How to Make a Memory Board Using a Painter Canvas Frame

Eliminate the need for pins and turn a memo board into a work of art.

Memory boards make attractive and useful additions to any room's decor, but even plain fabric ones without ribbon or other embellishments can cost nearly $40. Make one easily using a ready-made painter's canvas. The canvases come in a wide variety of sizes. The wood frames make attaching fabric and batting simple with a staple gun. Create an accent for any decorating scheme by choosing fabric and ribbon for the board that matches the room.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas frame
• Foam board
• Fabric glue
• Scissors
• Quilt batting
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Ribbon
• Measuring tape
• Buttons or fabric jewels

Instructions

1. Use foam board to provide additional firmness to the memo board. Cut foam board the same size as the canvas frame. Spread fabric glue on the back of the foam board then attach it to the front of the canvas.

2. Cut fabric and quilt batting to 1 inch wider and longer than the canvas frame. Lay the fabric face down on a sturdy surface. Lay the quilt batting on top of it.

3. Lay the canvas frame face-down on top of the fabric and quilt batting. Pull the layer of fabric and batting tightly over the edge of the canvas frame and to the back. Use the staple gun to attach the fabric and batting to the back of the wood canvas frame.

4. Cut two pieces of ribbon 2 inches longer than the diagonal measurement of the frame. Lay the pieces of ribbon diagonally across the frame from one corner to the other, forming an "x." Pull the ribbon ends taut and to the back of the frame. Attach the ribbon to the frame back with a staple gun.

5. Locate the center of each side of the frame. Cut four pieces of ribbon long enough to span from one center point to the adjacent one creating the sides of a diamond shape. Position the ribbon diamond shape so its four points or vertices sit at the centers of the four sides of the canvas frame. The intersection of the "x" sits at the center of the diamond the ribbon forms. Staple the ribbon ends to the back if the frame.

6. Glue a large button or fabric jewel to each of the intersections of the ribbon. Allow the glue on the buttons or jewels to dry completely before using the board.

7. Attach a length of ribbon to each upper corner of the back of the frame. Tie the ends of the ribbons together to form a hanger for the memory board.

8. Tuck photos, souvenirs and memos under the ribbons to hold them in place. The board could also serve as an inspiration board, holding items beneath the ribbons that you keep to inspire your hopes and dreams.

Tips & Warnings

• Sit smaller memory boards in decorative plate stands on tabletops or desks.

• Glue ribbon around the sides of the memory board for a decorative accent.

• Use high-quality fabric glue meant for jewels to attach the buttons or jewels so the bond remains strong.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Pulp Memo Boards
• Apartment Therapy: Inspiring Inspiration Board