Tuesday, July 10, 2012

DIY: Fabric Boards

I've had a few people ask me about my fabric boards, so here is a special DIY post!  I feel silly writing this post because (1) I'm sure I'm not the first person to create this and (2) it's SO easy that you could definitely figure it out for yourself.  But here we go!



Things you need

1. WOOD
Mine was wood leftover from making cabinets for our last place (heavier wood than I'd prefer, but free!).  If you're lucky enough to know someone who always has random wood and things around their workshop (like my dad), that's always best because it's cheap to free.  If not, go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick out some wood!  It's intimidating for a girl (I know from experience), because likely you really don't know what you're doing.  So ask a nice employee to help you.  They will even cut it for you for free (just make sure you know what dimensions you want!).  You can also use an old cork board... be resourceful!  If you've had success with a certain type of wood, share in a comment.




2. FABRIC GLUE
Get some.  I used Elmer's Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive because that's what my wonderful art teacher friend gave me.  Worked perfectly.  Looks like this...






3. FABRIC
Mine is upholstery fabric from Hobby Lobby, and costed a little more than I would've liked ($40ish I think), but it was the only fabric I found that I LOVED and met all my specifications (had to match black and brown, but still be colorful and fun and make me happy).  It doesn't have to be fancy fabric, as long as you like how it looks!

4. SCISSORS
'Nuff said.

5. HANGING HARDWARE
The wire kind would be best, but I didn't have any and was impatient and didn't want to go to the store, so I used two of these kind (and boy are they a pain!)...



Directions:
(Sorry there aren't more helpful pictures- I wasn't planning on blogging this at the time!)


Step 1:  Lay out the fabric.  Lay the wood out on the fabric.  Make sure there's enough room to reach at least all the way over the sides!  Cut the fabric.  
Step 2:  (I recommend putting down newspaper or trash bags first, and doing this in the garage.  Otherwise, your floor gets sticky.  Don't ask how I know this.)  Spray the fabric glue on the wood and CAREFULLY press on the fabric.  It's hard to take off if you put it on wrong.  Make sure you spray it on extra thick on the side so it's nice and... stick-on-able.  Fold the fabric over the edges and smooth it out.         

Step 3:  Let it dry!  (Easiest step, right?)

Step 4:  Install the hanging hardware on the back.  I suppose this could also work well as Step 0 (before Step 1).  Might want to use a tape measurer and/or level to make sure you get it right!

Step 5:  Hang it/them and behold!  I think it works really well to liven up our ugly rent-white walls and fill a big space!






Let me know if you have any questions!