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DIY Memo or Picture Board

They're everywhere and I have always liked them but I haven't bought one yet - the infamous picture or memo board. I looked at several styles on Etsy and decided I didn't want to spend $35 for something I thought I could actually do myself. My experiment was a success, it took about an hour (mostly because I had to reload my non-cooperative staple gun) and the total cost was around $3.50. You could make this for Mother's Day and add some of your favorite family photos!
I bought a package of 2 artist canvases, size 16" x 20". I used a 40% coupon, so they cost $2.40 for each canvas. I had some left over fabric (about 20 inches by 26 inches) from my shabby chic ottoman project, in our April archives, so I decided to use that instead of buying material (besides I wanted a shabby chic look). You could also re-purpose an item you already own such as a pillowcase, sheet, blanket, skirt, use your imagination! I also had some quilt batting, ribbon, and a staple gun. You can also add some bling on your ribbon if you want. If you have an extra frame laying around, you can also frame your board. Or maybe you want a larger or smaller board, just choose your favorite size and add about two inches on each side of the board for your batting and fabric. Remember to keep it simple and fun!
Steps:
  1. Lay your batting on a flat surface.
  2. Lay your canvas upside down on top of the batting.
  3. Cut your batting about an inch or two larger than your canvas. Fold the batting over the sides and  watch out for your fingers (I had to say that because I almost had an "incident") and staple with your staple gun. Make sure you pull your batting tight around the edges so you have a nice smooth finish.
  4. Now do the same with your fabric.
  5. You are now ready to attach your ribbon. My ribbon is 3/8 inches wide.
  6. I made a giant X first, from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Then do the same with the  other side from the top right corner to the bottom left corner.
  7. For the rest of the ribbon I just measured 5 1/2 inches between the first ribbons.
  8. You can add decorations or buttons at the places where your ribbons meet. I had some vintage buttons so I sewed them onto my second board and left this one plain. The buttons give it a more tufted look too. 















I used an old chenille bedspread and sewed buttons on for a tufted look!
I used an 11x14 canvas for this, a little smaller

Another 11x14 smaller size
 Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi
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