Father's Day Memo Board

My Dad has always collected stamps.  He's got an entire room at the house devoted to stamps, and goes to stamp shows and the whole thing.  I don't see the appeal, but it makes for some easy gifts.  I had bought (many years ago) some stamp fabric, not knowing what I'd do with it.  I somehow got the idea to do a memo board, and was all set to start from scratch when I saw this one at Michael's for only $4.99!

Here's what you need:

• Memo Board
• 3/8 Ribbon
• Fabric to cover
• Glue Gun
• Fabric Glue
• Staple Gun
• Pliers if necessary
• Tape (optional)

I first decided to see what was under the black felt in the back.  I was in luck, because everything was glued on and easy to peel off!  I had to unscrew the hooks as well.  I pulled off the buttons and put them aside for later.  I also pulled off the ribbon.  I left the blue fabric as is, and just worked on top of it.

Me & "Burnsie" the Glue Gun

To start, I covered my board with my (ironed) fabric.  I taped it as I went until I was satisfied - then glued it down with the glue gun.  Next was the ribbon...  I had tried to mark where the ribbon originally went, but inadvertently covered my marks with the fabric.  Where the buttons had been were divots, so I was able to use those as my guide.  I taped those down as I went, then stapled where the button would go.  I glued the ends of the ribbon on the back with the glue gun as well.

The buttons came next, and they are the hardest.  I was able to disassemble them into three pieces - fabric covering, metal button top, and plastic bottom.  Cut out a small circle of your co-ordinating fabric and cover the button.  This is where I used a bit of fabric glue and just worked it until it was smooth.  They do sell button cover kits, and that might have made it easier:

 

After I had my buttons covered, I glued those on with the hot glue gun as well.  I screwed the hardware back on the back and glued down the felt.  Voila!  This project only cost me $5.49!

**Update - I gave this to my Dad today when we saw him, and he told me the stamps on the fabric are real stamps, and not just a design!  Very neat!