How to Make a Chicken Wire Memo Board

This is a good project for repurposing an old picture frame. You can also start with a new frame.

Materials:

• Thrifted frame
• Chicken wire (from a 2 ft X 25 ft galvanized steel poultry netting roll)
• All-purpose cleaner
• Shop towels
• Metallic gold spray paint (or paint of your choice)
• Felt or foam from the craft store
• Sawtooth ring hangers
• Small craft clips, like bulldog clips

Tools:

• Claw hammer
• Nose pliers
• Staple gun and staples
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Glue gun
• Protective eyewear
• Leather work gloves

Select the size of picture frame you would like. Use a utility knife to remove any cardboard or paper backing.

Remove photos and glass from the frame. Make sure there is no remaining paper sticking out from the sides of the frame.

Remove any hardware with steel nosed pliers. Be sure to remove the tabs that hold the picture and glass in place.

If there is glass, remove it and set it aside. You won't need it for this project.

Use a cleaning agent and paper towel to wipe off any dust and dirt from the frame before painting.

Let the frame completely dry before applying paint.

Personalize your project with the paint color of your choice.

Follow these steps to apply spray paint:

• Use a well-ventilated area such as a garage or yard. If you're indoors, wear a ventilator mask and eye protection
• Disposable nitrile gloves make cleanup easier.
• Lay your frame on a piece of cardboard that provides an ample border around all sides.
• Take your spray paint can and hold it six inches away from the frame.
• Move the paint in a steady, constant motion until your frame is covered.
• Let the frame dry until it is no longer sticky.

Tip: If your frame has a glossy sheen to it, lightly sand the gloss off to provide a surface for the paint to adhere to.

Once the frame dries, the next step is measuring.

Flip the frame over and use a tape measure to find the height and width. You'll use these measurements to cut the chicken wire.

Carefully roll out the chicken wire and cut it to the length and width based on the frame measurement. Add an extra inch or two all around to ensure the chicken wire covers the entire frame.

Tip: Always wear leather gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when working with poultry netting. Wire cutters and aviation snips are best for cutting chicken wire.

• Flatten the sheet of chicken wire as best you can so there are no waves or bumps.
• Use a hand stapler or upholstery stapler to secure the chicken wire to the back of the frame.
• Apply as many staples as needed, making sure to get a staple in each corner and two on each side at minimum.

• After your sheet of chicken wire is stapled to the back of the frame, use wire cutters to trim the excess chicken wire into the inside of the frame.
• Hammer the staples and existing wire until flattened.
• Leave as few sharp edges as possible.

Measure the width and height of the backside of your frame again and use those measurements to cut out strips from the foam or felt material for protective backing to cover any remaining sharp edges.

Glue the strips of foam or felt to the backside of the frame with a hot glue gun. The foam or felt material strips will protect your walls when you hang the frame.

• Decide if you want your frame to hang vertically or horizontally.
• Attach one sawtooth hanger in the center of the back of the top edge.

Hang the frame in a place where you'll be sure to see it every day. It's handy for keeping track of events and sharing inspirational messages and photos.