When Emily emailed us with a beautifully textured, natural DIY project, we knew we had to share it. Here’s what she wrote:
I really REALLY enjoy reading your blog. I’m totally hooked on it—you have so many great, achievable ideas. I’m constantly inspired by the things you create, and recently I completed one of my own DIY projects: a wine cork bulletin board. It was a simple project but incredibly rewarding. I wanted to share the photos with you and let you know how inspiring you are to me every day—from painting a wall to traveling with your little furbaby. Thank you very much. –Emily
Isn’t she sweet? We’re blushing. Now, on to the project details and the lovely visuals Emily sent us. She started with inexpensive old frames she already had around the house. Using existing frames is a great upcycling approach: it saves money, reduces waste, and gives the finished cork bulletin board a polished look without buying new materials.
Next, Emily painted the frames black. This was a smart move to ensure that if any background showed through between corks, it would read as intentional rather than accidental. A dark frame edge also creates a clean border, helping the natural tones of the cork pop against the wall.
To adhere the corks, she used a hot glue gun—fast, reliable, and perfect for small, repetitive applications. Gluing the corks securely keeps them flat and usable as a pin-friendly surface. For a uniform grid, Emily arranged the corks carefully before gluing, making sure the pattern stayed consistent across the whole board. That attention to layout is what turns simple corks into a striking design element.
The finished result is a gorgeous grid of DIY cork boards. Working on a serious budget, Emily turned everyday materials into a functional, decorative bulletin board with plenty of texture and natural warmth. The clustered arrangement of frames creates a larger, modular display that can be rearranged or expanded over time—ideal for entryways, home offices, kitchens, or craft rooms.
We love this project because cork brings both texture and practicality to a space. Cork’s neutral, organic tones work well with many decor styles—from modern farmhouse to eclectic to minimalist—so a homemade wine cork bulletin board can easily blend into a variety of interiors. Plus, cork is forgiving: if one piece becomes damaged, it’s simple to replace a single cork rather than redoing the entire surface.
Thinking about trying this yourself? Here are a few quick tips inspired by Emily’s process:
- Collect corks from wine bottles over time, or ask friends and family to save theirs. Even a modest stash will go a long way when arranged tightly.
- Choose frames with a shallow rabbet (the recessed area where backing fits) so the cork surface sits flush with the frame edge.
- Paint the inside edge or background a dark, neutral color before gluing to prevent any gaps from looking obvious.
- Dry-fit your layout first. Lay out the corks in rows to ensure alignment before committing with glue.
- Use a strong adhesive like a hot glue gun or a craft-specific glue that bonds well to both cork and frame backing.
Didn’t Emily do a fantastic job? We’re especially fond of projects that add natural texture and personality while staying budget-friendly. Is anyone else tempted to try a cork bulletin board after seeing this? We’d love to hear about your versions, color choices, and where you plan to hang yours.
Psst—If you enjoy decorating with cork, consider using cork in table settings or as small in-cabinet boards for easy organization. Cork’s versatility makes it an excellent material for quick, budget-friendly updates that bring warmth and function to any room.