all points bulletin

  
There are a variety of bulletin board ideas and how-to instructions in magazines and on web sites, but I wanted to make one with pockets to contain the business cards I accumulate from art shows and sales. I like the look of criss-crossed ribbons to simply slide in a photo, magazine picture or some other inspiration.

Below are instructions for the board I recently made. I used homasote, a dense thick cardboard that is perfect for memo boards because it accommodates pins nicely. It can be purchased at lumber yards; where they will often cut it to size for you. If you can’t find it, you can use an ordinary cork bulletin board and just recover it.

 

Supplies:

Homasote or new/old cork bulletin board (unframed)

Linen or cotton fabric

Staple gun

Ribbon 4-5 yards

Upholstery tacks or push pins

Scissors

Needle and thread or sewing machine

 

Instructions

Cut your fabric about 2” larger than your cut board. If you desire pockets allow an extra 6” or 8” of fabric and fold the fabric up 2 or 3 times until you have pockets about 2”deep (see picture). Pin pockets and stitch at sides and once down the center.  
  Wrap fabric around board, making sure pockets are straight. From the back, use the staple gun and staple all around, folding corners to lay flat. 

 
Select a ribbon in desired color; stretch and pin ribbon in any pattern you’d like.

 
When you get the ribbons pinned in place, wrap the ends to the back side of the board and staple. Flip board over to the front and use push pins or tacks at the intersections of the ribbons to further tighten them. I like to use brass upholstery tacks.

Attach a picture hanging hook the back using screws. If you’re making a large bulletin board use two hooks for better support.

 

***Tip: It's tempting to select a beautifully patterned fabric but I suggest a simple linen or cotton. The finished bulletin board will be quite busy with photos and inspirations so it's nice to keep the background neutral. Choose a bright fun ribbon for color 

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For further instructions check out Martha Stewart's video on her website at

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/ribbon-bulletin-board

 

Comments

[Sam]

Good job mom, glad I could help with the pictures

[Tiffanie]

Janet, you are so crafty! I can't wait to try and make this! :)

[lisa]

I love this idea, im going to try to make it.

[Molly]

Awww... this reminds me of late my mama in such a nice way: she made or made-over bulletin boards for the kitchen, for us kids, etc. Her "signiture" was always rick-rack edging! I have ever since been in love with rick-rack and one day will make something with tons of rick-rack.