DIY Projects

September 30, 2012

DIY Photo Board

With photo apps becoming more and more popular, lots of us have entire albums on our smartphones. But what fun is it to flip through snapshots on a tiny screen? I wanted a way to show off my digital shots that would let me see their detail. Inspired by the grids that photo apps use on-screen, I decided to make a bulletin board-style piece with a simple, streamlined look. Here’s how to create your own.

Materials and Tools

  • Trim or moulding
  • Corkboard
  • Nails or wood glue
  • Black and white interior paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Painter’s tape
  • Brass thumbtacks
  • Velcro strip

Step 1: Build the board

Choose a frameless cork bulletin board that’s large enough to fit plenty of photos; mine is 4′ x 6′. Cut the trim or moulding to the dimensions of the cork using mitre cuts to make a frame. Paint the trim black, and the cork white or a soft neutral of your choice, and let dry. Cork absorbs lots of paint, so you’ll need more than you think. Then nail the pieces of trim onto the corkboard or attach them with wood glue.

Step 2: Plan a grid

Measure the available space inside the frame of your photo board and use this to plan out your grid. You’ll want to allow for space between the photos and leave a slightly wider border around the edge to give the effect of matting. On my 4′ x 6′ board, I opted to use 5″-square photos. I left 1″ between photos and a 3-1/2″ border around each edge, so I had room for seven photos across and 11 down. Mark off the grid with 1″ painter’s tape so it’s easy to see where to place each photo.

Step 3: Print and pin photos

Once you know what size photos you want, choose your shots and print them. You can have the prints done professionally, or just make them at home with a good photo printer. Simply pin the photos to the board and remove the painter’s tape. Lean the board against the wall and secure it with a Velcro strip so it won’t tip over. Enjoy your photos, and feel free to swap in new shots as you take them.

Lamp, chaise, pillows, table, books, rug, Elte; throw, Hollace Cluny.

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