Hands on

The project
A modern, industrial bulletin board for use with magnets and tacks.

The materials
4' x 8' board of Homasote, which is a type of wallboard made from recycled paper, cut to 24" x 32" ($25 at Edward Hines Lumber, 5401 N Wolcott Ave at Balmoral Ave, 773-989-9410); two 24" connectable stretcher strips ($1.50 each from Blick Art Materials; for locations, go to dickblick.com); two 32" stretcher strips ($2.50 each from Blick Art Materials); one yard of steel mesh ($5.98 at Ace Hardware; for locations, go to acehardware.com); one can of spray paint ($4 at Lemoi Ace Hardware, 1008 Davis St, Evanston, 847-328-4900) and a picture-hanging kit ($1.50 at Blick Art Materials).

The tools
Ruler, marker, wire cutters, thick work gloves, wood glue, staple gun, staples.

How to 
1. Connect the stretcher strips to make four angles. Apply glue liberally along the front of each stretcher strip. Position the Homasote board on top of the strips, align it with the edges and press firmly. Set aside and let dry.  2. Put on the work gloves to protect yourself from the rough edges of the steel mesh. Measure and mark a 30" x 38" rectangle on the steel mesh. Use wire cutters to cut along your lines. Measure three inches in from one cut edge and bend the mesh to a 90-degree angle.  3. Place the Homasote board facedown on the steel mesh and even it with the fold. Bend the steel mesh over the top of the frame and staple into the frame’s back. Repeat with the other sides. Continue stapling every two inches on each strip until all the edges are attached and the front is completely covered with the steel mesh.  4. Apply the spray paint to the front and sides of the bulletin board. Let 30 minutes lapse between coats if more paint is needed.  5. Follow the directions on the package for the picture-hanging kit and hang where desired.  6. Use magnets and tacks to artfully arrange all your must-see souvenirs and important documents. Total cost and assembly time: Approximately $45; three hours.