How to make a French Memo Board (tutorial)

[batgirl]

I recently made a French Memo for the Francais swap, and I thought I'd share my process. I liked it so much that I made myself one, and made a tute. There are many tutes around, and I sort of combined ideas for mine, so it's not super original, but it was easy and may be helpful if you are searching for some tutes on this project.


I used a stretched artist canvas (from Michaels, the cheapest one they had, it came in a 2-pack, hence making my own!). I used 12X 16 (because I had a 13X 17 mailing box!) but any size will work.



I didn't have any batting so I folded up some terry cloth remnants  just a bit smaller than the canvas. It works fine! I used about 4 layers.



Next, I draped the fabric over the canvas, a few inches larger, with plenty to wrap around. This is Michael Miller fabric with little Eiffel Towers.



Carefully turn it over and staple the sides thoroughly, making sure it's tight and smooth.



Then fold the corners in carefully and staple the other sides. Make sure your corners are smooth and everything is pulled firmly. Use plenty of staples!



Turn it over:



Lay your ribbons across in a diagonal pattern. Make sure they are straight and evenly spaced. It helps to pin them in place.



Flip and staple:



Weave ribbons going the opposite way (ove/under the first ones):



Flip and staple:



So far:



Staple a ribbon the length you want to the back for hanging:



Then add a little bow, if you like.



Sew or glue some buttons at each ribbon intersection. I used some pretty vintage buttons.



Then hang it up! Voila!

[chimes]

Oooh Thank you so much for the tutorial!  I love the memo board.

[nataluna]

A) oh hey that's the same fabric as AtRandom sent me, but in a different colorway.
and
B) this is very cool!  i think these are more complex than i thought, so now i know better.  and if i ever need to make one, i know where to look!

[batgirl]

Thank you both! It was really fun to make!

[pinokeeo]

Very nice.  And thanks for the tute.  I always wanted to make one, but they looked too complicated for me.

[batgirl]

It was actually really easy and fun! Try it out! It was figuring out a good base that stumped me the most. i've seen several other ideas, but this one made the most sense in my noggin. 

[Zombie_Queen]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. Can't wait to make my own

[batgirl]

Awesome! Be sure to post it when you do!

[donniesgirl]

Ooh terry - I have a bunch of old towels.  These turned out so cute!

[batgirl]

Thanks guys!