DIY Custom Memo Board

 

Before we got started on Katie’s office nook makeover, she and her husband tackled installing a memo board on the long, narrow wall space above her desk.  

 

 

 

 

Her inspiration were these simple (but pricy) burlap memo boards from Ballard Designs:

 

 

 

 

Since she wanted the board to fill the entire back wall, they started by taking exact measurements, marking for electrical and phone outlets:

 

 

 

 

We noticed that one review on the memo boards from Ballard said that the burlap was wrapped around MDF which made it really hard to tack anything onto the board, and also made the board pretty heavy.  So, instead of MDF, Katie used this insulation product (recommended by the guys at Home Depot):

 

 

 

 

They had it cut it to their measurements at the store:

 

 

 

 

Before wrapping the board, they carefully plotted out and marked where the outlet openings would need to be.  (Thankfully, her husband is an engineer!)

 

 

 

 

Katie also found that the best way to avoid wrinkles was to use inexpensive painter’s canvas drop cloths instead of the burlap:

 

 

 

 

It gives the same great texture and was easier to iron.

 

 

 

 

They used 3M spray adhesive to attach the drop cloth to the board:

 

 

 

 

Here’s Rich marking and getting ready to make the cuts (which was easily done with a razor) for the outlet openings:

 

 

 

 

Folding the ends:

 

 

 

 

To attach the board to the wall, they used three velcro strips (which could easily be removed if they ever wanted to take it down):

 

 

 

 

Once we began styling the space, we used a couple of packs of silver thumbtacks to create the look of nailhead trim:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cost of this project (according to Katie):

Board = $12

Thumb Tacks = $12

Canvas Drop Cloth = $14

3M Adhesive Spray = $11

A patient, engineer husband = Priceless

 Total = $49

 

 

 

 

 

PS--On the subject of offices, thanks to Darlene of Fieldstone Hill for featuring mine on her “Ditto” series yesterday!