DIY Cork Board Tutorial

Hello! I’m Paige from Little Nostalgia, and sometimes when I’m working on a DIY project, I like to see just how affordably I can do it. I had been on the prowl for a large, yet inexpensive, cork board to use in my office. Apparently those don’t exist, and I had almost given up hope.
Until I had an epiphany at the Dollar Store.
Self, I said, why don’t you just double up some foam board? It’s right here, and it’s only $1.

Supply list:
2 pieces of foam board (Dollar Store)
1 box of thumb tacks (Dollar Store)
fabric
glue
optional ribbon, if you plan to hang it
I already had the glue, fabric, and ribbon, so my total investment for this piece was only $3. Not too shabby!
To get started, glue your pieces of foam board together. When I was at the store, I dug through the stack and found the flattest pieces they had. I’m sure I looked like a spaz, but that doesn’t matter because I glued those babies together in about 10 seconds.

After letting the glue dry for a few minutes, lay out your fabric and put the foam in the middle. Working on one side at a time, fold the fabric over and glue it in place. Be sure you pull firmly so the fabric is tight across the front.

At this point, if you don’t plan on hanging your cork board, you’re done! But if you’re like me and you need to take advantage of vertical storage space, it’s time to add some ribbon. I already had some in my sewing kit, so I cut a piece 3″ longer than the foam board. I folded over the edges slightly, glued them down, and added a couple of thumb tacks for extra security.

Now you just need to attach some inspiration photos to the front (or a calendar, if you’re feeling organized), stick it on the wall, and you’re ready to roll.

Have you ever had an a-ha moment at the Dollar Store? What’s your favorite supply to get from there?
WOW!! Foam boards?? It’s that easy?! That is SO COOL! Can you “re-pin” into the foam, or does the board lose shape/adherence? Will definitely have to try this out. ๐ Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Aeryn,
Yep, you can re-pin! I moved my pictures around on there and re-sticking the thumb tacks was just fine.
Very Cool! My daughter is about to turn 2 and we are graduating her to a big girl bed. I wanted to do something for her special day but never have any good ideas…Until Now!
Thanks for posting!
Cheers! Chris
okay. this idea, is amazing. I’ve been looking for a cork board to de-clutter some things on my desk, but haven’t been able to find anything that matches my office…. now I am going to have to get creative I think!
I LOVE IT!!! Thanks for the inspiration! That fabric is gorgeous!
This looks so cute! I heard if you’re doing something like this you glue down opposite sides at a time (instead of going around) to help stretch it easier. $3!! Man – you can sell these for so much more! Lovely!
Oh how cool is that! Cheap and easy. Love it!
Oh this is awesome, I’m making some of these for my daughter’s room and couldn’t figure out the cork….I’ll be off to the Dollar store next week, thanks!
Wow, that looks awesome and such a smart idea about doubling up on the foam board, I love doing little projects like this and will have to add this to the list. Thanks so much for sharing!
Great idea! This seems like something even I could pull off ๐ And, to be honest, if I messed it up, the cost is so low it wouldn’t bother me too much. (There’s always fabric and ribbon around here)
Beautiful! I buy all of my craft stuff for the kids at the Dollar store.
That is very fun and looks pretty easy.
Foam boards is a great idea!! The cork boards really are expensive. Great project idea!
Dollar stores rock. I actually just posted a DIY necklace display board made from items at the dollar store. Cost me about $4 total ๐
Wow, that is super cute! Can you make one for me? hehe.
That is seriously awesome!!! and i LOVE your mug! ๐
Brilliant idea! When I was a teenager I resorted to painting my cork board. Nothing fancy or creative. Love, love this idea!
That is awesome and so creative! I love it ๐
Fabbo! I was looking for cork board ideas this afternoon, found this and whipped one up this evening. So quick and easy. I used an artists canvas I already had, some foam packing hubby was about to throw out and some leftover curtain fabric. It cost me nothing so now I can splash out on cute pins and hooks. ๐ Thank you!!
You’re welcome; I love these little stylish boards. Happy to hear you found use for some leftover materials lying around the house. ๐
Brilliant idea!!! Corkboards are way too expensive!! I get yarn at the dollar store. It’s hit and miss but hen it’s good–SCORE!