Multi-Pocket Bulletin Board Tutorial

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

* 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.



* Wrap the fabric around your board and tape into place.



* 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

* 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").


* 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

* 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.



* Remaining Edges. Fold the remaining three edges over 1/4," pin, and press.

Step 3: Assembly (I forgot to take pictures for these steps)

* Pin pockets to board cover. With right side of fabric facing up, pin to cover, where your pockets are marked.

* 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.

* 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

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

Easy to Sew Pouch

Today I wandered to the local coffee shop to get out of the house, grab some coffee and catch up on my daily blog reading. I didn't want to lug my big laptop with me, so I decided to take my nifty Barnes and Nobles color nook. Can I tell you how much I love this thing?! My wonderful husband got it for me for Christmas and I am addicted. I typically use it like an ipad, only it was way less expensive. I also love that I can keep my books and magazines together, plus surf the internet and play pandora.

I didn't want to scratch it today, so I unfortunately had to wrap it in a hand towel. I decided then and there I needed to make a case.

I was inspired by the brassy apple tutorial I found on finding fabulous's blog for making sweater pillows. So I went to the thrift store and found the perfect sweater for my nook pouch. It was a small turquoise abercrombie cable sweater for $2.67! (Please pardon the terrible lighting on these pictures).

I came home and made an easy template by tracing the nook onto a piece of paper. Then I added 1/2" to each side (and a little more at the top to make a channel for my drawstring).


Next, I simply pinned the template to the sweater and cut out the first piece. Then I flipped the template over and cut out the second piece.

I then folded the top piece down approximately 1/2" and pinned, then sewed the channel for my drawstring. Repeated with piece 2.

Finally, I placed the right sides of the fabric facing each other, pinned them together leaving approximately 1/4" seam allowance and sewed.

This is how it turned out. Not bad for my 2nd time sewing ever (except for home-ec in 7th grade).



Definitely, not bad for $2.67! I am not saying I wouldn't love to have something like this, but for now I am ecstatic that I don't have to wrap it in a towel to take it out of the house!

The great thing about this little sweater pouch, it can be used for anything. They're so easy to make and the size is easy to change. Simply trace your item on a piece of paper, add 1/2" to all sides and sew.