{DIY} a new and improved inspiration corkboard

by In the Tweeds on August 3, 2009 · 10 comments

A few years ago I picked up an open-backed frame and big piece of corkboard from Michael’s to DIY a prettified corkboard.  I painted it black, then put some gold accents on the detailing.  (I think I was in a black-and-gold phase back then.)  Although I used it in two previous apartments, this little corkboard had been sitting unused in a closet since we moved into our townhouse.  Although it’s hard to tell from the pics, the frame is about 2′x1.5′.

yes - definitely time for a makeover!

yes - definitely time for a makeover!

I’ve been in the need of an inspiration board in my office to put my latest tear sheets, fabric swatches, and sketches, so the proverbial light bulb when off when I saw this little DIY makeover on everything LEB (which she, a few weeks later, recovered with BURLAP):

genius!

isn't this the best idea?!

Lindsay took a generic corkboard she had lying around the house and wrapped it in linen and nailheads!  Pure genius, I tell ya!  I thought I’d take that burlap-wrapped cork idea for my own and re-do my ignored frame.

So a few weeks ago when on a spray-painting frenzy, my black and gold frame got a fresh coat of glossy white paint.

the frame getting a coat of primer

the frame getting a coat of primer

While the frame was drying after being primed and spray-painted glossy white, I wrapped the piece of cork with some burlap (somehow I have like 6 yards of this stuff sitting around!).  I first tried to superglue the burlap to the back of the corkboard, but after my fingers starting sticking to it, I took the lame-o route and just used heavy duty packing tape.  Heck – no one will be looking at the back of the frame, so I’m okay with it!  :)

After all was dry, I lined the inner frame with super glue and then squeezed the corkboard in for a perfect fit.  Ta-da – a totally new inspiration board!!!

allllll done!

allllll done!

this project's well-deserved close-up

this project's well-deserved close-up

I absolutely love it!  Thanks for the inspiration, Lindsay!

And are you curious about the thumbtacks you spied on the finished corkboard?!  You’ll have to wait until later this week to hear all about it.  :)

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

1 L August 3, 2009 at 9:48 am

I love it! You’re so cute!

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2 Holly August 3, 2009 at 10:39 am

Those tacks look familiar :) Perhaps a familiar ring to them :) Love the blog and the cute idea!!!

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3 lindsay sullivan August 3, 2009 at 10:54 am

leila! i think you need your own show. i can be producer… ok??? i am serious!

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4 Vanessa August 3, 2009 at 10:57 am

I love it! And I totally adore your blog…it’s been so fun to read (and keep up with my 3DC girl!)

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5 Juliet August 3, 2009 at 11:16 am

That looks so fresh. I love it rough texture of burlap paired with glossy, bright white!

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6 LindsB August 3, 2009 at 2:33 pm

OMG, I think I love yours more than I love mine!! the white frame with the burlap is genius- I love it!

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7 LeilaMac August 4, 2009 at 9:28 am

Thanks for the comments everyone! I’m glad y’all liked the finished product – now time to fill it up with inspiration. :)

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8 Jeannine @ Small & Chic August 4, 2009 at 9:29 am

Fantastic! What a great transformation.

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9 Carla August 14, 2009 at 1:19 am

LOVE the Ikea curtains! Thanks for sharing.

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10 Mama Holli November 12, 2009 at 7:56 pm

Love these projects! Such clean lines….beautiful! Very nicely done. You have inspired me!
Mama Holli

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