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!
Oh my gosh! We were just in Lowes & HD last weekend trying to figure this very thing out. MDF seemed too hard, but I couldn’t figure out how to attach burlap to the insulation and was worried that push pins wouldn’t hold. Glad to hear that she is happy with it. Looks great!
What a great inexpensive way to make a large, custom memo board. Never thought of using insulation. Great tip!
awesome! Just a classic look yet useful and simple!
This is just awesome. I’ve been wanting to make one of these for the stretch of backsplash above my laptop in the kitchen.
A stroke of genius using the insulation!
Will have to give it a shot!
Thanks for sharing.
This is awesome! Im in the middle of trying to make an inspiration board from an old frame and was trying to figure out what to use for the insert- now I know! thank you!!
Its looks awesome and it does always help to have a patient husband :-)
I actually made a huge memo board using this same insulation about two years ago for my office at work. Instead of the spray adhesive, I simply used duct tape to tape the fabric on the back. Two years later and it’s still holding up! I love it!
So cute! And brilliant idea to use the sheathing instead of MDF! :)
This is great! looks terrific and love the price! Thanks for sharing…
Ahhh…I have one of those “priceless” engineers too! They sure are handy for the technical things!
Looks great! I love how you worked around the outlets – great to keep it laptop friendly!
oh i love it! so perfect.
I love how the post featured pictures of her family helping out with the project, because don’t we all drag our husbands (and kids) into making our little visions come to life? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dragged my husband up and down the aisle at Home Depot looking for the right supplies to make a daydream happen. And this particular project’s price tag would make even my weary husband smile too.
Erin | Holtwood Hipster
holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com
Priceless for sure on the patient husband. Great solution for this space. Looks so good.
Look great! Such an easy and inexpensive DIY!
xo
Kristy
http://www.idesignlove.com
REALLY cute! Love the nail head addition!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
I love the idea of using thumb tacks for the pins! Thanks for the inspiration. I am pinning this :)
blessings
karianne
This is great! Now all I need is a patient, handy husband!
Beautiful! I’ve been meaning to get around to doing somethinh similar!
http://pinkletandc.blogspot.com
I love the custom size… there’s room for everything! I made a similar one here for my son’s bedroom…. I recovered an actual bulletin board with a drop cloth and nailheads, an easy project. Katie’s turned out really great!
This is wonderful … and I love the lamp!
The patient, helpful husband was KEY!!! Mine is hit or miss…but when we do a project together, it’s more fun for me than any date night!!!
Great idea using the large foam board!
A patient, engineer husband. I cannot wait to get me one of those!
That last one (the patient, engineer husband) really is totally priceless. Too cute!!
This this board is strong and stiff enough to put a little wood frame around it? I’m building something for son’s room…want calendar on one side, cork board on other, and would like stained frame…mdf waaaay to heavy.
How is the board holding up? I want to make one but didn’t know if it worked as well as cork. Thanks!