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Here on my blog, I’m free to let my fur flag fly and embrace the Crazy Dog Lady that I truly am, but out there in the real world, away from the internets, I try to temper my dog love just a little. I favour subtle touches and details incorporated into my home and office that remind me of my dogs without being too over the top. This DIY Message Board is ridiculously easy to make and is such a handy way to jot down phone messages, reminders or to do list. I love it.

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For a while now, I’ve been looking for the perfect touch for my office to remind me of my pups at home.

I’ve had a really hard time! I considered this “so tacky it’s fabulous” shiny, gold daschund tape dispenser, but by the time I went back to get it, it was gone. I guess I could get a calendar, but I’m one of those freaks who has to have a three month view calendar (<-affiliate link) and I’ve never found one of those with puppies. So, I’ve kept looking. I mean, not everyone can be my friend Candice. Her desk is a gong show of dog love. Seriously. LOOK AT THIS:[smartslider2 slider=”3″]

She even has a jar full of homemade dog treats on her desk, so that her coworkers can stop by and grab a treat to take home to their own pups. Adorable, right??

As soon as I made this DIY Message Board, I knew, it would be the perfect fit for Candice’s (or any dog lover’s) desk.

The best part is that this is ridiculously easy. A lot of people don’t realize that you can use dry erase markers on glass, but you totally can. I don’t understand why people buy those blah boring white boards when you can turn any fabulous frame and your favourite picture into a one of a kind message board that is 100% you.

Here’s what you need:

• A picture frame, in any size. You can make this an 8 x 10 for your desk top or a poster size for the wall or any size in between. Make sure you choose a frame with GLASS in it, not plastic and make sure it’s just plain ol’ glass. If it says it is “non glare”, “anti-reflective” or “conservation grade” this won’t work.
• Image of your choice. Staples will print anything up to poster size and the pricing is pretty reasonable. I’ve got some simple ideas for you, coming right up.
• Dry Erase Markers & Eraser. I favour the small, super fine tip ones like this for smaller boards and these, regular fine tip ones for larger boards. (I hate the fat ones. I know, my OCD is showing.)

Step One: 

Choose your image.

I knew that I absolutely had to make mine using the ridiculously awesome custom pet illustration that my internet BFF AJ Emm made for me. Squeeee, right?!

(If you have one of AJ’s illustrations she can absolutely create one of these message boards images for you too or it can be added to an new illustration order. The cost is $10 and you will receive a PDF copy that can be printed at any Staples or local print shop. Email AJ for more details.)

If you’re not in love with the idea of an illustration, that’s fine too. You can use pretty much any image. I created this one for Candice:

Do you guys like it? (If you do, I could probably list them in my Etsy shop Love, Felix. Gimme a holla if you’re interested.)

You could even use a faded version of your favourite photograph. How cute is this??

Step Two:

Have the image printed in the size of your choosing. I went with a handy little 8 x 10 which cost me less than $1, but you could choose any size you like, even poster size.

Step Three:

Place your image inside the frame. Display on your desk, by the phone for message or on the wall. Write on it using dry erase markers which will totally wipe clean. Every now and again, spritz it with vinegar and give it a good wipe down.

What image would you feature in your DIY Message Board?