Today’s project is cheap and easy! It’s an extra large picture frame cork board.
I picked up this picture frame a couple of months ago at the thrift store. I think it was $5-$7. It is really large.
I painted it the same day I painted the syroco mirror project and the MCM hutch. I used an oops primer on it, but didn’t give it the darker top coat that I put on the hutch.
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I picked up a bunch of 2×4 pieces of this thick cork board really cheap at Home Depot last year. I cut it on the table saw. It makes a much cleaner cut than it does when I use a utility knife.
I don’t use this handy Logan Dual Point Driver Elite often, but it sure does the job when I need it. It drives the points into the frame and holds the thick cork board in place.
I hung it on the fence and decided that I wasn’t wild about the color. I thought it needed to be toned down a little.
To darken the bright blue I used Smoked Glaze applied with a cheap chip brush. Since I had already secured the cork board I used scrap paper to protect the cork from the glaze.
In this photo you can see the difference the yummy glaze makes in the color.
Much better color! This extra large picture frame cork board can be hung either horizontally or vertically. It will be going to Glendale in October. 
I need to find some unique push pins to make it unique. I used repurposed jewelry push pins for the syroco frame, but this chunky fella needs something larger. What do you think?
Watch my video of How To Glaze Painted Furniture
gail
Gail, you might consider wooden scrabble tiles or bingo call numbers.
Love the finish and color of this. For pushpins, maybe watch faces or small wooden rounds with #’ s on them.
Hi I have been searching and have had two people try and make the diy pottery barn rustic clock and it couldn’t be done… Is there any way u sell the stuff u make? Like would I be able to purchase the clock? Thank u and hope to hear from u soon
Hi Kristy! Hi my name is Mindi and I contribute projects for Gail, I am sorry you have had trouble making the pottery barn rustic clock, I wish I had time to make and sell my projects, but life is too crazy for me right now! Wishing you the very best!
Great ideas Nova! I like the wooden rounds idea!
thanks!
gail
I did consider painting the cork, but couldn’t decide on a pattern that would look good no matter which way someone hangs it. 🙂
gail
Cork is a pain to paint on, but painting a scene, maybe birds in a tree, a forest with “happy little trees” an old Bob Ross reference, a stream, etc. then it’s pretty with or without pushpins and notes or pictures.
I wish I could find a cork panel deal like you did. What a score!!!
Personally, I like to cover the cork with fabric (spray glue) and then create push pins to compliment the theme. You could also paint the cork with something simple like stripes and go from there. I love the whole frames to cork board and chalk board realm of ideas. Good luck!
I know. I wanted to cover a large framed panel in my daughter’s room with cork, but couldn’t find large sheets of cork anywhere (including HD). All I could find were a few packs of thin square ft. cork tiles which wouldn’t work. Is there a good substitute for cork?
Kate,
Back in the day I’ve used reclaimed ceiling tiles and even cardboard. I don’t like the thin sheeting of cork. I feel very fortunate to have found these very large cork boards. Hoping you find a solution.
gail
Gail, love this project ! Think people just have to visualize where they will use this. Shell pushpins for a Coastal look, cute decorated clothespins for design boards can hold fabric swatches or pictures or paint swatches . If it’s a kitchen ,recipes ,notepad , all those school schedules or small seasonal touches …………just add the pushpin. Endless options that make it a great piece.