So part of my self-care plan for 2020 was creating habits, being more organized, and sticking to it. Part of it was meal planning, so in hopes of helping me be more organized, I worked on a DIY Menu Board this weekend. Hopefully, it helps!
I honestly believe I am a true Gemini! One minute I all about being organized and the next I am jumping into something new. It’s a gift and a burden at the same time. Anyways I wanted to share the DIY Menu Board with you all.
DIY Menu Board
I think it turned out great! I used colors that would coordinate with my kitchen and dining area. This was super easy and probably cost the max $15 to create, if I had to buy all the supplies today.
Supplies I used:
A white-washed unfinished sign from Hobby Lobby 9″x 30″
Chalk Paints – White – Grey and Pool Blue
Small Clothespins (not the mini ones)
Glue Gun
Paint Brush and Paper Towels
Sharpie or Vinyl for days of the Week
Card Stock, Index Cards or Sticky Notes
Steps to Create the Menu Board:
Since the sign was already white-washed I didn’t have to paint the sign. But I did add a bit of white chalk paint to the surface, by using a paper towel to thinly coat the surface.
Next, I used another paper towel to add some grey to it. To do this step I dipped the edge of the paper towel into the paint that gets stuck to the lid from shaking. Then with long sweeping motions, I add the grey. This gives it a somewhat distressed look without going through the process of distressing it. I did these two steps until I was satisfied with the look.
DIY Menu Board
While the board was drying I painted my clothespins in the Pool Blue Chalk Paint. I used a brush for this step and added two coats to the entire clothespins. This was also the longest process in the entire project. Painting all the sides and waiting for them to dry.
While the clothespins dried I created my vinyl stickers for what’s cooking and the days of the week. This was done with my Cricut, but if you don’t have a one you can also create them with your printer, or handwrite them on later.
When my clothespins were dried I added the vinyl days to each one.
Next, I added the What’s Cooking to the top of my sign. Then from there I measured down 1 1/2 inch and marked it. I then marked off 1″ from the left edge. From those markings I measured down 3″ and marked it, repeating this process until I had 7 marks. These markings are the location for the clothespins. Plugin your glue gun.
It’s time to add the clothespins to your menu board. I added a nice chunk of hot glue to my clothespin and placed them in place at each marking. Press down on each one to secure them. If any glue seeps out the edges use your fingernail to trim it away.
Next I created the card stock spoons. I again used my Cricut for this step but you can create yours with a printer, index cards or even sticky notes. We have tacos on Tuesday so I also created a taco decal with my Cricut. What ever you use they will become the place you’ll write the meals on.
Next attach the meals to the proper day and viola you’ve got yourself a cute DIY menu board. Now the family will know what’s cooking each day.
DIY Menu Board
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why having a menu board can be helpful. For me it means I am creating a meal plan, sharing it with the family to include 2 college students, and it’s also creating great habits. I am likely to spend less time shopping and save money too.
The benefits of my family knowing what’s for dinner especially since I cook for 2 college students are the following:
1- They know what’s for dinner daily.
2- If they don’t want what I am cooking, they can tell me they are eating out.
3- Habits and Organization.
This DIY Menu Board can be created using many different supplies. An old picture frame, keeping the glass in tack and using dry eraser markers. You can use a $1 Store cookie sheet, painted, and use magnets. The ideas are endless and many can be made on any budget.
I will be sharing more DIY projects here on Faith Crafts and Coffee, so be sure to follow along. Oh, and if you found this article useful feel free to share with your friends, family, and followers too. Faith Crafts and Coffee can be found Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, and YouTube.
As always it’s a pleasure sharing with you!
<3 Debbie