Fabric-Covered Nailhead Trim Cork Board

It was so nice having a few days off from work to get some crafting done last weekend!  I showed you the easy “instagram photo frames” I made the other day.  I also made a “built-in” fabric-covered, nailhead trim, cork board for our built-in bookshelves in the office.  I struggle with using different patterns in my decorating and I thought this would be a good way to introduce a fun pattern in a somewhat non-committal way, since I can fairly easily change out the fabric if I want to down the road.

This was a very quick, easy and cheap project.  It took me about an hour from start to finish, only cost about $35 and doesn’t require any power tools.  Here’s what you need:

Piece of thin plywood underlayment cut to your desired size

1” x 2” wood cut to fit the 4 sides of your underlayment

Screws or nails + a drill or hammer

Fabric

Nailhead Trim

Staple gun and staples
Cork Tiles
Spray glue
Box cutter or scissors

You can get all of your wood cut to size at Home Depot or Lowes.  I had my underlayment cut to fit the center section of our built-in bookshelves, where my computer will go.  Then I cut my 1x2 pieces and screwed them to the underlayment.  I added these mostly for stability and to give me a little thicker surface to staple into, but you really don’t absolutely need those pieces.

Once you have your base the way you want it, glue the cork tiles on, cutting them as needed.  My tiles were very thin so I did two layers so my thumbtacks would hold better.  I also added some staples in the corners of each square for extra adhesive power.  Again, probably not necessary, but I love reinforcement.

Next, iron your fabric then lay it pattern side down and flip your cork board over on top of it (see photo above).  I used this fabric from Tonicliving.com.  They are not cheap, but have an amazing selection.  Pull the fabric tight and staple it around the back edges of the board.

Then flip it back over and add your nailhead trim.  I like to use the kits that are just a long string instead of using individual nails… saves a lot of time and aggravation!  Measure from the edge of the cork board as you go to make sure you are staying straight.  I kept mine 1 inch from the edges.  

And there you go…  Four easy steps to a super cute new cork board!

Note: Mine fit snuggly in my space so I didn’t need to attach it to the wall at all (I was planning on using command velcro strips if it didn't wind up fitting so nicely.  But if you plan on hanging it on a wall I recommend using a hanging system like this so it doesn’t get crooked every time you pin something.

This project brings me one step closer to finishing the office!  It’s all annoying work that we have left like caulking the crown molding, touching up the painted desk, putting a protective coat on my file cabinet makeover (more on that to come), and cleaning (yuck!).  I always drag my feet with these last “finishing touches” because they always take longer than you expect and you don’t see much difference when they are done.  I like instant gratification!!

This post was featured @ Designs by Miss Mandie and the Lovely Wren!

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DIY Nailhead Trim Headboard

I finished our master bedroom headboard! 

 

I got my inspiration from the picture of the comforter that I bought online last month for our new king size bed.

Here's how I did it:

 

1. SKETCH IT... I sketched and cut out the shape I wanted for the top on a very large piece of paper (I actually printed this on the plotter at work... ssshhh.... don't tell my boss). You could also do it on a large de-constructed cardboard box or the back of wrapping paper or just tape a bunch of pieces of paper together. Or you could just sketch it right on the wood if you're that good. I held the paper up behind the bed first just to make sure I like the way it looked and the size was right before we proceeded.

 

2. CUT IT... The dimensions of our headboard are 76" wide x 42" high (about 30" shows above the mattress but I wanted the extra height below the mattress line just in case). We bought a 4'x8' piece of plywood from Home Depot and had them cut it to 76" (6 1/3') wide for us. We left the height as 4' so we had some wiggle room in case we messed up cutting the top. I attached the pattern to the plywood with thumbtacks and traced the shape onto the wood with a sharpie. I carefully cut along the line using a handheld saber saw (super easy to use!). It doesn't matter if it's not exactly perfect (mine wasn't) since you'll be wrapping it with batting and fabric.

 

3. COVER IT... I sprayed the wood with adhesive and laid the foam on top. I recommend leaving it a little long then you can just cut around the edges after it's attached. Then I laid the (pre-ironed) fabric on the floor, then the batting on top, making sure they were both pulled tight to eliminate any wrinkles. I trimmed each so there was at least 4" extra batting and fabric along each edge. I pulled the batting tightly around the wood and stapled in the back every few inches and did the same with the fabric.

 

4. NAIL IT... I used a nailhead trim kit from amazon.com. (I originally bought my nailhead trim from perfectfit.com, but it never came and they wouldn't give me my money back... grrrrr!!!).  I was worried that the kit wouldn't work with the shape of my headboard since it's the trim is a solid string and my headhoard is not straight on the top, but it was actually very flexible and easy to mold around the curves.  I suggest using needle nose pliers to hold the nails in place while hammering them so you don't damage your digits!

5. HANG IT... My dad and I had various ideas on how to hang the headboard, but we ultimately settled on hanging it on the wall with picture hangers and using brackets on the bottom for support.

 

 6. ADMIRE IT! Sweeeeeet! It's not perfect, but I made it so I think it's cooler than perfect :).



 

 

Here's what I used to make it:

MATERIALS:

3 yards of charcoal gray duck fabric from bigduckcanvas.com - $21.00

Nailhead trim kit from amazon.com - $11

1 piece of 3/4 in thick 8'x4' plywood - $30

Picture Hangers - $0 (already had)

Brackets - $4.00

5 yards of 3/4" thick upholstery foam (I only needed 2.5 yards, but I had to get two strips because it wasn't tall enough) - $20

3 yards of batting - $9

Spray adhesive - $0 (already had)
TOTAL: $95

TOOLS:

Saber saw

Staple gun

Rubber mallet

Electric screwdriver/drill
Needle nose pliers

I honestly think the hardest part of this project was ironing the fabric. But I'm a pretty terrible iron-er so you all would probably have an easier time with it. :)

What do you think?! 


P.S. I'm linking up to the Dog Days of Winter Party at Love of Family and Home.  Check out some of the other fun projects :).