Crafty family communications centre
This story was originally titled "Windows of Opportunity" in the September 2010 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!
This creative take on the classic bulletin board delivers both fun and function. Michael Simardone of Simardone Design in Toronto handily transformed two vintage windows into a dual-purpose message centre. Closing the windows enables you to display photos and souvenirs on the back of one frame. Open the windows to reveal a chalkboard and corkboard for notes, messages and daily reminders.
You need:
One pair of windows (we used a pair of 61 cm/2-foot-square windows)
Two pieces of 1/4-inch plywood for chalkboard and corkboard inserts (we used pieces of scrap bead board panelling)
Cork (we used adhesive-backed 3 mm/1/8-inch-thick cork, available in rolls at office supply and craft stores)
One pair of hinges (salvage from windows if possible)
Window latch or hook and eye
Drill
Circular saw or jigsaw
Orbital sander or 120-grit sandpaper
Chalkboard paint in desired colour (available at craft and hardware stores)
Measuring tape
Framing square
Screwdriver
Hammer
Mirror clips and two picture hangers
1-inch screws, plugs and nails
To make:
1. Lay windows on a flat work surface. Carefully remove pane of glass from one window; set aside.
2. If windows are not square, use framing square to measure and mark square lines on window frames; trim using a circular saw or jigsaw.
3. Smooth rough edges with sandpaper.
4. Place window with glass facedown on work surface. (This window will be the front of the message board when closed and mounted on the wall as shown.) Measure inside opening of window frame; cut plywood panel to fit. Paint one side of plywood panel with chalkboard paint and other side (front) in desired colour.
