This no-sew project is an educational opportunity for anyone to learn about working with fabric. I recommend this project as a teaching opportunity for an after school activity, clubs and more.
- Fabric grain is very visible on burlap since the weave is very open. Finding a straight line to start the project shows on the finished side of the board if the burlap fibers are not straight when the burlap is tacked in place.
- Mitered Corners require manipulating the fabric to have the edges line up perfectly.
- The final process of shrinking the fabric shows you just how much fabric can shrink and makes the process very visible.
- Countersinking a bolt is a new process to many. Since the board fabric is very soft, compared to wood, it is an easy to control process.
- Turning under the edges of the burlap before it is tacked down on the back of the board is a form of a seam finish and the reason behind the turned under edge is easy to understand since without turning under the edge, the burlap would pull away from the tacks and shred in the process.
- Marking and measuring are a part of this project and serve as an introduction to these sewing processes.
- Sewing tools and other tools are used to create the bulletin board exposing a young person to the uses for many tools.
Materials Needed:
- Homasote® - Homasote is a sound proofing material that is sold in four foot by eight foot sheets. It can usually be found where sheet rock is sold. Homasote is gray and much softer than wood or sheet rock. It can be cut with a razor knife. Learn about Homasote
- Sand paper or a sanding block - fine to medium
- Flat head bolts and nuts for them -
- Countersink Drill Bit - Countersink - Woodworking Accessories - Drilling with a Countersink
- Picture Hanging Wire - This wire is available in varied thicknesses. The weight of the wire you choose will depend on the size of the bulletin board you will be making. The larger the bulletin board, the heavier the wire you should use.
- Carpet tacks - 1/2" long -- Look at the tacks carefully. I bought 1/2" tacks that were much longer than they were labeled and the point of the tacks came through the front of the board, scratching my work surface.
- Burlap - 6 inches wider and longer than the size of the bulletin board you are making. Since it is very rare for burlap to be cut straight, purchase enough burlap to allow for finding a straight edge as described in step 3. Do not preshrink or steam press the burlap.
- Scissors
- Chalk or disappearing ink marker
- Hammer - a small hammer is sufficient
- Straight blade screw driver
- Needle nose pliers or nut driver to fit the nuts
- Ruler - a gauge - I strongly recommend the 6" by 24" rotary ruler.
