Fabric Covered Memo Board

Blue material
  • 2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 0-50

Note: You may already have a cork board that can be repurposed for this project, and because bulletin boards come in various sizes and shapes, materials and instructions do not recommend specific quantities. Instead, instructions are given so you may calculate materials needed to complete this project.

Step 1 - Figure Out How Much Fabric You Need

To determine how much fabric you'll need, measure the cork portion only of the bulletin board and add four inches to the height and four to the width. Cut fabric to size.

Step 2 - Calculate Amount of Ribbon Needed

To determine how much ribbon you'll need, multiply the width x height of the bulletin board in inches. Determine yardage by dividing that number by 36". If it seems like a lot of ribbon- it is. The small board done in the photo took five yards of ribbon.)

Step 3 - Prepare Work Surface

Protect the working surface with a newsprint. Mask off the bulletin board frame with painters tape. Spray a generous coat of spray adhesive onto the cork board.

Step 4 - Apply Fabric

Center your fabric on the cork board and smooth it into place working from the center out to the edges of the frame. Pull the fabric taught and press it in place. Turn fabric edges under approximately two inches on all sides. Then press and pin in place.

Step 5 - Secure Fabric

With office stapler unfolded, staple edges of fabric approx. 1/8" from inside edge of frame. Continue stapling until fabric is secure. Then remove the pins.

Step 6 - Place Ribbon

To determine placement for ribbon, divide the board into fourths or thirds; mark each point at the edge of the fabric with chalk or pencil. Begin stapling the ribbon at the top center of the board. Then pull the ribbon taught diagonally to the next mark (either left or right) and staple in place. Cut the ribbon close to the staple. Continue stapling ribbons, criss crossing them until the board is completely finished.

Cover all staples by outlining the inside edges of the frame with ribbon. Secure ribbon by placing upholstery tacks where the ribbons intersect. Continue placing tacks at each intersection. Remove masking tape from the frame.