Doing a craft project and an organizing tool at the same time is a special feeling. Have fun adding your own touches during the process, then award yourself a gold star to reward your productivity.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Make the bulletin board
Step 1. Choose the base
A cork board is the traditional material for bulletin boards; however, it can be very expensive. Some cheaper alternatives are a Bristol board, a foam board, or a sound-deadening board. You can even use thick cardboard, as long as it's strong enough so it won't tear.
Give it a try before you start making the board. Fix a few sheets of paper there and see how well it holds.
Step 2. Fit the material in a frame (optional)
The frame will not be visible once the project is finished. However, a frame makes it easier to fix the batting and the fabric that you will add later. It also offers a bit of protection, which can be worth it if there are children who will be using the board.
Step 3. Cover the material with batting (optional)
Fine wadding (padding) adds a softer touch and allows for three-dimensional designs. It is fastened as follows:
- Lay the board face down on the batting. Cut a rectangle of batting that is about 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) larger than the board.
- Pull one corner onto the back of the board. Secure with a hot glue gun, fabric glue, or a staple gun (if there is a frame).
- Repeat with the batting around the entire board, pulling hard before setting. Trim the excess batting.
Step 4. Iron a piece of fabric
Choose a decorative fabric larger than the bulletin board. Cut out a piece about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) larger on each side than the board. Iron it until it is completely flat. Wrapping paper is another cheap option; however, it tends to break very quickly.
Could you use a piece of old clothing or a plastic tablecloth.
Step 5. Cover the board with fabric
Lay the board face down on the back of the fabric. Pull the fabric around and attach it to the back of the board, just like you did with the batting. Pull hard as you go and check the front frequently to avoid wrinkles.
Part 2 of 3: Decorating the board
Step 1. Decorate with ribbons
The criss-cross ribbon design is a popular look, especially on wadding. Lay the ribbons in rows at a 45-degree angle on the board so that you glue or staple them to the back. Repeat with the ribbons slanted in the opposite direction to make a diamond pattern. Pin the ribbons in place at each point where they intersect.
- Sewing buttons over each intersection makes the board look nicer.
- Of course, you can arrange the ribbons as you wish. For example, vertical ribbons could divide the bulletin board into parts that you will use for different purposes.
Step 2. Turn it into a knotted bulletin board
If you put the batting on the bulletin board, you can imitate a soft knotted quilt. Here's how:
- Nail a piece of plywood over the back of the board. Review the Tips section for alternatives.
- Drive small, short nails through the fabric and into the plywood. Put them in a diamond pattern. Make sure they don't penetrate the plywood.
- Cover the nails with tack tacks or glue decorative beads on top of them.
Step 3. Add laminated decorations
Laminate a piece of fabric or construction paper. Cut out letters or shapes and glue them along the top of the board.
Step 4. Put the material on which you will write
Add index cards or blank paper to write notes. For aesthetic variety, cut the paper into circles or use multi-colored paper.
Part 3 of 3: Assemble the Dash
Step 1. Screw the board against the wall
If you are the homeowner or if you have permission from the owners, screw down the dash for a secure fit. Put each screw in a washer before screwing in so you don't break the soft board.
Step 2. Hang the board using wall mount frames
If you don't want to damage the wall, hang it up using a wall mount box, or several if your board is large. Wait for the adhesive to work, depending on how long the label suggests. Stick it on the board and press hard.
Bulletin boards are often too heavy to hang from adhesive putty
Step 3. Hang the board on a hook or nail
You can buy strong sticky hooks if you don't want to pierce the wall. Drill two holes in the bulletin board and thread strong wire, string, or tape through both. Tie a double knot on each side and hang from the hook or nail.
Advice
- If you don't want to put the plywood in, make the holes with a small block of wood behind the board.
- If the batting or fabric ends up with wrinkles, rearrange the corners. Fix both sides separately. Fold the excess fabric on one side over and around so that you pull hard. Place the last part of the excess fabric under the fold and attach it to the board.
Warnings
- Young children should ask for help to work with scissors, pins, and hot glue.
- A large bulletin board can be a fire hazard, especially if it includes batting. Keep all candles and heat sources away from the area. Consider spraying the fabric with a fire retardant spray.