Organization is something our family really struggles with. It seems like we get important papers sent home on a regular basis. The most important paperwork that is sent home is my kingergartener’s homework packet which is sent home on Monday and due on Friday. That means there are 4 nights where anything and everything can happen to it. The fridge turned out to be a bad place to put homework – the girls haven’t mastered the skill of not spilling when they get water from the dispenser. And to be honest, I am not always 100% either. The idea of a magnetic system was appealing (especially after making our Magnetic Wall Art Display) and I created the perfect organization system for us – a Magnetic Cookie Sheet Homework Center! This has made our house less cluttered and there is never a “Mommy, where’s my homework????” whine on Friday morning! This idea can also be used to display the artwork that your child is really proud of as well.
Material Required to Make a Magnetic Cookie Sheet Homework Center
- Cookie Sheet (the basic 92¢ cookie sheet at Walmart is what I used. The paper hangs off the edge, but we don’t care).
- Spray Paint (don’t get the 99¢ can – it is 99¢ for a reason. I kind of want that dollar back, but it was a good lesson and I hope you don’t make the same mistake). A glossy finish is a nice touch! Choose your color wisely because you are going to have a whole can of this and you could do more projects with it.
- Scrap to spray paint on – newspaper or an old box
- Magnetic clips
- Decorative Letters (optional)
- Command Picture-Hanging Strips
Steps to Make a Magnetic Cookie Sheet Homework Center
- Spray paint your cookie sheet. You do not need to spray paint the back since that will touch the wall. Allow to dry completely. You could also glue decorative scrapbook paper on instead.
Decorate. This step is optional. Stickers work perfectly. 
- Decide where you want your cookie sheet to go. Place Command Picture-Hanging Strips
on the cookie sheet and then adhere to the wall. Yep, I spray painted the back of my cookie sheet…..but that was because I wanted to test the spray paint to make sure it worked. It did!
- Use!
This was such a popular device in our house that I actually made one for each girl. They have taken such pride in having a place to keep their paperwork. I hung them on the edge of the counter. To the right is the sliding glass door to go outside. This was virtually just wasted space that we are now utilizing.
I am going to make another one for the bathroom as a semi-chore chart. One of these days we will be proficient in brushing our teeth in the mornings too. For the 92¢ it will take to make another one, I am game to see if it helps.
Do you have any organization tools that you cannot live without? If you do, we would love to know what they are!
Leandrea is a married mom of two girls, ages 13 and 12, living in Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about helping people save money one coupon at a time. Read more