How to Make a Ribbon Bulletin Board

Decorate plain cork boards with ribbon and fabric.

Ribbon bulletin boards, sometimes called memo boards, are simple to fashion and look nicer than plain cork board bulletin boards. Instead of unattractive pushpins, ribbon bulletin boards utilize tension to hold papers or photos in place. Design ribbon bulletin boards to suit your specific color palette or size limitations. Ribbon memo boards are appropriate in both a home or office setting.

Things You'll Need

• Cork bulletin board
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Furniture tacks

Instructions

Securing the Fabric Backing

1. Cut the desired fabric to about 1 inch taller and wider than the selected cork bulletin board.

2. Place the fabric wrong-side up and center the bulletin board cork-side down. Bring one side of the fabric up and over, and staple the fabric to the bulletin board in the center of the overhanging fabric.

3. Tightly pull the opposite side of the fabric up and over, and staple it to the bulletin board.

4. Move onto the next side of the bulletin board, pull the fabric up and over, and staple it to the bulletin board, repeating for the fourth side.

5. Secure the fabric to the bulletin board with more staples; take care not to wrinkle or bunch the fabric while stapling.

6. Flip the fabric-covered bulletin board over and inspect your work; restaple as necessary.

Attaching the Ribbon

1. Place the board fabric-side up and drape the ribbon sections over and across the board at about a 45 degree angle, until you have your desired pattern. Drape the ribbon sections from the other direction until you have a diamond type of pattern.

2. Secure the straight pins into the ribbon near the bottom edge of the board. Flip the board over and staple the ribbon edges to the board. Flip the board over again, and check your work.

3. Press the furniture tacks into the places where the ribbons intersect, and inspect your completed ribbon memo board.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with ribbons of varying colors or sizes until you reach the pattern you are most pleased with.

• Avoid damaging the ribbons by tacking the ribbons with pins only when you are pleased with the positioning.

References

• Michaels: Magnetic Message Board
• Michaels: Memo Board

Resources

• Savy n Sassy: How to Make a Ribbon Memo Board