DIY Christmas Gift Idea for the MEN in your life!

Somehow, I made something almost two years ago that never made it on the blog. 

We made this as a Father's Day gift for KT back in 2009 and he loved it.

I am not quite sure how that happened, BUT I thought it was worth posting today 

since it might help some of you out in the gift-giving department. There are years when 

I have awesome ideas about what to get the grown-up guys in my life... 

my dad, my hubby, my brother-in-law... but other years, I find myself at a complete loss. 

This is something you could whip up in just a few shorts hours and have wrapped 

and ready under your tree this year... or save it for a birthday gift, Father's Day or anniversary. 

It's a DIY framed chalkboard with their favorite sports team's schedule on it... 

I originally saw the inspiration for it in a 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine. 

I still have the page I tore out... 

You can see that this is something that could easily fit into your home decor. 

I'm not talking about a neon scoreboard ala man-cave here. 

If your a sports-loving family, this is perfect for your home. 

Okay, so you'll need to gather some supplies... I scored a huge framed mirror on clearance at Hobby Lobby when I made mine. It was originally $130 and was marked way down due to a tiny crack in the corner. That didn't bother me a bit since I knew I'd be spray painting it with chalkboard paint.

My friend Darci posted today that she found a huge framed picture at Goodwill to make a chalkboard.

She paid $40 for a very large print... so be sure to scope out clearance aisles, Goodwill and Craigslist. 

All you need to make a Framed Team Chalkboard of your own... 

some spray chalkboard paint, painters tape, and chalk! 

I taped around the edges so I wouldn't spray on the frame, then laid old blankets 

and towels over the frame so it wouldn't get painted. Then just follow the instructions

 on your can of chalkboard paint. A couple of coats should be just fine. Let it dry as directed.

Here's a close up of the crack after it was painted. 

So tiny and hardly noticeable. Yay for clearance mark downs!

You can see how old this project is by my LITTLE tiny helper... look at sweet Carson! 

We're all done and ready to write down our team's schedule.

 Important note... you're supposed to rub chalk all over the newly painted surface 

then wipe it off before you actually write what you intend to display. 

So turn a piece of chalk on its side and cover your new chalkboard first.  

 ... and that's it! Once your team's schedule is written down, you're ready for gift-giving!

The great thing about this is that it can be redone for sports throughout the year... 

football, basketball, baseball... you could even transition it for your own child's sports... 

use it to write holiday messages... or menu planning! The possibilities are endless, 

the price tag is unbeatable, and it's always fun to get a BIG, personalized gift like this one.

Hope this helps some of you with what to give some of those sports-lovers on your list!

Have a great Monday!

***BE SURE TO CHECK KAPPA PREP'S BLOG TODAY 
11/29/11 FOR MORE DIY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS!***


*Get CASH BACK on all of the online purchases you make this holiday season with Ebates!**