New Project Idea: Dry Erase Board Carrier

Dare Bear, just turned two last month, loves to draw... espeically on dry erase boards.  For Valentine's day, I bought him a Backyardigans travel dry erase board.  I have yet to see the product, but I got to thinking during my lunch break, that I could make a portable dry erase board set, similar to a crayon caddy.  It's still in the brainstorm stage, but I think it is very doable.  It wouldn't be "cheap" to make since I would need to buy the dry erase board - though you can buy uncut/unfinished, so to speak, dry erase board for fairly cheap.  I don't own or have space for an electric saw to cut it on, however. 

My first thought was to cover a binder with fabric.  On the left hand side would be pockets for a number of the fat dry erase markers and on the right side would be where I would attach the dry erase board. My thought with the binder is that the dry erase boards are heavy and would need something heavy duty to hold it.  However, as I type, I'm thinking I could detach the writing surface, the actual board from the case and it would be lighter and then the entire product would be lighter.  The right side of the carrying case could be a window that I slide the board behind.  I think I will cover the fabric with vinyl so if the markers bleed or Dare decides to dry outside the box, as he often does, it will be easy to clean.  hmm... ideas, ideas...  I can't wait to spec this out!

Edited: I can't believe my luck!  This evening when I got home a Discount School Supply catalog was waiting in my mail box and in it, double sided dry erase boards - one side is blank and the other side has a space for drawing and have two ruled lines for writing!!!  What perfect timing.  They are $2.79 each, so way cheaper than I had first anticipated.  Also found dry erase makers and crayons in the catalog.  So now I just have to figure out my design, which is easier said than done apparently.  A big part of the problem is I am spacially uncoordinated - I have a hard time figuring out how objects will look when rotated in any direction without physically rotating it.  So, when it comes to how to sew this together, I have a hard time figuring out which sides I want to keep unsewn and what layer and direction to place the handles.  It makes me cross-eyed.  But I have a rough plan and just have to get some measurements and finish the nitty gritty.

Today's Inspiration



From Maureen Cracknell, February 2, 2011
http://maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/02/warm-hearts.html



I love these Warm Hearts at Maureen Cracknell Handmade.  Similar to the handwarmers/wrist pad I made for Christmas except heart-shaped and with flax seed and cute as heck.  And a great activity to do with the kids.  Nana Bear is always wanting to help out with my crafts and letting her pick out the fabrics would be a great way to let her help out.

Inspiration

I was just over at One Pretty Thing perusing her Jewelry Round-up and saw this link to Bugaboo, Mini Mr and Me.  One of my big projects for Xmas was making magnets with these flat marbles and doing essentially the same thing that Kimberly is doing for her pendants and keychains.  What a great idea!!  I think I shall be adding this to my project list for gifts this year.  I found an old picture of my family friends and I when wwere in high school and will make some key chains for them.  Thanks Kimberly!