1. Cut out three 8-inch squares from corrugated cardboard. Glue them together, place a book on top, and let them dry.

2. Cut out an 11-inch-by-16-inch piece of scrap fabric.

3. Cover the cardboard with the fabric, folding a one inch pocket (see diagram at right). Glue the fabric to the back of the cardboard.

4. Glue the ends of a 12-inch piece of ribbon or braided yarn to the sides of the message board near the top.

5. Tuck pieces of scrap paper and a small pen or pencil into the pocket. Add a few push pins to hold messages.

6. Decorate pushpins with small bows of ribbon, or little silk flowers. (optional)