PROJECT
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What to do if your child is a prolific artist? Show off all that handiwork in a gallery-worthy display. Originally made for Martha’s grandchildren, this double-height bulletin board was made from Homasote, then covered with fabric for an ever-changing exhibit.

Supplies

• Utility knife
• Straightedge (such as a ruler)
• Homasote
• Scissors
• Fabric (such as burlap, linen, or canvas)
• Staple gun
• Craft knife
• Power drill with ¼-inch and ⅜-inch drill bits
• Grommet set (⅜-inch)
• Plastic anchors and flathead screws (#12)

1. Stretch fabric

Using utility knife and straightedge, cut Homasote to fit your space. With scissors, cut fabric 3 inches larger than Homasote board on all sides; lay fabric right-side down. Center board on fabric. Wrap fabric around one side of board and staple once in center back. Pull taut, then staple opposite side. Repeat with other 2 sides. Continue stapling, adding pairs of staples along opposite sides, working toward corners. Stop a few inches before corners.

2. Affix corners

At corners, fold fabric as flat as possible. Staple one side all the way to corner, then fold perpendicular side on top. Pull taut and staple. Flip board over.

3. Score fabric

With a craft knife, score four ½-inch Xs in fabric, 1 inch in and 1 inch down from each corner.

4. Drill holes

At Xs, create pilot holes by drilling through board with a ¼-inch bit. (Fold fabric away first, so bit doesn’t come into contact with fabric.) Using holes as guides, drill through board again with a ⅜-inch bit.

5. Set grommets

Set a ⅜-inch grommet shank in each drill hole. (If it’s a tight fit, tap in with a hammer.)

6. Mount to wall

Set anchors in wall, then use screws to mount the board.

Tip

To keep the board from getting overwhelmed by paper, periodically remove all the art and file it. But first, snap a photograph of the fully covered board to document the kids’ progress, phases, and favorites.