Handmade Gift 911

	Ballard Designs Memo Boards

Surrender, crafter.

You'll never finish knitting scarves for every member of your family.

Back away from the jigsaw and that unwanted spice rack.

And don't even think about rushing to the mall to find substitutes for all those amazing, easy gift projects you should have started in July.

You do still have time to present a present that is budget-friendly, attractive, unique, personal, practical, gender-neutral and guilt-inducingly "handmade": a large framed magnetic memo board and matching set of magnets.

Best of all, you can whip up a whole batch of these not-exactly-crafty goodies in one evening, from hitting the shops to wrapping the goods.

Hands Off

Now, if inspiration had struck sooner, you'd have had time to shop for and ship a memo board from several stores.

And if you're truly all thumbs, you still might, as long you don't mind paying express shipping charges.

Ballard Designs has several enticing models, including a jaw-dropping monster of a gold-framed corkboard ($499) to a more modest beadboard-trimmed blackboard ($49). Pottery Barn might still have its framed corkboard or chalkboard ($149) in stores if you're lucky. The Container Store has the usual suspects plus some with more personality, such as the recycled rubber bulletin boards ($24.99-$34.99) for eco-conscious gifting, or the "Translations" Japanese graphic art magnet board ($24.99) for your favorite manga fan.

A big-box office supply store -- try Staples, Office Depot or Office Max -- can supply more utilitarian yet still giftable memo boards.

But you didn't start sooner, so get to it -- right after a brief explanation of what you're getting into.

For the board, you're going to frame a sheet of metal; for the magnets, simply glue glass gems to button magnets.

Easy-peasy, and plenty customizable, too: Think about your intended giftee and choose a frame to suit his or her home and interests, which can be further painted or embellished. Consider covering the metal with an image or fabric. Coordinate the color of your glass gems, and you'll wow the crowds with your creativity.

OK, now you can hit the stores. Map a route to your favorite home improvement retailer and art-supply store (try Michael's, A.C. Moore or Rag Shop), and don't forget your shopping list.

Shop Supplies

Start by buying a 24" x 36" sheet of tin flashing (less than $10), usually in stock at a major home improvement retailer such as Home Depot or Lowe's, in the plumbing section.

Handling the sheet carefully, check for bent corners or blemishes; remember, one side will show if you're not planning to cover the board.

(If you're interested in making smaller boards or your home improvement store is out of this size, buy a roll of flashing and get a frame equal to the width of the roll. You'll have to use tin snips -- and the requisite safety gear -- to cut off a piece of flashing to fit your frame, then flatten each piece.)