Quick Mother's Day Gift Idea {Dry Erase Menu Plate}

Since Mother's Day is fast approaching (hint, hint), I thought I would share a quick idea that is also very useful! This can be put together in less than 10 minutes and is a perfect gift for a mom or special mom friend that enjoys cooking! Here is my Dry Erase Menu Plate I created for my sister-in-law:

 

Dry Erase Menu Plate/Board

What you need:

White Plate
Vinyl
Cricut or other die-cutting machine (or scrapbooking stickers)
Plate Stand
Dry Erase Marker

How to make:

I wanted this to be a small menu board because she has limited counter space. I bought this plate at a discount store for $2. I also bought the plate stand there as well, for around $2. Next, I used a fancy font for the word MENU and used my Cricut to cut out on vinyl. I buy my vinyl here. This site is inexpensive and they ship quickly. They are always having sales, so be sure to sign up for their emails. (not getting paid, just enjoy buying from them) Now, carefully center the word at the top. This plate had a ledge/border, so I placed it there. You're done! The most difficult part was centering the word--and I hardly broke a sweat doing it!

You could do many different variations on this--like MEMO instead of MENU, for example! On Pinterest, I've seen picture frames that have: I LOVE YOU BECAUSE..., that would be cute on here as well! Leave it in a common area of the house! What fun! Use your inner-creative self--I'm sure you'll come up with something brillant!

Kitchen Menu Chalk Board

I am rarely able to go garage sailing, but man did I find a steal about 3 years ago! I bought an old large calendar frame for $1! It was in my craft room for about 2 years before I decided what to do with it. I always plan out my weekly meals and I get tired of hearing everyone ask that dreaded question: "what's for dinner?"--now, they just need to look at the board!
Here is the result:

To get this look, I just taped off the wood part and spray painted chalkboard paint on the plywood piece (the part that the calendar would cover). I did 3 coats of chalkboard paint.
When that was dry, I put newspaper over the chalkboard part and taped it. I spray painted the wood border a burgundy color. This took 2 coats. Once it was dry I tried out my masterpiece with chalk. Not so great! I went to the craft store and bough a package of chalk markers--MUCH BETTER!
I hung this on the outside wall of my pantry. I used the 3M Command Hook to hang it (again, avoiding and nail hole into the cabinet!). It's easy to take down and clean off! I always leave room at the bottom to put something fun--when the picture was taken, it was my husband's birthday! Sometimes I put a quote up, and funny phrase or I let the kids do something! I love this addition to my kitchen!

I made a smaller version for my sister-in-law and neighbor friend. I will share those sometime soon!

Catch ya later!

Cindy
Linking up to the following parties:
Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Linky Party, Pity Party at Thirty Handmade Days