Magnet Board: Fun And Function

Is it spring yet? While we wait, I’m spring-cleaning and reorganising my craft studio. I’m passionate about papercrafting and anything that gives me more time to do that is a big bonus. As well as re-evaluating how I use and access my stamps, ink and paper, organising my thoughts and commitments is something I need to work on too. So when I saw the new Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit from Stampin’ Up! I simply had to get one. Today I opened the box and began to set it up.

Organising is easy and fun with the Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit and Wildflower Path Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! #papercraftwithme

QUICK START

The kit came in sturdy box with everything I needed, including double-sided tape to put together the two pockets. So of course I ignored the instruction sheet and started there.

In fact the very first thing I did was take one of the two pocket pieces and draw around it on some card. That way if I ever want to create more pockets I have a template. Then I had to choose which of the printed designs I wanted on the outside of the pocket. I opted for the colourful side on both, with the grey and white designs on the inside. I folded them along the pre-scored lines and sharpened the creases with a Bone Folder (because I have one). Then using the included double-sided tape I fixed the concertina sides to the back section.

Pockets in the Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit from Stampin' Up! arrive cut and scored. Simply fold and stick and they're ready to use. #papercraftwithme

Also in the kit are six sheets of heavy-duty stickers with colour coordinated images and sentiments (in English, French, Dutch and German). However it was the largest blank label sticker that caught my eye. So I decided to grab the Wildflower Path Stamp Set and a Tuxedo Black ink pad to personalise it. My blog project yesterday had reminded me of the great quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson in the stamp set, and it just fitted onto the label sticker. After stamping all I had to do was attach the sticker to the front of the Mint Macaron Pocket. Then to finish it off I added two little heart stickers in Smoky Slate and Mint Macaron.

MAGNET BOARD BACKGROUND

It was only at this point I realised that having completely ignored the included instruction sheet I hadn’t prepared the actual board. This is a glossy white frame with a 12″ x 12″ insert. The insert appears to be hardboard with a layer of metal sandwiched between it and the glossy white front. Of course you could leave the white as your background, but the kit includes two double-sided 12″ x 12″ sheets. Like the pockets, one side of each sheet is colourful while the other is black/grey. I choose the Smoky Slate plaid design as a nice neutral option. All I had to do was remove the insert from the frame, put the paper in and then replace the insert.

Add this inspiration to the Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit using the Wildflower Path Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! #papercraftwithme

Now I could add my assembled pockets to the board using the magnetic library clips included in the kit. I also chose a nice 3″ x 4″ card and added a “Today I’m creating” sticker to it. That went onto the magnet board with a library clip too. Finally the remaining 3″ x 4″ cards went into the pockets ready for when they’re needed.

MAGNET BOARD MAKEOVER

And suddenly there it was… the little white box no longer containing the clips, just sitting on the desk. Of course I couldn’t throw it away! So instead I looked through the remaining twenty three 3″ x 4″ cards that came with the kit. They’re designed to be written on, but as they’re all double-sided, some of them have coordinating patterns. And then I had an idea… So I cut the top flap and tabs off the box. Then I secured the bottom of the box using some more of the double-sided tape.

Create a little pen holder for the Celebrate Today Magnet Board from Stampin' Up! using pieces already included in the kit. #papercraftwithme

Next I chose a card with a pretty Smoky Slate and white daisy design. After placing the card across the front of the box I folded the ends over the sides. It fitted perfectly and I glued the card in place using the double-sided tape. Then on one of the the sticker sheets I noticed a very thin piece separating two shades of green arrows. I’m not sure if it was planned that way, but that skinny piece now became a sticker for me. So I fixed it onto the box along the top edge of the floral piece and then trimmed off the excess. Finally I added a little extra colour with a flower and butterfly sticker from the other sheet. Now I had a little coordinating holder for a pen/pencil and other bits.

As I looked up I noticed some silver magnets I happened to have been keeping on my desk knowing I’d want them someday. Well today was finally the day and I decorated them with a couple of tiny flower stickers. Then added them to the board and with that I was done (for now).

I’m already thinking of ways to update the board every month or so just to keep it fresh and fun. I’ll be sure to show you these ideas when they happen. In the meantime here are links to the Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit and the other bits I used to make it my own.