It's Day Four of my new blog series, the Procrastinating Crafter's Guide to (quick) Christmas Glam! That's quite a mouthful! But I wanted the title to convey what the series was really about–a collection of super-fast craft ideas to add that handmade touch to your holidays, even though the season is well underway.
Today's project takes only a half hour max to make, like all my posts in this series, but I did take several photos to make sure you caught the concept. So without further ado, let's make an easy French Memo Board! My version is way simpler (and cheaper) than many out there–no buying expensive stretchers or punching holes through canvas! And no staple gun required.
Pin boards are all the rage right now, and this beribboned French-style memo board is perfect for storing all those scraps of inspiration, ticket stubs and neat little notes from loved ones. At this time of year, it's also perfect for showcasing the cards you've undoubtedly already started to receive! Can you believe I got my first Christmas card in the mail before Thanksgiving? And Thanksgiving was so early this year, too!
Well, my procrastinating friend, forget about those overacheivers and grab a 12×12 chipboard or cardboard square, a 14×14 inch pieces of holiday-appropriate fabric, some coordinating ribbon (doesn't have to be all the same), a little quilt batting or some felt, and your hot glue gun.
Layer your "sandwich as follows: fabric, right side down; 12×12 quilt batting, 12×12 chipboard (I use the heavy duty chipboard that comes in the back of our Specialty Designer Series Paper packs… been going through the Silver Glimmer paper especially like crazy right now!). Use the hot glue gun to bring the fabric around to the back, pulling it smooth but not too taut.
Don't freak out too much about the corners, as you'll be wrapping the ribbon around them anyway.
It should look like this when you flip it over. I used the super cute Candy Cane Christmas fabrics from the Clearance Rack for my board. The new Gumball Green stitched satin ribbon goes really well with it.
Lay your ribbon in an x-shape from corner to corner, leaving an inch on either end to overlap. Remember to tack only the ends down with your glue gun, not adhere the entire length!
After you've got the two pieces of the X down, cut ribbons for the smaller four lengths. Start those in the middle of each side of the board and stretch across the corner to the middle of the nearest side.
You can hot glue buttons, brads, or flowers to the junctions of the ribbons. I used silver Glimmer Brads on the ribbons, with a dab of hot glue attaching each juncture to the fabric underneath. A traditional French memo board would be pierced and the brads or nails would go all the way through to the back. But there's no need for that drastic extra step unless you're designing a family heirloom, am I right?
As you might imagine, these can be made in ANY size you want–sky's the limit! They also look great framed. And your color options are only limited by the fabrics and ribbons you choose. Attach magnets and it can go on a file cabinet or fridge! These would sure brighten up a co-worker's cubicle or a teen's locker.
I hope you've enjoyed this quick idea or can maybe file it away as a craft to do with the kids, or just use up some of that fabric hoard. Tomorrow's idea is another 3-minute Christmas Card, and you'll need some of that yummy Glimmer Paper to make it happen. See you next time!
I squealed when I saw this because my middle daughter has been wanting one of these! As someone who avoids going out to shop for anything at anytime, your project is perfect! I have everything to make this as a gift for her! Thank you, thank you, Lyssa!
What a great idea! I love the idea that it doesn’t have to be big and to put it in a frame. I’ll be going through my stash to make some of these!,