A very easy, cute, and affordable gift idea - homemade dry erase, chalk, and cork boards are perfect for those organized friends and co-workers.

The materials needed are few and uncomplicated. You can pick your favorite frame from home for an upcycled gift, or find a new one that you know your friend will love. This is also a great reason to go thrifting or visit estate sales.

DIY Chalkboard


you will need:
a frame
a thin slice of wood or veneer, cut to the size of the frame
chalkboard paint
paint brush

Paint the wood according to the directions on the chalkboard paint bottle - this is usually two coats, one in each direction, with drying time in between.


Remove the glass from the frame, and insert the dried, painted wood. Include a little box of chalk topped with a bow.

View my full chalkboard tutorial post on Going Home to Roost!

Cork board

This is the same idea as the chalk board - replace photo and glass with cork cut to size. Make sure the cork is thick enough for thumbtacks - some rolls of cork may be too thin. I was able to find 1/4" thick squares of cork at a craft store that work perfectly.


For an even more interesting look, you can cover the cork with felt or fabric. Include a pretty set of thumbtacks to complete this gift.

Dry erase board


For the dry erase board you'll want to keep the glass in place. Instead of filling the frame with a photo, layer it under with a pretty paper, fabric, or felt.

The board works the same as any other dry erase board - you write on the glass with a dry erase marker and erase the markings with a cloth or felt eraser.


Make your dry erase board even more interesting by layering a calendar under the glass. Include one sheet for each of the year for the recipient to switch out monthly, or just include a single, blank calender for them to fill out each month.


The possibilities are really endless. What would you make, or what have you made with any of these techniques? Links and pictures, please!

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