Thursday, February 23, 2012

Inspiration Board Tutorial

I have been wanting to make an 'Inspiration Board' for a while now, and finally had a chance to get her done. 
Supply List:
- Large Frame 
- Paint
- Cork Board (Large enough to fill your frame)
- Wooden Dowels (Mine are around 3/8" Diameter)
- Fabric to cover Cork Board (I used linen)
- Stapler
- 3/8" Staples (To upholster the fabric to the cork board)
- 1/2" Staples (To attach the cork board to the frame)
- Curtain Clips 
I was able to come up with this sad looking bureau frame last year and knew I would find a use for it some day.
She had some carved details that needed a bit of a facelift.
After a gentle sanding,  the frame got a fresh coat of light gray paint.
An old cork board was cut slightly larger than the inside of the frame and covered/upholstered with some pressed white linen.
My oh-so-clever husband then drilled some holes into the frame sides - approx 3/4" deep.
He cut 3 dowels to the length needed and gently twisted them into their new homes.
 A stapler was used to attach the cork board onto the back of the frame.
And, here she is now - in all her dressed glory!
 My inspiration board has an eclectic mix of photos and objects.
 Vintage doilies and laces are hung on the board to keep me inspired for an upcoming project.
 Faux vintage typewriter keys were glued onto tacks to add a bit of charm.

I made these with #8 Finish Washers (available at any hardware store) which were glued onto tacks. Some scrapbook letters were glued into the Finish Washers and allowed to dry. I then gave the sticker fronts a coat of Mod Podge to seal them and once dry, filled the washers with 'Glossy Accents by Ranger'. I then let them dry overnight.
 The dowel rails are used to hang miscellaneous objects on.
 I envision hanging cards, tags and other embellishments from them in the future.
I added some simple curtain clips onto the rails for a quick way to add and remove items.
 The frame details are subtle, but add so much character.
 I am so glad that I was able to get this project done as it has given my creative spirit a much needed lift.
I can change out the photos and objects to fit my mood and keep the creative juices flowing.
I hope you are able to make your own inspiration board and fill it with all the things that inspire you!

Linking up to the following parties:

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83 comments:

  1. Really neat idea. I just happen to have an old wood mirror frame I got out of my Gram & Paps attic maybe four years ago. Thanks & Blessings!
    Lara

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  2. What a great idea , It looks awesome ! have a good day !

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  3. Fabulous, I love it, gives me lots of ideas to do with my frames, thank you very much for the tutorial:))

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  4. This is both beautiful and inspirational! What imagination and creativity your have! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!

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  5. Inspired, I AM!! So glad that garage saling season is upon us... I will definitely be on the lookout. Love the idea of using a bureau frame because of the flat bottom... perfect!! The dowels and curtain clips are a great idea. Gotta pin this so I'll remember when I come across a frame that will work. Thank you so much for sharing Suzanne, I appreciate it and love yours!

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  6. I love that--I am planning to do something similar. I know everyone loves their pinterest boards--which is great--but I like my inspiration to be staring me in the face when the computer isn't on:) TFS!

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  7. This is so nice! I have a 100 Things I want to do list up on my bedroom wall - I should do something more with it like this! Thanks for your inspiration!! -Joanne
    http://labellavidaaa.blogspot.com/

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  8. Great idea, Suzanne. Much better than the corkboard I have hanging above my craft table with things stuck in with push pins.

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  9. I love everything about this project! Every little detail is just perfect.

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  10. Hi Suzanne! Saw your project at Between u and me link party and had to stop by for a better look! So glad I found your blog - I am your newest follower. I just love the gray colour you used to repaint this frame - I am adding gray into my home room by room. I love your inspiration photos too. Please stop by my blog and say hello! I love to make new bloggy friends and comments on my posts - lets keep in touch with LF :) Have a wonderful day! Heather @ settingforfour.blogspot.com

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  11. In love! What a great way to repurpose! Thank you so much for showing off this weekend!

    Carlee
    www.ladybirdln.com

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  12. Love your mood board. Following through Linky.

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  13. I love your inspiration board! The dowels with clips is an excellent idea... you can clip up fabric swatches, paint chips, etc. to see your inspiration come to life! :)

    Tania

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  14. You did great job! The rod idea is pure genius! I like the thought of repurposing an old dresser back. Saw you on Savvy Southern Style's linky party. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Now I'm going to be looking for a a mirror frame! What a fantastic idea! Popped over from A Vision to Remember. You have a really nice blog!
    http://small-moments-blog.blogspot.com/

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  16. Your board is just gorgeous! Gives me an idea for something I have hanging in my bedroom that is huge!! :)
    Blessings~

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  17. Now I'm going to be looking for a mirror frame!!! Your's turned out fantastic!!! I popped over from A Vision to Remember. Nice blog!!!
    http://small-moments-blog.blogspot.com/

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  18. wow. so cool. love the way you incorporated the rods to hold fabric samples, etc.

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  19. Gorgeous!! I also love what you chose to hang on it.

    Found you through Serenity Now, btw!

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  20. That is one of the most inspiring pinboards i have seen in ages. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  21. How lovely your project turned out! Such creativity and an eye for beauty and function! Great job!

    Kindly, Lorraine

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  22. This is gorgeous!! Thank you so much for linking it up at Fantabulous Fridays!!! I love it!

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  23. What an amazing repurpose! This turned out 'sew' gorgous. Thank you for linking up to FiF.
    ~Kimberlee

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  24. Your inspiration board is truly inspiring! I'm your newest follower-stop by for a visit!!

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  25. Love this. It looks great.

    Kelly

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  26. I love the way your board came out, so creatively done and so pretty! I do believe I'm going to adapt your clip system to hang lace, that really caught my eye!

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  27. Beautiful! This would sure inspire me:)

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  28. Love, love, love that inspiration board!! I am your newest follower via Linky!

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  29. Turned out great! Nice tutorial - thanks for visiting and following my blog www.bigplanslittlevictories.com. I'm following back and looking forward to more!

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  30. This is an awesome piece. I need to make one for myself, thank you so much for posting. Hugs, Lynn

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  31. So pretty!! Great project, thanks for sharing.

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  32. Love this :)Thanks for joining us at Creative Mondays ...

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  33. Love this :) Thanks for joining us at Creative Mondays....

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  34. Impressive! We loved having you link up to our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We hope you'll be back! -The Sisters

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  35. Oh my goodness, that is just beautiful!!!

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  36. This is such a creative idea! I would love for you to Link up at my Linky party via: www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  37. Wow. I am inspired. Truly gorgeous.

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  38. Wonderfully done. Love it!!!
    blessings
    barbara jean

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  39. so cool.. i want one too! :) thanks for linking up!

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  40. glory indeed - I think that's one of the finest inspiration boards I have ever seen.

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  41. Beautiful! =) LOVE what you did to the dresser board =)
    Much Love,
    L

    (allglorious-within.blogspot.com)

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  42. What a beautiful re-purpose! I love the rods and clips in addition to the cork. Thank you for sharing!

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  43. What a smart idea. Great job seeing beyond the "ugly" to a "beautiful" inspiration board. Love it!

    BTW I'm stopping over from Topsy Turvy linky party and am your newest follower! I'd love for you to stop by and check out my blog, if you have time.

    Xoxo,
    Sarah
    www.adventuresofourfamily.com

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  44. Beautiful! Absolutely love the frame you used :o) Sarah @ Repeat Crafter Me

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  45. This is such a creative and beautiful project! I could really use something like this in my scrapbook space! I am hosting my very first linky party today and would love if you could share this.
    Amy@homehappyhome.blogspot.com

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  46. I love it. I made a simple one, but this is such a great idea.

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  47. I love the inspiration board. I love the frame it is very pretty.

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  48. Oh it turned out lovely! Thanks for sharing!

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  49. Great project! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  50. So beautiful! What an amazing job you did :) It must be wonderful to pass by and be inspired by this board. Thanks so much for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday!

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  51. I seriously wish i had this much talent. It is amazing! I am your newest linky follower and hope you will follow me back! http://dishinwithrebelle.com

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  52. Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts - you were featured today!!
    --Mandy, www.SugarBeeCrafts.com

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  53. Wow! This is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!! I love it! I'm crafty jealous ;)

    I'd love if you would like this up {and any other crafts, recipes, etc} to this week's What's New Wednesdays!

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  54. This would inspire me! New to your blog and glad I found your creative space on the web:D Consider it pinned!

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  55. I've been inspired by your inspiration board! I love the whole project but especially loved the dowel and clip setup! Thanks so much for sharing at the Rock 'N Share!

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  56. LOVE this inspiration board! What a great idea - and so many fabulous things pinned there (oh and the pins are wonderful too!)


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  57. Wow! First what a great idea, and the transformation. I love everything about your board. It is so special. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

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  58. This is such a great inspiration board. Wow a great idea, and so many fabulous thing pinned. Oh how great! I wish I had this kind of talent. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best Par.tay!

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  59. This is so so pretty. I love how you added the dowels too! Featuring this on Tickled Pink!

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  60. Hi Suzanne, Stopping by to let you know I featured your inspiration board today! Stop by and link up again today!
    Kim@madeinaday
    http://madeinaday.com

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  61. Love this! Featuring YOU today over on my blog! Thanks so much for sharing at {wow me} wednesday,

    Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

    http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/03/take-look-at-you-my-favorites.html

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  62. What a great idea! Looks beautiful!

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  63. Your inspiration board is a piece of art. It's beautiful. I'm visiting via the Linky Follower Party Blog Hop and am now following you on Linky and GFC.

    http://www.laurieslittlebitsofcreativity.com/

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  64. love your blog and your beautiful creation. I am now a linky follower will you please do the same. hugs

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  65. I swear.... my Mom has that EXACT same piece!! Her's still has the mirror though!!!

    Thanks for linking up at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality linky party! :)

    Christine
    xoxo

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  66. Hi! I'm a new follower through Very Cheri's LinkyFollower Blog party. I'm now following you, and as I read your blog discovered that we're both from NH! Woohoo :))

    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

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  67. Thank You for participating in Show Your Stuff Blog Hop, You are invited to come back:
    http://juliejewels1.blogspot.com/2012/03/show-your-stuff-13-chocolate-cover.html

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  68. I've seen this one all over the blogosphere this week! I can see why! So cute and such a great idea!

    Thanks for linking it up @ Creatively Living!
    --Katie

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  69. Oh this is so great compared to mine. I just did mine on a piece of foam board without a frame. You have me so inspired now Thanks for linking up to Motivated Monday at BeColorful
    pam

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  70. This looks amazing! love your color choice and all the dtails...pins,clips! Thank you for sharing at Uncommon! Bonnie ;)

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  71. It turned out just divine! I am beyond words in love!

    xoxo,
    Jen

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  72. I fall in love with this more and more each time I see it!

    Wanted to let you know I featured this on this week's What's New Wednesdays! I hope you'll stop by and link up more inspiring things!

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  73. Oh my goodness, I have to go out and make one myself today. That is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I'm so glad I found your blog. I bet I stay on it for a week straight. Gosh you do the prettiest things!!!!
    Visit my measly blog, it's in no comparison to yours at all. Oh I do love your blog!!!!
    Have a very happy day!!
    ....
    That's So Shabby Jen!!!

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  74. It left me breathless. What a stunning idea!

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  75. Suzanne, this is a great idea! I want to make one myself :-). Feel free to join my link party with this project!

    Hugs
    Goedele

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