Creative Looks for Boring Corkboards

Level: Very Easy

Most households have at least one place where everyone checks for the latest reminders, recent photos or postcards, and even the grocery list. We all like to have a place to post messages and important notes near the phone or by the back door. This family bulletin board, however, can eventually begin to look very messy and unsightly. If you would like to use a bulletin board in a more decorative way or as a focal point on a wall or the back of a door, I have an idea for you.

Covering a cork board with fabric will look better and it will appear less cluttered, too. You can even use an existing cork board that is less than perfect, and by adding fabric and trim, restoring it to a better-than-new look.

Supplies:

Cork board
Fabric to cover the cork board (measurements + 5 inches)
Stapler (desk type)
Ribbon (satin or grosgrain in various widths and colors)

Step-by-Step:

1 If the cork board is attached to the wall, remove it. Unframed cork boards work best, but if the board is framed you can modify these instructions.

2. Measure the cork board in both directions and add 5 inches to both measurements. Purchase enough fabric to cover the cork board with one piece. Your choice of fabric depends on where it will be used, however, I find that a neutral background works best. If it is hung in a child's room it could be coordinated with the fabrics and colors already in use.

3. On a flat work surface lay the pressed fabric wrong side up and the cork board right side down on top of the fabric. Using a stapler and working from one side to the other, stretch and attach the fabric smoothly, bringing the excess fabric to the back before stapling. At the corners fold and neatly go around and staple to the back side. Trim excess fabric if necessary to make the back as flat as possible.

4. Using the board's measurements, estimate the amount of ribbon you will need. Purchase enough ribbon to create an interesting arrangement on the corners and through the center of the board. You could define the spaces for each member of the family to use, for example. The more ribbon you use makes the board more colorful and interesting. When deciding on the colors and patterns for the ribbon, use straight pins to help you decide the placement before stapling in place on the back. Geometric patterns created by the ribbons add to the beauty of the finished board and create something fun to look at even when it is empty.