Use fabric and Mod Podge to turn inexpensive IKEA trivets into DIY cork boards! This is an easy, fast way to display notes, pictures, and ideas on your wall.
Skills Required: Beginner. You’ll be using Mod Podge to attach fabric to cork, then hanging these with adhesive strips (or anything you think).
Have you ever stared at your walls, thinking they could use a bit of pizzazz – something more than just another picture frame or a poster? Well, brace yourself for a crafty revolution because we’re turning some cork rounds into the coolest kid on the block.
Say goodbye to the days of cork boards that take a long time to make, and hello to a DIY project that’s not just easy but quick. I’m going to show you how to make your own DIY cork boards using nothing more than IKEA trivets, a sprinkle of creativity, and a dose of Mod Podge.
This isn’t just any craft project; it’s your ticket to adding a dash of personal flair to any room without breaking the bank or, more importantly, the walls.
Whether it’s for pinning up photos in your dorm, organizing bills in your office, or displaying recipes in your kitchen, these aren’t just any cork boards – they’re customized with fabric, tailored by you, for you.
And the best part? You’re making them from cork IKEA trivets. Yes, those things you thought were just for protecting your table from hot dishes are about to become the base of your next favorite craft project.
This project doesn’t require the skills of a seasoned artist. It’s all about having fun, getting (very slightly) messy, and creating something that’s uniquely yours. Paint those trivets, slap on some fabric, cut, glue, and voilà – you’ve got yourself a cork board that’s not just functional but also a reflection of your fabulous self.
So, why settle for mundane when you can have extraordinary? Why opt for plain when you can make your space pop with personality? This tutorial is your invitation to roll up those sleeves, unleash your inner craftsperson, and dive into a project that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face every time you see it.
Because let’s be honest, in a world of endless Zoom calls and emails, we could all use a little more color and joy in our lives. Let’s get crafting! Here’s what you’re going to need to decorate a cork board.
PS: This would also be an easy back-to-school craft to update your child’s homework area, too. Teens can make these themselves.
Gather These Supplies
- Round cork trivets – “Heat” at IKEA
- White craft paint
- Fabric (I used 3 different coordinating)
- Mod Podge Satin
- Balsa wood or wood popsicle sticks
- Strong adhesive glue (E-6000 or super glue)
- Picture hanging strips
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
Tips and Thoughts for This Project
The reason for painting the cork circle with white paint is because Mod Podge makes fabric a little bit transparent. If you are using lighter colored fabrics, you don’t want the brown showing through. So paint the background!
The picture hanging strips will not securely stick to the cork (or freshly painted surfaces), so you need to put something on the back of the cork to attach the strips. I used scrap pieces of thin balsa wood for this step, but popsicle sticks could work here, too.
I used two sets of adhesive strips for each cork board. Press each memo board against the wall or door until the strips latch with each other.
I decided to hang the cork boards in a cluster on one smaller wall. I love how this gives an often unused area of the room a purpose.
I’m so glad I saw these cork trivets . . . decorating them was a simple way to update my home office. Who doesn’t love organization that is both functional and cute?
DIY Cork Boards
Give your wall some flair by transforming affordable IKEA trivets into funky cork boards with just some fabric and Mod Podge! It's a quick and simple project perfect for showing off notes, photos, and all your creative sparks.
Materials
- Round cork trivets - "Heat" at IKEA
- White craft paint
- Fabric (I used 3 different coordinating)
- Mod Podge Satin
- Balsa wood or wood popsicle sticks
- Strong adhesive glue (E-6000 or super glue)
- Picture hanging strips
Tools
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
Instructions
- Paint one side and the edges of each trivet with white paint. Allow that to dry and apply a second coat if needed for complete coverage.
- Working with one cork circle at a time, apply a medium (not thick) layer of Mod Podge over the top of the cork circle, making sure to get the edges.
- Smooth the fabric over the Mod Podge, making sure to get all the way to the edges. If some comes through the fabric it's okay. Just wipe away any excess. Repeat with the remaining cork circles and let dry.
- Apply Mod Podge to the top of the fabric. One coat is fine. let dry.
- Cut around the edges of the circle with scissors, leaving about an inch or two of fabric all the way around. Then you're going to cut the excess fabric into tabs as you see in the photo, so that you can bend the fabric around the back to attach.
- Apply Mod Podge to the edge of the back of the cork round and fold a tab over, smoothing down with the brush (and your finger if necessary).
- Continue this step all the way around the cork circle, applying Mod Podge and attaching the tabs to the back. Repeat with all cork circles and let dry.
- Glue down the wood using a strong, fast adhesive (i.e. super glue) where I planned to attach the strips. Allow the glue to dry. Attach your picture hanging strips to the wall and the wood pieces on the back of each memo board, following the directions on the package.
Notes
The easiest way for me to hang the trivets was to use picture hanging strips, but you certainly could glue ribbon or a hook to the back of each board, too.
What did you think of this idea? Let me know in the comments! Do you want to see some other IKEA item makeovers? You’re going to love these ideas:
Lauren @ The Well Crafted Home
Wednesday 29th of August 2012
I love the glitter and I love that we have the same things on our "to-do" list! :) Is mod podge the best way to seal off glitter? I remember they said some awesome way of doing it on Craft Wars and I think this may have been it but I can't remember!
I would love it if you linked this up at my link party! You can find it here:
http://thewellcraftedhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/well-crafted-wednesdays-18-link-party.html
Laura
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
Love how these turned out! I just picked up a couple of cork rectangles at a yard sale. I'll have to try this! Thanks so much!
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
This is so awesome - I totally love it!
Carrie
Monday 27th of August 2012
So glittery and pretty. Is there anything Mod Podge CAN'T do, haha! I'd never have thought to use it this way, looks great.
Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate
Monday 27th of August 2012
I love practical projects that are also fun. This is definitely both!