Summer is coming to a close, and if you're like me, you are wondering what to do with those saved treasures from this year's trips.
It seems a shame - and kind of sad - to just store them away after so much fun. And come our gloomy, winter days, they can offer the hope that summer will come again no matter how much it rains.
Last week, I was out looking for garage-sale treasures, and I remembered something I saw years ago that answers both the storage problem and the desire to display: a French message board!
What is a French message board? Basically, it is a fabric-covered, padded board that is crisscrossed by ribbons and can hold messages and photos in place underneath the ribbons.
Why is this better than the old, traditional cork board? Well, for one thing, it looks better. You can choose a cover fabric that blends with your room's décor so the board doesn't seem out of place anywhere.
And secondly, since you start with a plain board that you will cover, you can make it whatever size you need - small for a hallway, larger for the children's room.
The makings
Here's how to make one: Look for a piece of plywood at your next garage sale that is the size you want the finished message board to be.
If it's not exactly the right size, buy a bigger piece of wood than needed; your local hardware/lumberyard can cut it down for you for a few dollars.
Measure the finished board size, and look for fabric in the your colors that is 3 inches larger on all sides than your board measurements.
See if there is any braid or ribbon also at the sale that works with your color scheme.
If you can't locate fabric or ribbon that you like, don't worry. You will need to go to the fabric store anyway, and you can get them there.
At the fabric store, purchase some thick quilting batting. Be sure to get a piece that is 4 inches larger than your board on each side.
Also purchase a picture-hanging wire kit.
The construction
At home, spread your fabric out on a clean, flat surface. Center the quilting batting on top of it.
Next, lay your board on top the batting, and fold the batting and fabric around the sides of the board and onto the back of the board.
Using a staple gun (the creative person's best friend), staple one edge of the fabric to the back of the board. Pull the opposite side of the fabric tightly, and staple it down. Repeat with the two remaining sides.
Turn the board over, and arrange your ribbons or braid in a crisscross pattern on the front, weaving them over and under each other as you arrange them. Pin them in place.
Before you cut your final ribbon/braid lengths, add enough additional inches to allow the ribbons to fold over the edge and extend onto the back. Staple one end down, and pull the other end tightly before you staple it down.
Mount your hanging kit following the directions on the package.
And, suddenly, for far less than a designer's shop fee, you've got French style in the perfect size and color to fit your home. And all of this summer's tickets, postcards and photos can be displayed with ease and grace.
Ana Kinkaid has worked with private clients for more than 10 years converting rummage finds into treasured decorative accents. She would enjoy your comments at BetterSecondTime Around@gmail.com.
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