Ballard Designs has so many wonderful pieces in their catalog- I keep looking through the current one for inspiration!
I've been admiring the burlap and nail head message board for awhile now- for our office makeover.
As much as I love Ballard, I figured I could probably make my own for a lot less than the $79 asking price for the large board.
Here's how I made mine- you might find ways to tweak it yourself.
I'm really happy with the results!
I started with some basic supplies:
foam core board
cork squares
glue
fabric- (using my new fabric BFF, Osnaburg)
spray adhesive
glue
staple gun
nail head trim
nails
I went with a square shape just to keep things workable with the cork. It was easier to cut the foam core and less messy.
I went with a square shape just to keep things workable with the cork. It was easier to cut the foam core and less messy.
I had to trim and piece the foam core a bit so the cork was to a solid backing:
I just used painter's tape since it was what I had next to my worktable. Cover the seams completely so you don't have it flopping around.
Once I had let these dry for a few minutes, I got out the spray adhesive and gave it a light coat of spray.
Then, I carefully laid out the Osnaburg onto the board. I left a 2" seam all around the edge to wrap around to the back side.
Next, I pulled the edges slightly and stapled with my gun to give the edges a smooth, crisp look.
Once the fabric was on, I put four nails into the corners directly through the board to the wall.
The nail head trim went right over the nails to hide them.
After I had the four corners covered, I did halfway point nail heads so they would be evenly spaced apart like this:
Once that was done, I just measured 4" between the remaining nail heads and it came out pretty evenly.
Here's what was on the wall before:
This will now be a fun spot for photos and memorabilia for our Hollister inspired office!
My brother in law was kind enough to loan me his 1969 Hawaii license plate for the room.
I also kept one of the vintage postcards (previously framed in the before shot) and added a 1963 Hawaii travel brochure that I picked up at an antique store.
I found out that you could fly round trip to Hawaii, first class, (from the West Coast) for $338!
Wouldn't that be nice! :)
Speaking of low cost, here's the cost breakdown of my project:
foam core board: $3.49
package of cork squares: $7.99
Osnaburg fabric 1 yard (with leftovers): $4.99/ yd.
nail head trim: $1.79 per package- I used just under one and a half packages
adhesives: I used what I had on hand with my supplies
Total $20.05
I saved almost $59 to make it myself!
I hope this inspires you to make a designer piece yourself!
Happy Monday~
Sharing with:
Centsational Girl's Spring Project Link Party
Frugal Friday
Creative Bloggers Party
Sharing with:
Centsational Girl's Spring Project Link Party
Frugal Friday
Creative Bloggers Party

very cute. may need to spruce up my cork board or my inspiration board as I call it!
ReplyDeleteThat turned out very cute! I love the license plate and if I could get the West Coast for cheap I would be hopping on that plane to Hawaii!! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!!
Adorable and functional! love it!
ReplyDeleteThat is perfect! It looks just like Ballards! Thank you for a great idea!
ReplyDeleteSuper fabulous, love it Denise :)
ReplyDeleteXO
Great Ballard's knock-off! You just saved all of us $59 :) Looks great, Denise!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful week! ~hugs
They are identical! Smart girl you are!
ReplyDeleteTurned out great. I love this!
ReplyDeleteI am with you I love Ballards, just not their prices, they are so easy to knock off and you did a wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteCarol
well done....way to save some money
ReplyDeleteVery well done Denise! Yours looks just as good as the Ballard one at such a great price. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Pam
Just one word - Fabulous! I found my 1st license plate in the shed the other day and told the hubster it's coming inside. Love that yours is from Hawaii
ReplyDeletex
I love this! You did a great job, I am loving the office redo.
ReplyDelete~Shanon
What a great project, Denise! I love how you broke down the cost and compared to the Ballard price! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda
Looks great, I love the nail heads :)
ReplyDeleteCute! So clever of you too!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Looks store-bought!
ReplyDeleteGood job! Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteHi, Denise! I'm admiring all your creative projects here so can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? I hope to see you at http://www.homemakeronadime.com/2011/05/creative-bloggers-party-hop-050111.html :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE upholstery tacks....looks great!
ReplyDelete