This is a quick and easy DIY upcycle project for even the craft-illiterate.

Here’s what you need:

• Light cork board (the smaller the better, my example is 12″ x 16″)
• Four magnets
• Mod Podge or other white glue
• Small paintbrush or sponge
• Flat surface and heavy books (to expedite drying)
• Tacks and what not

If your kitchen is anything like mine it’s where all action is. And if your kitchen is anything like mine then you understand what a premium extra space (even wall space) is. That’s why this is the perfect upcycle project for my space. It’s simple, it’s space-efficient, and it utilizes everyday items.

My items are all upcycle candidates, but if you go to your local dollar or discount store you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding these items for reasonable prices. My cork board is a childhood relic, the magnets were rescued from a dumpster (with permission, of course), and I always have Mod Podge on hand.

Here’s what you do:

1. Cut Mod Podge with water and prep in a small bowl
2. Lay cork board upside down on a flat surface

• Place magnets where you want to glue them (one on each corner)

• Cover the underside of each magnet with a generous amount of glue and press firmly into position

• Cover magnets with heavy books and let dry overnight

Since I’m not very patient and often ruin perfectly good upcycles by interrupting the drying process I made sure to leave the magnets gluing for 24 full hours—but probably overnight is good enough. I was pleased to find the board sticking to my fridge without any hint of falling off. It can hold a good amount of notes as well. DIY upcycle success!

Here are some other ways to make this project your own:

• Add a fabric cover (using a glue gun or staples) to the front of the cork board
• Customize your cork using coloured permanent markers
• Frame your cork board with an old photo frame
• Stencil cool pictures or phrases on your board using paint
• If you’re really savvy, try making a cork board out of wine corks, like Leah did here in her blog Inspire & Indulge, Search for used wine corks on your local Used.ca site for listings like this one on UsedVictoria.com

There are so many uses for cork boards, but putting it on the fridge opens up a world of uses for me. Never again will I misplace a coupon or concert ticket, that’s for sure.

And if you have any more suggestions for magnetizing life, please share! I’m wondering if I can turn my whole fridge into a magnetic cork board!