Organize your family with a scrollwork message centre

There's something about ornamental ironwork, rich with dramatic scrolling and foliation, that takes one back to mid-17th century France, when decorative wrought iron flourished along balconies, stair railings and fences. Certainly, the metal had been worked in other parts of the world for centuries before-into gates, hinges, grilles and more-and centuries later, into architectural embellishments and garden furniture. The metalwork tradition, be it of French, Spanish, English or American style, remains so popular that the elegant patterns can be found on everything from bedding to tabletops to doormats.

When I came across a distressed cast-iron surround originally used to frame a coir doormat at a yard sale, my eyes lit up. (Cast-iron is less expensive and more durable.) Although a bit rusty after years of outdoor use, the surround was still in great condition and the scrollwork striking. I didn't need a doormat, nor did I want to keep the beautiful ironwork underfoot. Finally, I realized I could refashion the scrolling surround into a much-needed message centre for my busy family. Here's how you can create your own message board.

Materials
• Cast iron scrollwork doormat surround (new or used)
• Steel wool, optional
• Dry cloth
• Foamcore board
• Paintbrush
• Magnetic paint
• Wall paint, optional
• Double-sided foam tape
• Wall screw and anchor, optional
• Strong magnets

Instructions
Step 1: Rub steel wool over the frame to remove any rust and wipe down with a dry cloth. (You can paint the used frame with appropriate paint, if desired, but we prefer the worn patina for a more rustic look.) If the frame is new, wipe down with the dry cloth to remove any dust.

Step 2: Using a sharp utility knife, cut the foamcore board to the outside measure of the inside border. (The scrollwork should be framed by two rectangular borders.)

Step 3: Apply several coats of magnetic paint to the foamcore board, following the paint can instructions.

Step 4: Apply one or two light coats of your wall colour, if you prefer to mask the black magnet paint.

Step 5: If necessary, trim the double-sided foam tape to the size of the surround's inside border. Apply the tape along the backside of the inside border.

Step 6: Carefully align the painted side of the foamcore board to the backside of the inside border and press down so the tape adheres well.

Step 7: Hang the message centre with a wall screw and anchor, if necessary.

Step 8: You can now hang photos or notes with a strong magnet.

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