Easy Pottery Barn cork board pictures

As I've mentioned before, I tend to use the Pottery Barn Kids magazine as an idea base rather than a catalog. This week's post is another example of how I borrowed their idea and made my own version for far less cash.

To make this simple arrangement for above my son's desk, I started with three very inexpensive black frames from Wal-Mart. I found them in the craft section for around $4 each. I removed the glass and then primed the frames with white primer. I used the left-over semi-gloss accent paint from my son's room to add color to the frames, but glossy acrylic paint would work as well.

Next, I purchased a roll of cork at the craft store for $5 and cut it to fit into the smaller frames. The cork was a little thin and had a tendency to puff up in the frame; so I used hot glue to layer two pieces of cork together and then glued it all to the frame backing. For the larger frame, I created my own double mat with heavy cardstock and then added one of my son's preschool paintings.

It's not fancy or particularly creative, but for less than $20 it was a great way to add a little color and functionality to my son's room. Just thought I'd pass it on.