When I was asked to come up with an easy DIY project for last weekend’s event at Lowe’s, I knew I wanted to do something that would be both pretty and useful. I walked the aisles of Lowe’s and kept coming back to the rope section. So much great texture to create something! In the end, I went with this easy memo board:
Inspired by this image, I scaled down the board so that it could easily fit in a cubicle space or a family command center. I also opted for paint instead of fabric to make this an even easier DIY.
Woman’s Day
Here’s what I used:
A 2×2 birch board—already cut. (This is a great weight. Not too flimsy, but not too heavy if you decide to hang it.)
Rope: You’ll need just a few inches more than 8 feet of this thicker rope for the outside border. So, get extra and cut it later. (I was able to cut the thicker rope easily at home with my gardening shears.) You’ll also need thinner rope for the front of the board. I bought a package of the 3/8-inch x 50 feet Bluehawk manila rope.
A package of furniture nails. (I used brass.) These are just decorative so you could leave them off, if you want. . .
(You’ll also need a hot glue gun and plenty of glue sticks.)
The first step is to pre-paint your board. Mine is Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore in a flat finish. I think the glue seems to stick better to a flatter finish than something glossy. Once it’s dry, you can start gluing.
The key to this project is to glue and press, glue and press, glue and press, pulling your rope tightly as you go. Don’t get in too big of a hurry. (Perfect DIY to do in front of the TV. . .) Also, if you want to pre-cut your thinner rope, you’ll need two 34” pieces for the center diagonal and four 17” pieces for the diamond.
This is super cute and cool Emily!!!! Your version looks awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Love the dark navy with the rope. What a great and easy to do DIY.
Love it – thanks for this great idea!
Quick question – how did you finish off the ends of the thicker rope to prevent them from unraveling and looking bulky?
Thanks!!
I just put a little hot glue on the ends.
I like that you used a navy as the background. A great way to add a color/texture to home decor :) xx
This is so cute, Emily! I wish I was still in Charlotte so I could have attended your class. Looked like so much fun!
Thanks, Shannon! Hope things are going well in DC.
You are too smart. I really enjoy all your creative ideas. God given talent! I am most happy when I am creating and I’m sure your share this feeling. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Thanks, Barbara :) Yes, happiest when it all works out according to plan!
Personal cousin question- Is the picture of the soldier on the board, PawPaw, Robert, Mama Scott and Papa Scott?
Yes! Pawpaw made the blog :)