough and deep enough for the dowel and that all pieces can securely fit together without gaps.

Assemble the Shelf!

Step 7: Install shelf dowels and shelves

Using wood glue install all 12 shelf dowels into the holes of both side boards.
Next, using wood glue, install the shelves over their respective dowels and gently tap into place using a rubber mallet.

Step 8: Install long dowels

Place a drop of glue in both holes for the long dowels and insert dowels

Step 9: Install the remaining side board

Carefully place the remaining side board over the shelves and long dowels have already been installed.
Align the dowels and long dowel holes and gently tap the side into place with a rubber mallet.

Check for square and clamp into place to allow the glue to dry.

Note: As you can see I forgot to insert the long dowels during assembly. I was able to add them later and I will have a scar to show for it!

Step 10: Hanging the shelf on the wall

For this step, I chose to use a French cleat. I wanted the shelf to be flush to the wall and very secure which is what makes a French cleat the best choice. View the basic diagram below or for step by step instruction check out How to Make and Use a French Cleat.

I used pocket screws to secure the top portion of the French cleat to the bookshelf.

Once the French cleat is secured to the bookshelf and the wall you will be able to hang the bookshelf securely on the wall and place as many books in it as needed. My daughter loves her new bookshelf and she always feels so special when Mom makes something just for her.

I hope this tutorial proves helpful in adding a little style and organization to your home.

Hi! I’m Kristen, from In Her Garage, and I am a self-taught woodworker and DIY fanatic from Minnesota where I live with my husband and our two daughters. Between being a wife, mom and, registered nurse, I try to make as much time for DIY as possible. My love for building came after our family built our current home in 2015. After we moved in, we needed furniture and instead of spending massive amounts of money to order the pieces we wanted I decided that I would build them myself. I started with a buffet table plan from the fabulous Ana-white and quickly set out to remodel my entire home office.

Since then I have started a side business building furniture for the people in my community. I love hearing my clients talk about the pieces they wish they had whether it be a rustic buffet table, a one drawer side table, or a toy box and then making it a reality for them. While starting my small business it made perfect sense that I would document my building journey so I simultaneously launched the In Her Garage blog and I love sharing my plans, tips and tricks.

Making something beautiful with your own two hands through a little preparation and determination is an amazing feeling and I hope to bring inspiration and know-how to those looking to tackle a big or small project.
I am so glad that you found me here and please feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube to see what I am working on right now.

January 20, 2021/4 Comments/by In Her Garage

Crafts, DIY, DIYCourage, DIYLikeaBoss, Do It Yourself, Home Decor, Home Office, kids art, Kids Room, pottery barn inspiration, spray paint, Tutorial, Uncategorized

DIY Kid’s Craft Table

Have the kids taken over your kitchen table or island? Need somewhere to let the kids get creative? Today I am going to show you how to make a simple DIY kid’s craft table (or desk). Let’s get building.

DIY Kid’s Desk and Craft Table

If your children are going to be home this fall for distance learning or you just want a spot they can call their own, then it is time to get a space ready for them!! This DIY Kid’s Craft Table is the perfect size for whatever your child will need and it is small enough to fit in a spare corner in your home. Let’s make it!

I made this particular table for a client and it measures 30”h x 43”w x 23”d but you can modify these measurements to fit your needs. Of course, the quality of lumber you use is your choice but I used clear pine from my local big box store because it paints better than using common pine boards. It may be more expensive but the boards tend to be straighter, it saves time on sanding, and I feel it yields a better-finished product. It doesn’t matter what wood you use as long as you love it.

Materials:

2- 2 x 2 x 8
2- 1 x 4 x 8
1- 3/4” x 2 x 4
1 roll iron-on edge banding
1/4” thick piece of scrap
Wood glue
1 ¼” pocket-hole screws
Paint or stain
Topcoat

Tools:

Cut list and pocket-hole placement:

4- 2×2 @ 29 ¼”
2- 1×4 @ 38” (3 pocket-holes in each end)
2- 1×4 @ 18” (2 pocket-holes in each end)
1- 1×4 @ 19” (2 pocket-holes in each end)
3/4”x 43”x 23” birch plywood

Step 1: Sand table components

I know it seems odd to start with this step but trust me when I tell you it is much easier to sand these boards before they are in place. Depending on how rough your lumber is, begin using 60-80 grit sandpaper and incrementally work your way up to 220 grit sandpaper. I chose to use clear pine found at my local big box store so I was able to start with 120 grit sandpaper, which cut down my sanding time. This makes the extra money spent, well worth it!

Step 2: Assemble both table sides

Sandwich one 1 x 4 x 18” (apron) board between two 2 x 2 x 29 ¼” (leg) boards. Pocket-holes should be facing up.
To add a little detail, place a ¼” piece of scrap beneath the 1×4 board to inset it slightly. This will create a shallow reveal looks nice and also gives you a little grace because now the three boards don’t have to be flush to the same surface perfectly.
Clamp the legs and apron boards together and join them using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws.
Repeat these steps for the other side of the table.

Step 3: Attach the front and back table aprons

With both side components standing on their sides sandwich a 1 x 4 x 38” (apron) board between them, again placing a ¼” board beneath the apron to inset it slightly.
Align the top of the 1×4 with the top of the side components.
Clamp and attach using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket screws.
Carefully flip the piece over and repeat the above steps to attach the second 1 x 4 x 38” apron board.

Step 4: Attach center support

Attach the center support using wood glue and pocket screws between the two 1 x 4 x 38” boards centered in the middle.

Step 5: Clean up

With a putty knife or chisel gently remove any glue squeeze out and sand smooth.

Step 6: Edge banding

Once the plywood top is cut to size you will need to edge band to cover up the unsightly edges. I won’t go over all of the steps here but if you are new to edge banding please check out this tutorial on How to Finish Raw Plywood Edges.

Step 7: Finish

Time to paint or stain and topcoat!! My client wanted this piece painted white, so I chose a premium latex paint and used a water-based topcoat to protect the paint and prevent yellowing of the finish in the future.

Step 8: Attach the top

Place the tabletop on a flat surface (bottom side up) and center the base over the top upside down.
This plan allows for a 1” overhang of the top on all sides of the table base.
Using the pocket-holes that are shown in the diagrams below, attach the top with 1 ¼” pocket screws.

- Note: Normally I would not recommend attaching a tabletop using pocket screws IF that top were made of solid wood because of wood’s tendency to expand and contract. However, this top is made of plywood and the amount of expansion and contraction that will happen over time is negligible and should not affect the structure of the table base. If you are uncomfortable using pocket-holes to attach the top then feel free to attach it in some other way, such as with figure-8 fasteners or Z-clips.

Flip it over and admire your handy work!! Isn’t this DIY Kid’s Craft Table adorable?!

Check out my latest blog post about building a DIY Folding Craft/Sewing Table! This table is large enough for any craft project but folds down when you don’t need it. Perfect for anyone with a small space but large crafting ambitions!

Hi! I’m Kristen, from In Her Garage, and I am a self-taught woodworker and DIY fanatic from Minnesota where I live with my husband and our two daughters. Between being a wife, mom, and registered nurse, I try to make as much time for DIY as possible. My love for building came after our family built our current home in 2015. After we moved in, we needed furniture, and instead of spending massive amounts of money to order the items we wanted I decided that I would build them myself. I started with a buffet table plan from the fabulous Ana-white and quickly set out to remodel my entire home office.

I am so glad that you found me here and please feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook to see what I am working on right now.

If you enjoyed this tutorial and are looking for other cute ideas for kid’s desk or craft table check out these two fun projects. Both of these could be great projects you could do with the kids to keep the fun going.

Creative Block Desk & Art Utensil Holder

Creating a Chalkboard Desktop.

August 19, 2020/2 Comments/by In Her Garage

I’m a serial upcycler. When I can find relatively free materials and turn them into something worth displaying, I’m thrilled! This Magnetic Chalkboard frame is one of those upcycled projects I am proud of.

Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame

Earlier in the week, I showed you the changes I made in my oldest son’s bedroom. One of the switches I made was to replace his bedroom door because the old one had cracked after one too many slammings. Ugh, cheap hollow door.

In an effort to keep my son from taping all types of signs to his new door, I found an ugly old frame and married it with some scrap metal from a junky set of shelving a neighbor was throwing away.

That’s not real wood, it’s metal…fake wood metal. Yuck. Wait until you see how they were transformed. You won’t believe your eyes, so watch closely how I made this Upcycled Magnetic Chalkboard Frame.

Before you leave this tutorial thinking you can’t possibly make this project because you’ll never be able to find cheap faux wood shelves, let me share with you some alternate materials you can use!

Magnetic Material:

Sheet metal from the filter and HVAC aisle
Masonite painted with magnetic paint
Magnetic Bulletin Board

Non-Magnetic Material for Chalkboard:

Now that you have some additional material options, let’s get busy making a Magnetic Framed Chalkboard (or just a framed chalkboard).

Materials:

Optional: You may need some Goo Gone, a scraper, and rag to eliminate any glue on the back of the frame.

Instructions:

Begin by cutting your metal (or backing) to fit into the back of the frame.

Paint one side of the metal with chalkboard paint. Let it dry. Apply a second coat of chalkboard paint. Let it dry.

While the chalkboard paint is drying, time to work on the frame.

If your frame has paper on the back, peel it off and use Goo Gone, a scraper, and sander to remove any of the glue residue.

When the chalkboard paint has dried, insert it into the frame, chalkboard side up from the backside of the frame (are you seeing where I’m going with this?)

The back of the frame is much prettier than the front, but in order to hold the chalkboard in place, we need to cut some picture molding. Cut the end of your molding at a 45 degree angle. Fit it into the frame and mark where to make your second cut.