make your own photo corkboard

This is a project that we took on a very long time ago. It was actually one of our first, but since we receive the most questions about it, we thought maybe we should visit it again. It was so easy and I’m still in love because it’s timeless, classic and simple to maintain. As you can see, we never really grew tired of it. Sometimes, someone asks a few questions about it and today, we thought it would be fun to recap: how to make your own photo corkboard.

Make your own photo corkboard:

It’s a basic cork board we used to display photos with fabric covered thumbtacks.

We once upon a time, had it in our kitchen next to the table… and sometimes I really miss this fun way to display all the ideas and photos of our family.

I’m just glad we held onto the fridge for the basement. AMIRIGHT?

Another confession: We also never got rid of this table… yay storage units! And we can’t wait to bring it back in a really fun way… so stay tuned for that one!  Some pieces are worth holding on to. We really love our new house but we also sometimes really miss that laundry space.

Make your own photo corkboard – supplies you’ll need

We took some cork that we found online (Amcork has an amazing selection of natural tiles of cork with beautiful patterns) and after measuring, ordered enough tiles to cover this area. Be sure you speak to their representatives about the depth of your cork – you will probably need backing, too. This will ensure that your cork board will hold any tacks you use to display your photos.

See what a beautiful, natural pattern it has? We love cork and love to see it used in great ways with spaces and interiors.

Make your own photo corkboard – putting it together

Using their adhesive, we measured to make sure it was level, then mounted the first layer of plain underlying cork (see photo below). Once it was dry, we added the cork tiles to the first layer of cork with another thin layer of adhesive. We even went back in a few areas later with tiny nails to secure little corners that occasionally wanted to flip up.

Our cork board was ready to use, but it still needed a little extra umph.

Taking some trim (the super light, pre-primed foam-filled stuff in the trim section of your local hardware store – did you enjoy my super accurate description?) we measured, and then cut the pieces to fit.

Make your own photo corkboard – Painting it

We gave them a nice coat of paint (Chantilly Lace as my trusty go-to white – yes, I am an addict) and (wait for it…) hot glued the separate pieces to the wall around that fab cork. Nope. We’re not sorry at all.

When the glue was dry and the frame was situated, we went back with (cheater’s alert!) some wood filler.

And when that was dry, a small amount of camouflaging paint in the tell-tale cracks. A few of the corners weren’t perfect, but not once did anyone ever ask why our cork board was a little lacking in the utter perfection department.

They’re too busy chasing crazy kids around like us.

And for me, it’s the little imperfections that keep it real and make it fun.

It was that easy.

Tada! Instant character, and a great way to quickly change out your photos as your little ones grow. They can be hard to keep up with, after all. Though I couldn’t ever seem to find it in me to take down the old ones, either… I guess I’m a not-so-closeted photo hoarder. ;}

This is a project I highly recommend for simple switcharoos in your home!

As always, thanks for tuning in and let us know if you have any questions!

We’d love to hear.

Have an inspired day!