chalkboard window backpack/coat hanger

when school started a couple of weeks ago, i quickly realized that i needed to do something about the backpacks/diaper bag/purse/briefcase situation. we come into the house through the garage, and all of these bags ended up laying topsy turvy in the middle of the kitchen floor, which kind of made me crazy.

so i finally took the time to do a little project i'd had in mind since we moved! nothing like leaving it to the last minute, eh?

it all started with a window.

i took all of the hardware off, filled holes/sanded/painted with some white paint i had on hand, then set about taping to prep for the chalkboard step.

there was lots of taping.

then i took it outside and used rustoleum's spray chalkboard paint to spray the window panes. i thought about using the brush paint, but when our store was out, went with the spray paint out of impatience. :)

after the chalkboard paint dried, i pulled the tape off and added four robe hooks i picked up at home depot for under $2 each. not too shabby!

hanging it was a little more challenging since i wanted to secure it to a stud (all those bags weigh a ton!), but once i found the drill (a challenge in and of itself), i got it strongly secured to the wall by the door that leads to the garage.

and now all of those bags have a home! i've used the little chalkboards just for doodling so far, but i plan to use them to help me keep up with activities, grocery lists, etc., as the school year progresses. and i pretty much love how it has helped us keep all of the school things where we can find them, but out of the kitchen floor!

my favorite part? it cost me $11 instead of $50 or $95.