Smart DIY: Use Office Supplies to Make a French Memory Board

By Sarah Lipoff

Updated on 11/26/2019 at 10:40 AM

We've seen these adorable French memory boards on Pinterest and Etsy, so we just had to try making one for ourselves. Instead of using costly materials, we put a spin on things by using office supplies for this DIY that costs less than $10. All you need is a small piece of fabric, colorful ribbon, and a bit of fiberfill, which you can find at any craft store. Before you know it, you'll have an adorable memory board for your office or home.

Keep reading for the savvy directions.

What You'll Need:

  • 12-by-12-inch foam board
  • Scissors
  • Fabric
  • Hot glue gun
  • Fiberfill
  • Ribbon
  • 1-inch-round fasteners
  • Pencil
  • Craft needle (optional)

Directions:

  1. Gather the materials, selecting a section of fabric that's larger than your foam board. Any size of foam board works wonderfully; we used a 12-by-12-inch square for making this memory board. Be supersavvy, and repurpose an old pillowcase or sheet for this project.
  1. Place the fabric, pattern side down on your workspace. Position the foam board on top, and trim, if needed, until there is a two-inch boarder.
  1. Fold over the fabric along one side of the foam board, securing with the hot glue gun. Do the same along another side, leaving half the foam board open.
  1. Place a layer of fiberfill on the foam board. You don't want it to be too thick; about one cup will create a nice cushion for a 12-by-12-inch board.
  1. Flip the board over and pull the fabric around the other two edges, securing with the hot glue gun.
  1. Now begin arranging lengths of ribbon to create the sections for the French memory board. Start by creating an X and then positioning the rest of the ribbons. Use a pencil to gently mark the placement of the ribbons around the edges.
  1. Flip the board over, and secure one of the lengths of the X with the hot glue gun, then securing the other end. Continue glueing and securing the lengths, using a ruler as needed to keep the lengths parallel.
  1. To finish the memory board, stick a fastener at each point where the ribbons cross. You can use a craft needle to help create the holes. Open the fasteners on the back of the board, securing them.
  1. Continue working until all the crossed lengths of ribbon are secured. Cut an eight- to 10-inch length of ribbon, and secure it to the back of the foam board to use for hanging the finished memory board.
  1. To use the finished board, simply slide important business cards, notes, or pictures between the ribbons to keep you motivated and on task.