A simple and easy way to upcycle an old cutting board

Simple Chalkboard Cutting Board Menu Planner | Pretty Handy GirlA Quick Cutting Board Makeover for Meal Planning

Hello, it’s Anika here from Anika’s DIY Life. I hope you had a great start to your new year!

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get better with planning meals. I’ve really struggle with planning meals ahead of time. In the past, I have tried many systems (from worksheets to online applications) but most seem to fall through after a few days or weeks.

After a lot of brainstorming, I realized it was because I was making the entire process much more complicated than it needed to be. I set out with a simple plan: create a menu for the week in the kitchen where I can see it at all times.

An old Ikea cutting board ended up working out perfect for the job of meal planner!

Materials:

(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.)

Instructions:

Step 1 – Clean the cutting board to remove any food or dirt. Let the board dry completely before proceeding.

Old cutting board repurpose

Step 2 – Measure ½” from the edge of the cutting board and tape on all 4 sides.

Step 3 – Paint the middle of the cutting board using chalkboard paint.

Turning an old cutting board into a meal planner
Did you know you can make your own chalkboard paint using Plaster of Paris by following this recipe? Or use Brittany’s recipe that uses unsanded tile grout instead:

Step 4 – Remove the tape while the paint is still wet. Once the paint dries, rub a piece of chalk on its side over the entire painted area to season the chalkboard before using.

Easy and simple chalkboard meal planner

This simple project has made a big difference in my productiveness around cooking. We sit down as a family every Sunday and plan out the menu, grocery shop accordingly, and take care of any meal prep.

I think one of the biggest changes this menu board has made is in helping manage the kids’ expectations. The board sits next to the kitchen in my little command center. The kids know what’s for dinner and there is no more “I didn’t feel like eating that” at the dinner table. Mom win!

A simple and easy way to upcycle an old cutting board

How do you tackle meal planning? Until next time!

~See more of Anika’s tutorials~

Did you like this tutorial? You might also like Brittany’s Free Weekly Menu Planner printable:

 

 

creative ways to repurpose old shutters - social media image

creative ways to repurpose old shutters - social media image

Do you have a collection of old shutters filling up your storage space? Or do you want some ideas using old shutters in case you come across a set? If so, this post is for you! I’ve put together 13 creative ideas on how you can repurpose old shutters and turn them into something  amazing.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Shutters:

repurpose old shutters - dresser makeover - savvyapron.com

Give an old dresser a gorgeous makeover using old shutters like Savvy Apron!

 

Repurpose old shutters - doggie door -11 magnolia lane

Keep your pets out of trouble by building a doggie gate from old plantation shutters like 11 Magnolia Lane.

 

shutters display christmas cards

Make a holiday card display with some old, tall shutters this December.

 

Old Shutters as backdrop on mantel

Use old shutters as a backdrop for your mantel to add a gorgeous farmhouse feel.

 

repurpose old shutters - Shutter To Do Board - huntandhost.net

Stay organized with a Shutter To-Do Board like Hunt and Host made.

 

old shutters as photo display

Use an old shutter to display your family photos or postcards!

 

repurpose old shutters - privacy screen - diybungalow.com

Gain some privacy in your backyard by building a fence out of old shutters like DIY Bungalow did!

 

Use old shutters to dress up a plain dormer window on the inside of your home.

 

repurpose old shutters - works of art - shoppeno5.com

Shoppe No. 5 shows us how to make some amazing word art using old shutters.

 

repurpose old shutters - fireplace cover - shabbyfufublog.com

Get some inspiration for using shutters to brighten up a dark fireplace at Shabby FuFu Blog.

 

repurpose old shutters - cleaning up with shutter doors - DesignDreamsbyAnne.blogspot.ca

Use old louvered bi-fold doors like Design Dreams by Anne to hide the clutter and make the space more beautiful.

 

repurpose old shutters - add character to windows in bedroom - Chatfield Court.com

Shutters can go indoors too, adding texture and contrast to a room like Chatfield Court.

 

repurpose old shutters - jewelry organizer - DesignDreamsbyAnne.com

Keep your jewelry in sight and mess-free, with this beautiful old shutter jewelry organizer by Design Dreams by Anne.

 

If you liked this collection of ideas, pin this image to share it with others!

creative ways to repurpose old shutters - pinterest image

If you liked this post, you must see these upcycled ideas:

upcycled holiday decor

12 Great Upcycled Ideas for Holiday Decor

 

6 of the Easiest Ways to Remove Pallet Wood

6 of the Easiest Ways to Remove Pallet Wood6 of the Easiest Ways to Remove Pallet Wood

Last week I shared with you the cold hard facts about harvesting pallet wood. But, like you, I still like to use pallet wood from time to time. Just make sure you’ve weighed the risks and the work involved to harvest the pallet wood before you get started. Today I’m going to show you 6 of the Easiest Ways to Remove Pallet Wood. If you’re up for the challenge, let’s get started.

How to Make an Air Conditioner Screen from Pallets

Pallet upcycling is all the rage today. But, if you’ve ever tried to remove the planks from a pallet, you know it’s not an easy task. Pallet nails are typically spiral nails and are designed to grip that wood with fierce strength. If that’s not enough, there can be 4-5 nails per joint. Sheesh, you’d think pallets were built to hold a 10 ton elephant. Well, actually, it is made to hold tons of product as it is lifted by a fork lift. Which explains why harvesting pallet wood can be labor intensive.

To save you time, sweat, and a backache; here are the quickest and easiest ways I’ve found to salvage beautiful rustic pallet wood. Read more

DIY Burlap Bulletin Board

How to make a DIY burlap covered bulletin boardDIY Burlap Bulletin Board

Hello, Pretty Handy readers! I have a quick and fun project for you today! We’re going to make DIY Burlap Bulletin Boards together, hooray!

I love displaying pictures around the house, but sometimes I don’t have enough frames. Then there are the frames I have with broken glass. In the spirit of not throwing anything away (and finding a way to upcycle everything), I turned one of those glass-less frames into a burlap bulletin board. And it looks perfect next to my Ikea Ivar cabinet hack  and DIY mail organizer.

Ready to learn how to make this easy DIY Burlap Bulletin Board? Great, let’s go!

Materials:

(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.)

Materials to make the burlap covered cork board

Optional:

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut cork to the size of the cardboard backing in your picture frame. Glue it onto the cardboard using spray adhesive.

Add cork roll to make a DIY cork board

Step 2: Cut burlap fabric 2 inches wider than your cork on all sides. Attach burlap on top of the cork using hot glue to secure the burlap to the back of the cardboard backing.

Attach burlap on rok to make a burlap covered bulletin board

Step 3: Place the burlap bulletin board into the frame.

How to make a cork bulletin board

Feel free to add a little more character by stenciling a pattern on one side. (I chose to use red and gold craft paint to bring out the gold thread in my burlap fabric.

Adding stencils on burlap covered bulletin board

That’s the easy way to create a DIY Burlap Bulletin Board!

Use your bulletin board to display picture, notes and reminders. Personally, I use it to pin school calendars instead of letting them get buried in the pile of other papers.

Make a burlap covered corl board with this easy tutorial

Until next time!

~ View more of Anika’s DIY Tutorials ~

Like this idea? You’ll also love Brittany’s idea of using a magnetic sheet to create a magnetic board instead of a cork board.

DIY Magnetic bulletin board

And be sure to check out Katie’s PB Knock Off Monogram Bulletin Board:

PB Knock Off Monogrammed Bulletin Board

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

If you make things out of wood you know almost every project leaves scrap wood. Why not use up those scraps by making some of these 71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects?

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

These projects definitely won’t break the bank and they will keep the scraps out of the trash. As a bonus, most make a great gift idea. Enjoy!

build your own rustic wood bathtub tray pinRelax in style with this Rustic Wood Bathtub Tray.

 

rustic serving tray tulips

 This Rustic Pallet Serving Tray is beautiful and functional.

DIY yard diceHave some family fun with these DIY Yard Dice.

 

switches and locks board 3Make this Switches and Locks Playboard for a little one in your life.

 

create art block holdersSimple Create Art Block Holders for your craft area or to give as a gift.

 

DIY feather artMake this unique and clever DIY Feather Art using old yardsticks and scraps.

 

rustic wooden caddy with branch handleThis cute Rustic Wooden Caddy with Branch Handle can hold anything.

 

How to make an easy scrap wood fall sign

Celebrate fall with a beautiful DIY Fall Leaf Art Sign.

 

white washed window boxMake this White Washed Window Box from a discarded wine crate.

 

coffee serving tray mapLove your city? Create the perfect Coffee Serving Map Tray.

 

personalized wall shelf A few boards are all you need to make this Personalized Wall Shelf with loads of storage.

 

house shaped mailbox promoBuild an adorable House-shaped Mailbox.

 

house shape door decor Forget a wreath, remind everyone that home is where the heart is with this House-shaped Door Decor.

 

one board organization storageAll these amazing Storage Options using just one board!

 

diy drawer dividersGet organized with these simple DIY Drawer Dividers.

 

Wooden sign teacher giftShow your appreciation to a teacher with this Wooden Sign Teacher Gift.

 

bunny place cards Brighten up your Springtime table with these Bunny Place Cards.

 

Mousetrap Memo Trap FinalRepurpose and make a Mousetrap Memo Pad.

 

valentines wreath branches close up wood heart wreathMake a Valentines Wreath from tree branches for a loved one.

 

Bailey Farm Crate End Sign Customize this Rustic Farm Crate Sign for your home using new scrap wood (plus, learn how to age the wood.)

 

Decorative Crown Molding Make this Decorative Shelf using Crown Molding.

 

lollipop stand This DIY Lollipop Stand is sure to be a hit at your next party.

 

valentine string art all you need is love wood artShare your love with this Valentine String Art Engraving.

 

Marble tossThis DIY Marble Toss Game would be fun for anyone.

 

kids scooter clearanceBe the coolest parent around by making these DIY Kids Scooters.

 

jewelry organizer bowlsA Jewelry Organizer is simple yet a must-have.

 

diy produce rackOrganize your fruits and veggies with this DIY Produce Rack.

 

owl bookends These whimsical DIY Owl Bookends add fun to any room.

 

state pride magnetic key holder Keep your keys close at hand with this magic State Pride Magnetic Key Holder.

 

snowflake christmas trivetsThese Snowflake Christmas Trivets are perfect for your holiday dinner.

 

spider stool What kid wouldn’t love this DIY Spider Stool?

 

apple pencil holder An Apple Pencil Holder would make a great gift for your favorite teacher.

 

door stop with handle This Doorstop With a Handle makes an adorable stop that also helps keep your door open.

 

Rustic Home sign Super cute! This Rustic Home Sign can be made in any size using scrap wood.

 

close up rusted sleigh bellsCreate a Vintage Rustic Sleigh Ride Sign for perfect holiday decor.

 

framed pumpkins Add some character to your room this fall with Framed Pumpkins.

 

Gold and marble coasters Anikas DIY Life final These Easy Gold and Faux Marble Coasters are modern, clean and you can make them with scrap wood!

 

4x4 wood block framesMake these incredibly simple 4×4 Picture Frames to display your memories.

 

Crate Christmas tree boxForget the skirt, make a Christmas Tree Crate to hold your tree.

 

plans to build a lost and found centerHave a fair amount of scraps? Make this Lost and Found Center for your local school.

 

DIY Rolling Plant Caddy by Brittany Goldwyn Make a Rolling Plant Caddy so you never have to carry heavy planters again.

 

DIY candle lantern final with fireplace This Candle Lantern From Leftover Trim is sleek and modern.

 

karate belt display final Does your kid need a DIY Karate Belt Display? Make one easily!

 

Modern Cat Scratcher DIY Your furry friend will love this DIY Cat Scratcher Post.

 

folding-rustic-wood-guitar-standMake this Folding Guitar Stand to keep your instrument accessible.

 

animal-toddler-stoolsThese adorable Toddler Animal Stools would be loved by any child in your life.

 

are_you_woman_enough_signMake this Are you Woman Enough? Plywood Sign for your shop, or customize the wording easily.

 

rustic-trays-gift-box-top-view-2Make a Tray Gift Box for your next present.

 

rustic-king-headboard-side-viewThis Rustic Wood King Headboard is simple and affordable.

 

citrus-decor-with-lemonade-768x599Make this fun summer display for a party or lemonade stand. Who doesn’t love Giant Citrus Fruit?

 

hot-wheel-matchbox_race_track_promoLet the kids play for hours with this Hot Wheels Car Racing Ramp.

 

wood-copper-cake-stand-1Create this Wood and Copper Cake Stand for an awesome display of your baking masterpiece.

fabric-wood-coasters-wrappedRustic and soft Fabric and Wood Coasters are easy to make for gifts.

 

rustic-wooden-crates-in-cabinet-straight-onBuild some Rustic Wooden Box Crates for your cabinet or shelf.

 

wood-block-picture-framesHow sweet are these Floating Wood Block Picture Frames?

 

easy-wooden-chalkboard-sign-christmas-countdownYou can make this Easy Wooden Chalkboard Sign for any season.

 

DIY-Rustic-Wood-Lanterns-e1441294338713These Rustic Wood Lanterns are the perfect decor for any room.

 

drift-wood-gift-crateFind free driftwood at the beach and make your own Driftwood Gift Crates.

 

scrap-moulding-traysEndless options with these Scrap Moulding Trays.

 

plywood-frames-2Wow your visitors with these Plywood Frames with Glass.

 

scrap_wood_christmas_treeUse various scraps to make an adorable Scrap Wood Christmas Tree this year!

 

reclaimed-wood-wall-hook-vase-sconceThis Reclaimed Wood Wall Hook and Vase would look great in an entryway.

 

scrap-wood-wall-studio_view_from_angledWith a bunch of scrap wood you could Install a Scrap Wood Wall.

 

scrap-wood-ipad-tray-infarrantly-creativeKeep your device upright with this Scrap Wood iPad Tray.

 

scrap-wood-wine-holderThis Scrap Wood Wine Holder is simple, but oh so handy.

 

scrap-wood-caddyKeep your tools, cleaning supplies, and so many other things organized in this Scrap Wood Caddy.

 

Two-tiered-plant-stand-Anikas-DIY-Life-700-3This Two Tiered Plant Stand is a modern and stylish way to display your plants.

 

Scrap-Wood-Ironing-Board-Rack-2450This Industrial Ironing Board Rack would save space and keep you organized.

 

scrap-wood-shadow-box-frameDisplay memorabilia in this awesome DIY Shadow Box Frame.

 

Scrap-wood-plater-Herb-Garden-BoxThis Scrap Wood Planter Box is a quick and easy way to grow your own herb garden this year.

 

recipe clipboard standKeep your recipes or notes at eye level with this Easy Clipboard Stand.

If you like these projects, please share! Here’s an image you can pin it on Pinterest:

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

Which were your favorite scrap wood projects? And other ideas you have for using up scrap wood? I’d love to hear it.

71 Practically FREE Scrap Wood Projects

Here are some other round ups you may like:

35 Upcycled Gift Ideas | Pretty Handy Girl

35 Upcycled DIY Gift Ideas

 

25 Tabletop Garden Terrariums

25 Ideas for Tabletop Gardens and Terrariums

 

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