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 Make a Portable Design Wall

 
 

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This design wall is made in two panels and will fold in the center. Thanks to guild member Linda P. for her clear directions and helpful comments.

Materials for your portable design wall:

  • Rigid foam insulation board
  • Flannel-good quality neutral color (tan, brown, gray)
  • Spray adhesive- repositional type

At your home store, pick out a thickness of foam board that is light enough to move easily, but will stand or lean without bending. The 1" thickness works well. (You will need to cut the sheets in the store or bring a truck to transport.)

For a floor design wall you will need two sheets of this rigid foam insulation board, less for a table top model. Decide on the size you will make based on where and how you will use it and how you will move it.

The fabric should be a good quality flannel in a neutral color (avoid white) with as little pattern as you can get. Buy twice the length of the height of your wall plus at least 4" for wrapping the edges. (i.e. For a 36' table top, purchase 2 1/4 yds)

Cut the fabric in half and sew the long edges together leaving the selvage intact. This center seam will act as the hinge for the two foam boards.

The wall will be made of the two pieces of foam board placed side by side with flannel glued across the front and edges, seam in the center, between the foam boards. IIt will fold along the seam like a book.

In a well ventilated area, cut the foam board to your desired size being careful not to chip the front edge. (Use a serrated knife or hand saw) Spray the plain side of the foam boards as well as the edges the edges with your spray adhesive. (follow adhesive instructions). Wear disposable gloves and mask the area to catch overspray (A piece of cardboard held next to the
edge works well).

When the board is ready for the fabric, carefully spread the fabric over one board (a second person is very helpful here to spread the fabric), lining up the seam with the edge
that will butt together down the center.

Smooth the fabric until the whole board is smooth and flat. Pin with straight pins around the edges and any stress points (just push the pins in until they are all the way in). Slide the other foam board into place and smooth the fabric onto it. Pin it also and let the glue set up.

Trim excess fabric around the edges, and unsew a small section of the seam at the top and the bottom, up to but not past the front of the board (this allows the board to be folded for easy movement).

Remove the pins (or not --I left some pins in the edges for security) and you're done!

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