When we moved into the new house last year, I was looking for a cute way to display photos as well as my important notes. I wasn’t finding what I wanted. Instead, I got creative and put one together myself. I’ll show you what I did.
What you will need:
- Open back frame
- Foam core board
or cardboard
- Fabric
- Double-sided tape
or stapler
- Offset clips
The size of the frame you use depends on the size board you want to make. I put mine over my desk so a 16” x 20” frame worked best for me. You can go bigger if you want. Michael’s and Hobby Lobby both sell a wide variety of open back frames. Also, thrift stores and flea markets are a great place to pick up unique frames. Do any painting, distressing, or alteration to the frame first. You don’t have to alter the frame at all if you do not want to and I left mine alone since it matches my desk so well. There are tons of beautiful ready-made frames to choose from. It is very difficult to antique the frame once everything is put together. You will just have a big mess on your hands.
To make the insert for your board, cut a piece of foam core or cardboard to fit your frame. With some frames, the opening is slightly different than the dimensions stated. So, your 16” x 20” frame may end up being 15 7/8” x 19 7/8”. A 1/8 of an inch does not seem like a big deal but it will once you try to put your fabric wrapped board in and it warps. Just double check the frame by measuring the sides of the opening from the back side of the frame. You will want to cut your board slightly smaller to make room for the fabric to fold around the edges. For my 16” x 20,” I cut my board to 15 3/4” x 19 3/4”. With the fabric wrapped around it, the fit was perfect.
Cut the fabric at least 2” larger than your board and attach one edge to the back of the board with the stapler or double sided tape. If you want to use tape, make sure that it is nice and strong. Wrap the fabric around the front to the opposite side. You want to make sure that it is tight enough to avoid sags and wrinkles but not to bow the board. Once you are happy with the tension, attach it to the back of that opposite side. Keep the tension and attach the other 2 edges. Fold the corners flat and secure them down.
With most open back frames, there are no prongs or backing to secure your piece into the frame. This is where the offset clips
come into play. There are different lengths of offsets so you will want to get a wider set for a deeper frame. Screw one side into the frame and let the other side hold your board in place.
come into play. There are different lengths of offsets so you will want to get a wider set for a deeper frame. Screw one side into the frame and let the other side hold your board in place. 
Once the board is secured you can hang the frame. I recommend using two d-rings
to keep the frame from moving when you are pinning things. If your frame does not come with a hanging system, you can find picture hanging kits
with all that you need. Now just enjoy your new pin board. Happy crafting!
to keep the frame from moving when you are pinning things. If your frame does not come with a hanging system, you can find picture hanging kits with all that you need. Now just enjoy your new pin board. Happy crafting!
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