I finally tackled a small DIY project: reviving an old clipboard into a useful, hidden kitchen organizer. I’m not coordinated enough for skateboards, surfboards, or snowboards, but clipboard crafting is totally manageable — and satisfying. This particular clipboard had been sitting in the playroom among ceramic animals after a bridal-shower game last fall; everyone took one home, and mine ended up forgotten until now.
At first I imagined covering it with decorative paper and using it on the wall to display our daughter Clara’s rotating artwork or leave notes for my partner. Before doing anything, I asked John for input, and his idea was perfect. In our previous house we’d made an in-cabinet cork board for lists, recipes, and food ideas. We liked that concept but wanted something different here. Our utensil drawer was holding a stack of takeout menus that were hard to access, so hanging a clipboard inside a kitchen cabinet to hold menus and a small shopping pad sounded ideal — practical, out of sight, and easy to use when I’m juggling a toddler and a phone.
I chose a cheerful teal scrap of paper — nothing too patterned so it wouldn’t compete with whatever we clip to the board. The paper was an old remnant from a previous craft, but it worked perfectly. I traced the clipboard outline, then estimated and cut a notch at the top to fit around the metal clip hardware. I checked the fit and adjusted the shape so the paper sat smoothly on the board.
For adhesion I used a bottle of tacky craft glue I’ve had for years. I applied an even layer across the clipboard, smoothing it with my finger to avoid lumps that could show through the paper. Then I pressed the paper into place and weighed the clipboard down with books until it dried, ensuring a flat, secure bond.
When the glue was dry, I chose the upper cabinet above our built-in microwave for installation. It’s an easy-access spot inside a door, which keeps the clipboard hidden when closed but convenient when open. I considered hanging something above it eventually for balance, but for now the tucked-away clipboard is exactly what we wanted.
We didn’t want to drill holes into freshly painted cabinet wood, so we used a removable clear 3M Command hook to hang the clipboard. The clipboard has a small metal tab at the top; I mounted the clear hook to the cabinet interior using the Command adhesive and then rested the clipboard’s metal tab on the hook. It holds firmly but can be removed without damaging paint if we change our minds.
Now the clipboard holds our stack of takeout menus and a small sheet for jotting groceries. It’s surprisingly useful — when my phone isn’t handy or I have a child on my hip, I can quickly write down items. Yes, my list even specifies “eggs (12)” because I sometimes forget whether I meant a half-dozen or two dozen.
This little project cost nothing since I used materials I already had: an old clipboard, a scrap of paper, craft glue, and a Command hook. It cleared space in our utensil tray and gave a neat, hidden storage spot for menus and notes, which makes kitchen routines a little easier and more organized.
Have you finished any overdue projects lately? Simple organizing solutions like this are easy wins and can free up small but valuable kitchen real estate. If you’re looking for a low-effort DIY with practical results, a clipboard inside a cabinet is a smart option — it keeps things accessible without adding visual clutter.
On a lighter note: we spent time with our teenage niece and nephew recently asking about current slang. Apparently “swagg” (a playful twist on “swagger”) and the sarcastic “cool story bro, tell it again” are in rotation. It’s funny to discover a new vocabulary that makes us feel delightfully out of touch.