An “inspiration board” has been in the works for my craft room for a long while. Modeled after the tile wall organizers from Pottery Barn Teen, this one came together for much, much less. I made the board by arranging 9 – 12×12 tiles, adhering them to a 3’x3′ sheet of plywood, and encasing the perimeter with a painted frame made from molding.
For my inspiration board, I used 2 chalkboard tiles, 1 painted corkboard tile, 2 fabric-covered corkboard tiles, and 4 fabric-covered hard boards. For the chalkboard tiles, I cut 12″x12″ squares from 1/4″ thick whiteboard and applied several coats of chalkboard spray paint to the smooth side. I purchased a package of 12″x12″ sheets of 1/4″ corkboard from Joann’s. I used semi-flat spray paint to paint one of the corkboards.
I glued the white board squares and the corkboard squares to 12″x12″ squares of 1/2″ MDF (cut from a large sheet of MDF from Home Depot) using liquid cement. I wrapped the non-painted corkboard tiles with home decor fabric and secured the fabric on the back with a hand-held staple gun.
For the remaining four tiles, I used 3/4″ MDF and wrapped them with home decor fabric. A sheet of 1/2″ plywood was cut into a 3’x3′ board. I arranged the 12 finished tiles on the board and then used liquid cement to glue them into place.
Molding was cut and glued with white glue onto the board. I initially tried nails, but they didn’t hold – the glue worked wonderfully.
We used a large bracket to hang the board up on the wall. Now, it’s ready for my work lists, shopping lists, pictures from magazines and catalogs, fabric swatches – all kinds of inspiration!
For other projects in my craft room,
visit my Fabric Organization system and my Project Table/Desk
Comments & Reviews
notes of sincerity says
Brilliant! :0)
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
So pretty! You have the best style!
I need a board. The only problem is my craft area is in my master closet (which is not a walk-in) or spread out on the kitchen table. I was evicted from my craft room when it became a nursery.
stephanie huckeba says
So many thoughts running through my mind, an awesome one is bound to slip out 🙁 This is so much cooler than the whiteboard I had in mind. I need to work on something. Great job!
Trisha says
I just found your site through pinterest! You are so inspiring! I had a quick question, how did you screen press the little boys outfit in a post back in January? Do you have your own screen press, if so, did you buy one or make your own. I’m really interested in screen printing, but have no idea how it works. Thanks! You can email me at: tigertfam@gmail.com
Vanessa Traylor says
It looks FABulous! Very inspiring! I always love a clean workspace, too! Speaking of which…mine is a terrible mess right now! haha!
Sixty-Fifth Avenue says
I love this project, so functional and pretty!!I need one. Your floors are amazing BTW.
Ginger ♥ Barnhill says
J’adore :-] You have the best ideas.
Anonymous says
I really like this! I’m wondering, however, if it’s as heavy as it sounds it might be? also, the MDF tiles covered in fabric – are they functional? or just for decorative purposes?
On another note, I LOOOOOVE the dress you created for your dd for PR&P – the peachy one! Could you reveal your source for the silk/cotton fabric? Please?
Designdreamer
Stef says
Designdreamer: Yes, it is definitely on the heavier side. As far as the MDF tiles, I envision that I could mount vertical file trays or pencil cups on the tiles someday if I wanted. Otherwise, it was just a surface to cover and place in the grid.
I purchased the silk/cotton fabric for the princess gown at a local, independent store – it is Kauffman fabric, Radiance.
Genevieve Chambliss says
Love this! Your combination of fabrics looks great! I included a photo and link in a post I just wrote. Thanks for the inspiration!
http://turnedtodesign.blogspot.com/2013/01/fabulous-cork-boards.html#
Corina says
love the desk! Could you tell me wher you purchased?
girlinspired says
Thanks Corina – it was from Pottery Barn quite a few years back.