Happy Thursday, the weekend is almost here!
Today, I wanted to share a tutorial with you. As you know, I have been trying to get our cloffice organized and remodeled. The last piece to that puzzle is this multi-pocket bulletin board.
Originally, I decided to build it to help us with mail organization. Overall, it serves as a bulletin/inspiration board, has pockets to organize the mail, and pockets for pens and pencils...very multi-functional.
Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to hang it yet (I finished late last night), but I did want to go ahead and share the tutorial with you.
Materials:
* 1/2" thick
Homasote Fiberboard, cut to size
* canvas, or other thick/sturdy material (enough to cover board and make pockets)
* ribbon
*fabric glue
Step 1: Prep
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Cut your board to size, my size 30 1/4" x 42 1/2" ( I used a
golden ratio rectangle, which is why the size is odd) Don't worry about the ratio, I learned it while studying classical design. I try to incorporate it into my work, but it will not affect the end result . My goal was to have a substantial enough size to fit multiple pockets and have room to hang inspirational photos at the top.
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Wrap the fabric around your board and tape into place. 
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Place and mark the location and size of your pockets. I wanted two pockets to hold file folders. I laid the two folders on the board to get size and spacing. I also wanted another larger pocket and two smaller pockets (one with space for pens/pencils) . I used pieces of notebook paper to represent and play with sizes for the pockets. In my opinion, I like when the pockets line up in a straight line horizontally and vertically, it is more visually pleasing to the eye. Therefore, I made all of my pockets line up and have even spacing throughout.
Step 2: Prep Pockets
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Measure your pockets. Cut pocket fabric 1" wider and and 2" longer than desired pocket size. (My measurements were pocket size: 2 @ 14 3/4" x 9 1/4" fabric size: 2@ 15 3/4" x 11 1/4". pocket size: 2 @ 10 3/4" x 4" fabric size: 2 @ 11 3/4" x 6" and pocket size: 1 @ 10 3/4" x 9 1/2" fabric size: 1 @ 11 3/4" x 11 1/2").
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Double Hem the top. Fold top fabric over 1/2," press. Fold over again 1 1/4," press.
Repeat with all pockets.
1/2" Fold
1 1/4" Fold, marked with disappearing fabric marker to hem
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Topstich. Mark 1/8" and 1" from the top to stitch. I am a beginner, so I actually draw a line with a disappearing ink marker, to practice sewing straight lines.
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Remaining Edges. Fold the remaining three edges over 1/4," pin, and press.
Step 3: Assembly (I forgot to take pictures for these steps)
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Pin pockets to board cover. With
right side of fabric facing up, pin to cover, where your pockets are marked.
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Stitch pockets to board cover, 1/8" from outside edges. Stitch along one side, across the bottom, back up the other side and finish with backstitching at the end.
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Make pocket slots for pens, etc. Lay out the pens/pencils you want to store on top of the pocket. Mark spacing with a ruler and disappearing fabric marker. Start at the bottom of the pocket and stitch towards the top (making sure lines are perpendicular to bottom and parallel to top). Backstitch at the end. Repeat.
By this point, my canvas had a ton of marks with the disappearing ink pen, so I through it in the washing machine, dried and ironed.
Step 4: Attach to Homasote Board
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Line up your pockets. I opted for 1 1/2" spacing between the edge of the board and the edge of the pockets on either side.
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Spray Homasote with spray adhesive. My canvas was not laying flat against the board, so I sprayed it with spray adhesive and smoothed it out before stapling it to the back.
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Staple fabric to the back of board.
* Add decorative ribbon to sides with fabric glue. This gives it a finished appearance.
Overall, it turned out great, and was pretty easy for a beginner. I love it because it is a terrific way to stay organized with the pockets and provides a nice bulletin board for inspirations. I can't wait to hang it. I will post a final picture when it is in place.
PS: Don't forget to sign up for my
appreciation giveaway, it ends Sunday, April 3rd at 11:59 pm.
Before
After
