The dry erase board is a staple in every college dorm room. To-do lists, important phone numbers, and quick reminders quickly fill the space. Take this dorm room essential one step further by keeping up with your ever-changing daily schedule on a colorful dry-erase monthly calendar. And because your back-to-school shopping list is probably getting a little out-of-hand, you can DIY this project for around $10.

Materials NEEDED

• 35+ square paint samples from Home Depot/Lowes

• One frame with glass (size can vary)

• Glue or tape

• Scissors or paper cutter

• Dry-erase markers

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Commandeer 35 paint sample squares from your local paint store. Try creating a pattern, or make an ombre fade with different shades of one color. Lighter colors tend to work better.

2. Cut the squares to remove the writing on the front. This works best with a paper cutter, but scissors will do. They don’t have to be perfect.

3. Most new frames already have a piece of paper inside, and you can just flip it over to its blank side and use it as your canvas. If the frame doesn’t include paper, you’ll need to find a piece that fits.

4. Lay out the squares in the general pattern you’d like to use. Play around a bit with the colors. Have fun with it.

5. Start with the middle (Wednesday) square and work out — it’ll help keep the first line centered. Apply tape and affix the squares to the backing paper.

6. Once all your squares are attached, insert the back into the frame. The glass can be written on with a dry-erase pen and can be wiped clean with a paper towel.

Kristen Gastaldo is the founder of the Lowcountry Artist Market, a seasonal market that features the handcrafted work of local vendors, held at the Music Farm. She recently left the GM position at the Music Farm to pursue life in the 9-5 world at Blackbaud. She attempts craftiness in her Wagener Terrace home under the encouragement of her husband, Michael, and the skepticism of her cat, Mable.

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