I have been obsessing over making a busy board since my daughter was only six months old. I noticed how much she loved using her fingers, and also her boundless curiosity for taboo, household items, such as remotes, cords, etc. 

I have always aimed to create "yes spaces" for her, and taking away those household items broke my heart. So, I was dead set on finding a way she could safely play with certain items without my needing to interfere or take them away.

I, of course, did a cursory search online, but was taken aback by the price to import a busy board, as I live in Japan, and busy boards are not that popular. Also, none of them had the elements or feel I was going for, and I would then need to buy two to fulfill my requirements.

So, finally, I then decided to try and make one. Well, talk about overwhelmed. Where to start? How to go about it? What tools do I need? How to make it secure and safe?

Well, after six months of mulling and foot dragging, I finally made one! And it was easier than I thought it was going to be. If you're interested in making one for yourself, please keep reading below!

STEP 1: GATHER INSPIRATION AND MAKE A DRAFT BOARD

I made the mistake of shopping first and drafting later, and all it caused was a bunch of running back and forth and buying things I ultimately did not end up using. So, my first tip is to find inspiration and make a concept. Gather all the busy boards photos that you like and write down the elements that appeal to you. What size board do you want? What aesthetic qualities are you going for? Color scheme. How many items do you want on each board? What is your child into? Buttons, switches, strings, gears? Don't worry about the possibilities or limits. The point is just to get a clear idea of what you want before moving into action.

STEP 2: MAKE A LIST

Make a list of what you already have (see if you have anything lying around the house), what you need to buy, and items you want to make. This will help prevent you from buying multiples or too much. Take the time to also look in your tool box and take note of glue, tape, or screws you might need. Basically be prepared 

STEP 2: MAP OUT YOUR PLAN OF ATTACK

As a busy mom, I just don't have the time to store hop anymore. So, once you have a decent idea of what you want on your board, my second tip is to do a map search or online search of the stores you can find the items. In America, that might be Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target, Goodwill, Home Depot, and in Japan, that would be Daiso, Seria, Homes, or Can-Do. Don't rule out online shopping, but it will be a bit pricier than just going to a physical store. A special tip for Japan is to find the biggest of the branches you have access to. Some 100 yen shops are very tiny and won't have what you need, so don't waste your time going out of your way to them. The biggest Daiso in Yokohama is the daiso/threeppy in Kohoku TOKYU SC, or the multi-level Daiso in Isezaki Chojamachi. As for Can-Do, there's a huge one in Prince Pepe in Shin-Yokohama!

STEP 3: GO SHOPPING

Don't expect to buy everything in one go or at one place. First, canvas the shops nearest to you or your workplace, and then work outward. Have a picture with your draft or inspiration on your phone so that you can easily reference it! Also, buy just a bit more tape, glue, and zip ties than you think you'll need.

STEP 4: ARRANGE AND REARRANGE

Before you attach anything onto your board, just place the items on it in your desired design, and imagine your child playing with it. Can the item be manipulated easily? Are their any awkward places? Feel free to arrange, rearrange, and sleep on it before picking a permanent spot.

STEP 5: ATTACH

Once you're in love with your layout, it is time to start attaching. Make sure you take into consideration what items need batteries because that will affect how you attach it. You'll need to be able to remove the item in order to replace the batteries, so don't use glue. My favorite tool to use was the zip ties. Zip ties are so versatile, cheap, super sturdy, and can easily be cut to exchange items as the child grows older or board. I also used double sided tape and super glue. The hardest items to attach will be anything smooth and plastic, so you might want to invest in some extremely strong super glue! 

STEP 6: QUALITY CONTROL

After letting it dry, it's time to test it out! Remember, you know how to use these items, but your child doesn't. So, when you test it out, test out your board as if you're trying to break it! Pull super hard, bang it, pick at it. This is the only way you'll be able to catch any flaws. Put stress on the board like your child will as they discover how to use it and will use it day after day from then on. Check for loose fibers, sharp edges, small pieces. Imagine your child breaking something on the board. Can they choke on it? If they can, consider exchanging it or reinforcing it. 

STEP 7: DEBUT

Once you've checked it out, it's time to present the busy board to your child. My tip is to let your child discover it themselves and don't interfere to "show them how to use it". It's their board, so let them have at it, and you put your feet up for your few minutes of freedom! 

You deserve it! 

Stores I used for my items

• Can-Do
• Daiso
• 3 Coins
• Nishi Matsuya
• My apartment

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to write in the comments below.