When thinking of frames, pictures usually come to mind. However, sometimes frames come to life when they hold things other than pictures, or even nothing at all.
Deanna is a sales associate at Aaron Brothers Art & Framing in San Luis Obispo. She says, “frames add lots of decor and color and can put a whole room together.”
Framed bulletin boards are a unique and functional way to showcase your favorite pictures or treasures.
While you can buy similar framed bulletin boards on websites like Etsy, they can cost over $200 dollars. (here‘s another similar bulletin board sold on Etsy)
If you don’t have an extra $200 dollars lying around (you’re not alone), you can make your own framed bulletin board.
Here’s what you need:
- Thrift store frame
- Spray Paint
- Foam Poster Board
- Roll of Cork (or cork tiles)
- Burlap (about 2 yards)
- Silver Thumb Tacks
I found this gem at the local San Luis Obispo Goodwill for around $10 bucks. The watercolor picture it framed makes me think it was originally purchased sometime in the late 80’s. It wasn’t the most beautiful frame, but a bit of spray paint easily fixed that.
While the two-toned gold finish makes me think of my grandma (and I love my grandma), I decided to use some Rust-oleum white spray paint to give it a more finished, shabby chic look.
The white spray paint worked wonders. After a little paint makeover, I barely recognized my thrift store find.
Part two of this project is making a DIY bulletin board insert. This saves a ton of money, because bulletin boards this size can cost up to $50 dollars at many chain office supply retailers. Also, depending on the dimensions of your frame, it may be difficult to find a bulletin board that’s a perfect fit.
This is where the foam poster board and the cork roll come into play.
First, cut your foam board so it will fit in the opening of your frame. I used the cardboard backing that came with the frame as a guide. Don’t worry if the edges where you cut the foam board aren’t perfect; you won’t be seeing these in the final product.
Then, I found a roll of adhesive cork at Michaels. You could also use cork tiles or any inexpensive cork product for this step. Simply cover the foam board with the cork.
Some tips: While the adhesive cork was convenient because it stuck to the foam board easily, it was a nightmare to work with. The adhesive on it is very sticky and once it touches anything, it can’t be repositioned. It also rips very easily because the cork layer is extremely thin, so trying to reposition it usually results in tears and bumps. The next time I work with cork, I will definitely be looking for cork tiles or something a little less difficult.
Okay, moving on… Luckily I was planning on covering the cork because it looked like messy patchwork after all the tearing and repositioning. And what better to cover the cork with than burlap! You probably know how much I love burlap if you read my post about bunting and banners. Kelsey Soderstrom, a floral and decor assistant designer at Adornments Flowers & Finery, says:
“Burlap by itself can be used as a simple natural element but can be easily paired with more luscious or detailed items such as lace to create a whole different feel. It’s a great neutral.”
The burlap contrasts well with the antique and delicate look of the frame.
Cover the cork foam board with the burlap and hot glue it down to the back. Make sure to pull the burlap tight so you don’t have wrinkles and creases on the front of your bulletin board.
Then, place the foam/cork/burlap board in the frame (without the glass) and secure it by putting the back of the frame on.
The basic bulletin board is complete and you can add embellishments now if you feel inclined. To mimic the look of a nailhead trim, which can be kind of pricey, I used metal thumb tacks. I found them for around $2 dollars for 200 at Staples, which is plenty to line a bulletin board. Although they take a little longer than using a nailhead trim, they’re far more inexpensive.
Now you can add your favorite pictures and mementos to your inexpensive, shabby chic bulletin board!
The best part about this project is that I got to give it as a gift.
“The frame makes my bulletin board much more decorative and interesting. It makes it something that I’d like to put on my wall rather than something I need to put on my wall.”
- Jess Smith, Cal Poly English & History Exchange Student
This was one of the many crafts I did for my little in my sorority. Big/little week was last week, so I’ve been crafting quite a lot recently. Luckily, I documented all of my projects along the way to share with all of you!
A lot of the gifts I made could be used for other occasions, like Christmas and Birthdays. I’ll be posting the rest of my gift ideas soon, so check back for the rest of my holiday gift series!
