Do you collect souvenirs when you travel?

Whenever I visit somewhere new, I make a point of choosing a magnet to remind me of the trip. It is a small, simple keepsake, and each one brings back wonderful memories of the places I have been. Once I return home, however, I am faced with a familiar problem. My refrigerator, like many modern models, has a finish that magnets simply will not stick to. The only metal surface in my kitchen is the sides of my wall spice cabinet, and that is where my collection has been living. It is not the best way to display such special mementos, and the space is quickly filling up. It was time to find a better solution, one that would give these little treasures the attention they deserve.

That’s when I came across the DIY Cookie Sheet Magnet Holder blog post by Mrs. Happy Homemaker. I knew I had to make one of my own.

Here is my process.

I found a sturdy cookie sheet at my local thrift store for just 99 cents. Before putting it to use, I gave it a thorough scrubbing with medium grit steel wool to remove any built-up rust and residue. When working with steel wool, I always recommend wearing a good pair of gloves. Small fibers can break loose during scrubbing and easily prick the skin, so it is best to protect your hands.

Once the cookie sheet was clean, I rinsed it well and dried it completely. Any remaining moisture can keep paint from adhering properly.

For the color, I chose Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch in Lagoon. It is a lovely, cheerful shade, even though it does not match anything else in my home.

I cut open a large black trash bag to protect my work surface, laid the cookie sheet on top, and began to spray.

The patient approach is to apply the paint in light, even passes, moving from right to left and then left to right. Each coat should be allowed to dry completely before the next is added.

The impatient approach is to go back over any spot that looks thin before the first coat has had a chance to dry. This often leads to drips and an uneven finish.

I chose something in between. I applied one generous coat and let it dry fully before adding a second.

Next, I turned the tray over and painted the back the same way. It was a bright, sunny day, which helped the paint dry quickly.

To hang it, I attached 10 lb Command Strips to each short end of the cookie sheet and pressed it firmly onto the wall.

As you can see, my new magnet board is already filling up. It may soon be time to make another one, and to start planning my next trip.