DIY French Memo Board

Ready to get organized for the school year? I’m convinced one thing every home needs is a memo board. Here are tons of DIY ideas for how to make a memo board:

Now, here’s one I made. You know those French memo boards that utilize ribbons and tufted fabric to hold cards and pictures? Well, I had an old TV tray in our basement and had the brainstorm to make it into a magnetic version of a French memo board. But instead of ribbons and upholstery tacks or buttons, I faked the look with spray paint, painter’s tape and magnets made to match.

Magnetic French Memo Board
Nap Rating = 2 naps

Tools and Materials

• Metal tray
• Fine-grit sand paper
• Painter’s tape
• Newspaper
• High-gloss spray paint in 2 colors of your choice
• Saw-toothed picture hanger
• Super glue

Steps

1. Lightly sand off any rust or blemishes on the tray.
2. Thoroughly clean and dry the tray.
3. Lay the tray on some newspaper, and spray the entire top of the tray with the color you want the “ribbons” to be. Wait for it to dry completely, at least 20 minutes or until completely dry to the touch and no longer tacky.
4. Tape off the tray with painter’s tape. Start by measuring and marking the exact center of the tray and make the first X so that it crosses right at that mark. Next, place parallel pieces of tape at equal distances from the center towards all four corners of the tray. Make sure the tape is completely smooth so the paint doesn’t run underneath.
5. Spray the entire tray with the second paint color of your choice. Spray the back of the tray this time. Wait for it to dry completely.
6. Peel off the painter’s tape.
7. Center the picture hanger on the back of the tray and use super glue to attach it.