Make your own ribbon board

_{Originally published on July 15, 2011. Post includes affiliate links.}

How many adorable photo Christmas cards do you receive each year? Opening these personalized cards is a special treat, and it’s especially more meaningful when they’re from those who live far away.  It’s nice to be able to see their smiling faces and take note of the changes in them since the same time last year. As each holiday season comes to an end I struggle between my need to de-clutter and the guilt I feel when throwing away these beautiful photos.

These are all of my favorite people in life, and I want to be able to enjoy them throughout the year. Instead of tossing all of those lovely cards, I decided to keep the section that I loved best: the photo.  But then what?  Putting them in a shoe box isn’t much better than the trash.  I wanted these photos on display for all to see. I decided that it was time for this ribbon board DIY project and I’m going to share how you can make one for your home.

You can easily buy a ribbon board already done, but where’s the fun in that?  By making your own, you get to make all of the custom selections so that it reflects your style and fits into your home decor.  And it really is easy. It doesn’t have to be perfect.  Mine isn’t.  Imperfections will be covered with your photos, invitations and cards.

Here’s what you need:
– One large picture frame
– Medium weight fabric, large enough to cover entire frame
– 2 pieces of foam board – cut to size of frame inset
– Cotton batting
– Grosgrain ribbon
– Upholstery tacks
– Hot glue gun

 

Step 1:
Remove the glass from your photo frame and recycle or reuse it.  Use the cardboard backing as a stencil so that you can cut two rectangular pieces of foam board to the exact same size.  Put one of the foam board pieces aside for later.

Step 2:
Cut a square of cotton batting that’s the same size as the foam board and glue it in place on one side.  Then, cover the same foam board (and batting) with your fabric.  Firmly glue in place on the back side.

Step 3:
Take your ribbon and cut it into lengths to diagonally extend over your fabric-covered board.  Lay out your ribbon lengths a few inches apart.  Start in the center and work outward, gluing just a dot of hot glue on each end of the ribbon.  Criss-cross your ribbon going in the opposite way, and then secure an upholstery tack where the ribbons cross.

Step 4:
Once the glue is dry, insert the finished panel into the frame, cover the back with that second foam board you put aside earlier, and tack your insert in place.  Now you have a pretty display board for all of your photos and cards.