DIY Chore Chart

Yes, I know, my kids are only 1 and 3, but I'm a list person. I write lists of what I need to do in a given day, or not much more than the basics will get done--sometimes not even that! I come by it naturally (love you, Mom!), and I've even been known to add really simple things like "shower" to my list, just so I can cross something off! 

I've also been inspired by Blogland. There are some beautiful chore charts out there! The ones I really fall for are on painted wood with hooks for laminated picture cards for the chores and pretty vinyl names above each hook. Well, I didn't have any of those supplies, but as you might have seen in my list of 10 Tasks in 10 Days, I had plenty of used tops to canning jars! 

Used canning jar lids

Do I get extra points for recycling? 

So here's what I did:

Textured scrapbook paper

I had a pack of heavy weight paper with nice texture from Michael's. I went thru and picked out a variety of colors that 'go' with other things in the house--reds, greens and tans.

Handy-dandy tool

I pulled out some scrapbooking supplies. This is a circle cutter from Creative Memories and the cutting mat. The red thing is the blade which has knobs that fit in the circular frame. See?

Perfect circles, every time!

Then I started cutting circles. When I had enough, I pulled out my secret weapon: 

Special Agent Bond

Yeah, it was amazing! My only little complaint with it was that my fingers got a tad sticky. Oh well! I would spray 5 or so circles at one time, then put them on the back of the lids. I pressed down firmly in the middle to make sure they weren't just stuck on by the edge. 

Lids covered in textured craft paper

Here's my stack of covered lids. You can see the texture of the paper better here too! I then took a file and sanded down the edges of the papers. It seemed like they looked more finished that way. Then I printed off a bunch of typical jobs around here--and some fun things too--and used my handy dandy circle cutter to cut smaller circles. 

Close-up of some completed magnets

I added numbers too, just for fun. They're all the rage in Blogland and I'm so very trendy (LOL!). No, I thought they looked cute. They're stickers from Creative Memories too, by the way. I'm a big fan!

Anyway, I also drew a circle with fancy metallic ink around the white circle. I'm thinking of painting the outside edge of the lid, cuz a little bit of it shows... But then again, I probably won't cuz I'm lazy it's not necessary. 

My next step was to cut up a bunch of those business-sized magnets. You know the kind--advertisements, doctor appointments and the like. I used super glue to adhere them to the back of my lids. No pictures though!

Here's the finished Chore Chart set up on my fridge:

New chore chart in action!

I think I'll cover those magnetic picture frames (from Pier 1) with the same scrap book paper so they'll match. And yes, I know I'm there twice. My son is 3, remember? There are jobs Mommy and J need to do together. And in time I'll put J2's picture there instead. 

I've already thought of more chores to add when we use up more canned goods! I'm not a glutton for punishment, I just like the feeling of accomplishment when the chores are DONE! The idea is to let the boys (with just a teensy bit of help from Mommy) choose an activity to do after our chores are done. Tomorrow it's Story Time at the library! Motivation! 

One thing I've learned? Put the extra magnets in a ziptop bag in the basket that lives on the top of the fridge. Less clutter = happy Mommy!

So, there's my completely free, recycled chore chart! I'm so proud!

~ Ellie