From Ugly Duckling to Beautiful Swan

As part of my pantry/laundry room makeover, I've been wanting to create a sort of  'command central.' One main thing I wanted in the room was a cork board to tack appointment cards and other important papers to. Stores didn't have anything like what I was looking for so I decided to DIY one! After brainstorming I knew I wanted to buy cork and just attach it to an old picture frame without the glass. However, I didn't own a frame the right size so off to the thrift store I went to browse for an appropriately sized frame. Within about 10 minutes, I found pretty much exactly the shape I was hoping for.

Isn't it beautiful?

Definitely not my style anyway. So I set out on a mission to transform this thrift store frame, an ugly duckling, into something amazing. The first step was to paint that frame cause I was not having it. I used FreshAire no-voc white semi-gloss paint.

Next I used the adhesive tape that came with the cork (which was $5 at Target for 4 squares) to adhere it to the picture that came with the frame. Then I selected my fabric and cut it to size leaving about an inch all the way around the picture. To attached the fabric I neglected to do anything fancy and just used thumbtacks to keep the fabric in place. Lazy? Yes. Easy and functional? Very. The fabric was pretty easy to manipulate into place - nice!

Yes, I am wearing lime green socks in that picture.

When all was said and done, here's what I was left with!

I pretty much love it. It's the life that picture frame was meant to live. Here it is in its new home in the laundry room.

I suddenly feel a need for 10 more of these. At $2 for the frame, $1.50 for fabric and some more $5 cork it wouldn't break the bank!

Maybe I can make them and give them away as Christmas gifts?