Tuesday, April 14, 2015

25 Quick Tip Tuesday: Multi-Purpose Band Board

Tomorrow is tax day and I have spent a lot of time this past few weeks doing bookkeeping and reconciling.  After a day or two of filtering through documents and receipts, I knew I needed a handy little helper next to my laptop while I worked.


I went to my local office supply store and picked up a document sized stand-up sign holder and a few binder bands (although any rubber bands would do).


I eventually added a few paperclips/butterfly clips to the board as well.  The goal was to essentially create a standing clipboard to hold my documents and receipts at eye level while I logged items into my business expense system.


I started by filling the frame with decorative paper, and then adding the bands and binder clips.  This little project was as simple as it gets.


It really helped my desk time go much faster to have key checklists and papers I needed to reference frequently, tucked beneath the band.  I then clipped temporary items, such as receipts, to the top of the board.


Because I do paperwork all year long, this desk pal will come in handy time and time again.

What I really love about this sweet little idea, is that the ways of using this single stand around the home are endless.  In fact, I played around with some kitchen uses and have convinced myself to add another one there.


It is the perfect counter message station, which can be tucked away when cleaning up for company, but can stay out for day-to-day family life stuff.

Above I used it to hold a recipe and attach a reminder to set the crockpot at lunch.  Below I used it to hold my weekly shopping list and meal planning docs.  The best part about the bands and clips is that you can also add any small office supplies to the board as well (pens, scissors, calculator, etc...), keeping everything in a single spot.


In fact, the more bands you add, the more functional the little message station becomes.


Use a butterfly clip to attach a small notepad to the top and use the bands to hold important notes, reminders, coupons and receipts.


And if it is not awesome enough for you yet, it also triples as a dry-erase board!  Great for leaving family messages.


Also great for allowing your kiddos to practice their writing and math homework.  Or their love note skills.


So there you have it.  A traveling message center that can serve many uses around your home, yet doesn't take up much space and can be put away between uses.

Looking for more quick tips?  Check out the entire series here!

25 comments:

  1. This is such a great idea! I love the clipboard too.

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  2. Which business expense system do you use?

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    1. I have been giving Expensify a whirl and so far I am pretty happy with it (especially the mobile feature). xo!

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  3. I love this! Very cute!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

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  4. What a great idea! It's axing how much paperwork being a blogger and a mom entails. And the older I get the less I remember when and where everything is. This would be a great answer to keeping everything organized and found!

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  5. Instead of the "stand up sign" you can also use an acrylic picture frame! Dollar Tree currently has them in stock =)

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  6. Such a great idea - love it! I'm totally making one of these!

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  7. I love this idea! Just curious, did you create the recipe printable? If so, is it available? I have been trying to find a simple but fun printable for all my recipes. Thanks for all these great tips!

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    1. Hello!

      I just whipped those up for our recipe binder, but I would love to offer more recipe printable options in the future. I do have a free one you can download here: https://app.box.com/s/jath680cgqkynht25qo5

      xo!

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    2. Thank you! I would love to see more printables related to recipe organization sometime :).. maybe something to type into vs. hand write. I have already picked up the supplies for this awesome project and I can't decide where I want to put it to use first. Thanks again! Your blog is so inspiring!

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  8. I just realized today that with the sunshine now making a daily appearance, our family of four now has sunglasses laying around the mudroom. I was looking for something to get them organized. I think this stand with the rubber bands would work nicely to slip one the stems of the glasses behind and hang the glasses vertically! Can't wait to try it out.

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    1. Oh yes! That should work! I hook my reading glasses on mine at my desk and I love it!

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  9. Love this simple trick Jen! I've been looking for something to hold printed recipes in the kitchen while I cook and this is perfect.

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  10. My goodness! This is so amazing. It is so simple yet so practical and handy. I am already brainstorming one for my home.

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  11. Wow what a wonderful idea. This is definitely a great way to stay organized. Thank you for the tips http://www.lovelysharice.com

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  12. Thank you for this great tip! I also have been needing a document holder when doing paper work but haven't loved any of the ready made options out there. I would have never thought to use a sign older! Genius! :D

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  13. where did you get your pretty decorative paper (specifically the ikat teal print)?

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    1. I use a lot of papers found in pattern paper packs from craft stores. I also love gift wrap, which I find at HomeGoods, Target and Paper Source.

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  14. And if you can't find binder bands or large rubber bands, I bet elastic headbands could work!

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  15. I can't seem to find the binder bands, can you please tell me where I might find them? I love the ones you used!! Thanks!

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    1. Hi Dawn! I have found them at smaller boutiques and even at the Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com/shop/office/russell43HazelBinderSystem?productId=10035696&green=C1984FCA-10F5-5100-B270-8816D89290D5). They are typically meant for holding three ring binders closed. I think I have even seen them at Target in the past.

      xoxo!

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  16. I'm obsessed with this! So simple but so genius!

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  17. I love magnets so I have been planning to make something like this in metal- maybe a baking tray covered in pretty fabric. This has given me the idea I could make one that stands up :)

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