French Memo Board using Backsplash
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A Graduate going to college this fall or young adult moving into an apartment? Redecorating a teen room? Or just need a place to keep your own notes close at hand in home or office? This stylish French Memo Board project with backsplash is designed to display photos, notes and other keepsakes. While easy and inexpensive to make, it can be custom crafted to fit any decor. I crafted this French Memo Board in bright colors to give an office area an extra splash of color. The possibilities are endless to create perfect gift for that special girl or guy (or yourself!) And yes, guys too. Sports teams, favorite colors, or hobbies can all be themes to personalize French Memo Boards.The items needed are:
The hardest step of this project may be deciding the lucky recipient and then choosing a great backsplash, ribbon color and embellishments that reflect their taste. I chose the Art Nouveau pattern, purple ribbon and combed through old buttons to find some interesting shapes and colors that will coordinate. A black frame with copper backsplash would be an ideal masculine choice. As I work on projects, I keep in mind what I already have available – reuse, recycle! I did not have an exsiting frame in the size I wanted but search through your storage for a frame you can repurpose. |
 Supplies for French Memo Board |
| After choosing white buttons, I decided to paint the frame white to coordinate. I used enamel paint on hand from painting woodwork in our house a few years ago. Inexpensive sponge brushes work great. After a few hours, I painted a second coat to get good coverage. For small projects, here’s a hint to keep from cleaning out your brush – wrap in plastic wrap and put it in the freezer. It prevents the paint from drying in your brush. I’ve heard this works overnight or even days but have only done this for a few hours. Just allow a few minutes to thaw before starting your second coat. |
 Painting frame |
While the paint was drying, I began to measure the backsplash. If your backsplash has a pattern, you will want to center the pattern within the frame. The size should be slightly less than the frame. I found this out later when assembling. With the addition of the ribbon, it was a tight squeeze to get the backsplash into the frame.
 Center and measure panel |
| The backsplash panel has a protective coating so you can mark directly on it with a permanent marker. |
 Centering design |
 Centering frame on panel |
| Score the panel several times with a utility knife. Bend the panel several times against a straight edge to finish the break. |
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| Lay out the ribbon first to determine the best alignment for a patterned panel. I chose the horizontal layout as it “framed” the pattern on the backsplash panel. |
 Diagonal ribbon pattern Horizontal ribbon patternAfter laying out the ribbon, I decided I preferred a thinner ribbon. The ribbon shown here is 7/8" wide and I used 5/8" ribbon for my French Memo Board.Remove the protective coating from the Backsplash Panel. Cut the ribbon allowing about 1" to attach to the back of the panel. Affix one end with Crazy Glue and hold for a few seconds. Attach the second end with Crazy Glue holding snugly so the ribbon will be tight.Gluing ribbon to backsplash panelAttach buttons or embellishments of your choice with Crazy Glue, again holding each for a few seconds. I found some flower shaped buttons to add variety. You could also decorate the frame with additional buttons or ribbon.Adding buttons for the final touch |
| Assemble the backsplash to the frame using the existing backing from the frame. This will hold the French Memo Board backsplash securely.  Completed frame and backsplash Try creating your own unique French Memo Board using our backsplash for gifts or yourself.  French Memo Board using Backsplash |