Everybody needs a way to organize their lives, and, even with the overwhelming presence of technology, sometimes a simple note to oneself is a must. Then there are photos and to-do lists calling for prominent display.

Embroidery hoops — commonly found in sewing rooms — can be the basis of some clever memo minder boards. Hoops come in colorful plastic, in wonderful woods and, if you can find a vintage one, metal as well. Look for them from 3- to 24-inch diameters; larger sizes are often labeled as quilting hoops.

Most hoops are round; a few are square, but vintage ovals can also be found. Some wooden outer hoops are lined with cork for extra gripping power.

An embroidery hoop is composed of two parts — a solid inner section and an adjustable outer ring that fits over it. The outer hoop normally has a turn screw or spring mechanism to adjust for different fabric thicknesses.

Embroidery hoops are available at fabric, quilting and craft stores with the hand needlework supplies.

There are three types of boards to make from hoops — one with ribbons to hold photos, cards and notes; one with pockets to hold pens, pencils, artist and sewing tools (this one requires sewing); and a plain one that you can pin notes into like a bulletin board.

What you’ll need

• Embroidery hoop

• Fabric — at least 3 inches larger than the hoop size for the plain and ribboned versions. For the pocketed version, you’ll need enough to cut two shapes 3 inches larger than the hoop size.

• Fusible batting the same size as the fabric

• Craft glue or a hot glue gun and glue (optional)

• Trims and embellishments (optional)

• Chalk marker

For the ribbon version:

• Narrow ribbon or trim — five times the hoop size in length.

• Mini clothespins or clamps

Getting started

Trace the embroidery hoop shape onto the fabric’s wrong side using a chalk marker. Add 1 1/2 inches to the outer edges and cut out. For the pocketed version, cut two of the shape.

Cut the fusible batting the same size as the inner hoop. Center and fuse the batting to the wrong side of the fabric shape, following the manufacturer’s instructions. For the pocketed version, leave one shape without batting.

Ribbon version

Place the ribbons across the fabric shape randomly, allowing some to cross over each other. Glue ends in place at the outer edges.

Use mini-clothespins or clamps to hold things in place on the ribbons.

Pocketed version

Fold the unbacked fabric shape in half and press the fold line.

Chalk-mark the pocket sizes along the length of the folded pocket. Sizes may vary depending on what you plan to store in the compartments.

Lay the marked shape over the padded fabric shape’s right side.

Stitch on the marked lines, reinforcing the seams at the upper edges by backstitching. Stitch the outer marked hoop edges together.

Assembly

Lay the prepared fabric right side down on the tabletop. Position the inner hoop section over the fabric wrong side, centering it on the previously cut shape.

Glue the fabric to the inner hoop edges if desired, pulling it tautly. Gluing is suggested if you plan to put heavy things onto the board that could cause the fabric to distort.

Insert the fabric-covered inner hoop into the outer hoop with the screw centered at the upper edge. If you didn’t glue the fabric to the inner hoop, pull it taut as you join the hoops. Tighten the adjustment screw to hold the sections together.

Trim the excess fabric close to the hoop underside.

Add any desired embellishments.

Hang the hoop on the wall using a hook or nail behind the frame.

One step beyond

In addition to the memo boards, you can create several variations for different purposes.

Use chalkboard fabric (available at quilting stores and online) to fill the hoop, and tie on some colorful chalk. Write notes to family members or make your grocery list.

Leave out the batting and use colorful screen in the hoop and hang earrings with wires and posts through the mesh. Voila — a jewelry rack!

Sew on buttons to hang keys. Attach clips to hold a memo pad, or tie on ribbons to hold anything with a hole in it.

Make a buttonhole in a pocketed board and use it as a charging station for cell phones, iPods, etc. Thread the charger through the buttonhole to connect to the device in the pocket.