Hi everyone! Before you read this post, just know that I that I do not claim to be much of a DIY blogger. I get so excited to create something that I hardly want to deal with taking pictures.
I recently bought an old (ugly) piece of art at a thrift store. Why would I buy art I don’t like? Because I really liked the frame and thought I could do something fun with it. I’ve wanted a bulletin/inspiration board for quite a while now, but I didn’t want to just buy a boring one at the store. I haven’t had a bulletin board since I was in high school, and I really wanted this one to be more grown up and fun than my simple old cork bulletin board.
Before photo of the frame and art. Definitely not my style…but I LOVE the bamboo frame!
Here is what you’ll need:
-Old Frame
-Fabric (I bought a yard but could probably have done with just 1/2 a yard)
-Spray Glue (I used Elmer’s)
-Staples and Stapler
-Foam Board (I used a 1/2 inch think board for presentations/projects. It would probably be better with thick cork, but I couldn’t find any.)
-Scissors
You may also need:
-Pliers
-Hammer
-Box Cutter (or some other cutting device to trim the board down to size)
I started by taking the old art out of the frame. This proved to be way more difficult than I had anticipated. There were a ton of little sharp things holding the art in, so I had to remove them with pliers.
Next I measured the board and realized that it needed to be cut down so that it would fit in the frame. I used a box cutter in order to trim it. Scissors literally just didn’t cut it.
Once the board was the right size I laid the board on top of the fabric and trimmed the fabric so that there were just a few inches of extra fabric on each side.
Next, I sprayed the board with the spray glue. I wanted to use glue in order to make sure that the fabric stayed taut.
Make sure you spray outside. You don’t want to end up with a layer of glue on everything in your home.
I then laid the board down on the fabric, ensuring the pattern was straight. Hint: if you are super neurotic like I am then it may be best to choose a fabric that doesn’t have lines on it. It took a couple tries to get the lines straight…I should have gone with an easier and less frustrating pattern to work with.
Next, I went around and stapled the fabric to the board so that it would stay put. Make sure to pay extra attention to the corners so that the fabric around them lies flat.
Once the fabric was completely attached I fit the board into the frame. Mine fit so snugly that I don’t really need to secure it to the frame. At some point I may do something to attached it though.
Once your board is finished go ahead and hang all your favorite photos and other fun things. I have my favorite fabrics (the ones I’m considering for my dining chairs), tear sheets from magazines, and photos.
Don’t be afraid to hang things in unexpected places. All of my wall space is occupied right now, so I hung it on the door to the water heater that I never use.
I love my new bulletin board! The colors are fun and it’s nice to have my favorite design/styling photos on display for a constant dose of inspiration. I used little fabric covered push pins, as well as stud earrings I don’t wear anymore (either because I lost one and can’t wear them anymore, or because they aren’t as stylish as they once were). Such a good way to still get some use out of fun jewelry! Now go ahead and make your own colorful inspirational bulletin board!
This is such a great idea! Literally 2 days ago I was at Target and almost bought one of those cork bulletin boards for my art room/home office. I think I might have to copy cat you just because your idea is amazing! Thanks for a great post!
This board would be too bright for me (I prefer good ol' cork), but what a neat tip at the end there to use stud earings as pushpins! So brilliant! I will definitely be employing this, thanks Katie! xx
Anonymous
June 18, 2014 / 3:31 pm
this is so cute! I need to make one for my new home office, instead of just taping images to a poster board!
This is such a great idea! Literally 2 days ago I was at Target and almost bought one of those cork bulletin boards for my art room/home office. I think I might have to copy cat you just because your idea is amazing! Thanks for a great post!
This board would be too bright for me (I prefer good ol' cork), but what a neat tip at the end there to use stud earings as pushpins! So brilliant! I will definitely be employing this, thanks Katie!
xx
this is so cute! I need to make one for my new home office, instead of just taping images to a poster board!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
Your DIY outfit is way prettier than mine are… haha. I love, love this frame. I think I need a bamboo frame in my life.