Most Lifehack readers are in tune with the value of goal-setting and how important it is to have a vision of what you want to achieve. This vision is really solidified by having actual visual representations of your goals. I like having a place to look at things that inspire me, like quotes, photos, and other meaningful scraps of paper that I enjoy, so this weekend I did a very easy project using cork tiles to create more bulletin board space. I created this space in my closet so that I could see these motivating items each morning when I am getting ready for the day.
You could also do this project to create more bulletin board space in your home office, kitchen, utility room, or other area to serve as a communication center for your family’s calendars, forms, and schedules. It’s very easy to do. Believe me, if I can do this project, so can you!
Here is what you need:
- Cork tiles (information and options below)
- Adhesive- I used Liquid Nails “Paneling” formula because it specifically mentioned corkboard on the label. I am sure there are other options.
- Caulking gun (if your adhesive requires it)
- Measuring tape
- Permanent marker
- Sharp utility knife and a cutting surface (a cardboard box works well)
- Yardstick or other straight edge for cutting
First, measure your space. You could be doing an entire wall or just a section of one, or even the back of a door. Get creative! Use your measurements to decide then how much cork you’ll need to buy. I used 12 x 12” cork tiles, so it was easy to figure out what was needed.
The cork tiles can be difficult to find locally—you may want to call ahead before trying some stores. I was surprised that they were NOT available at home improvement stores. I found them at Michael’s (a chain of craft stores- but they did not carry them online). Here are some places I found them on the web: Corkfloor.com and BoardDudes. Corkfloor.com also has an excellent selection of colors if you want to get even more elaborate, and Corkstore.com has rolls of cork that you could use to carve shapes if you want to make it a work of art. You need to make sure whatever you buy is thick enough for pushpins to work well. Also buy extra tiles in case you make a cutting mistake.
Think through your layout of tiles before gluing them on. I had one row of tiles that required trimming, so I decided to have the cut edges underneath the upper shelving so they would not show as much. I glued the whole tiles on first, then I cut each piece to fit above it.
I marked the required cuts with my marker and cut them with the utility knife against the yardstick as a guide. Use the cardboard box underneath when you are cutting to make sure you don’t damage the surface below. I also recommend cutting the tiles just slightly larger than you think, since the material is “spongy” and will line up more cleanly if you fit them very tightly.
This project took me less than an hour, not counting the time needed to shop for the supplies. Get inspired!
Lorie Marrero is a Professional Organizer and creator of The Clutter Diet, an innovative, affordable online program for home organization. Lorie’s site helps members lose “Clutter-Pounds” from their homes by providing online access to her team of organizers. Lorie writes something insanely practical every few days or so in the Clutter Diet Blog. She lives in Austin, TX, where her company has provided hands-on organizing services to clients since 2000.
hey, the cork tiles are a great idea
[...] Get Inspired – Post your goals up on the wall [Lifehack] Bubbl.us [...]
I guess we have heard it from a lot of people that posting our inspirational pictures, quotes and other things is an effective way of being inspired. We only need the time to do it to actually take advantage of it.
Using the cork tiles is a good idea. It will make it easier to post picture and other stuff on the wall. I was thinking of putting tapes in concrete and wooden walls but it might scrape off the paint.
[...] Keep your goals in plain view [...]
Cool!! Vision Boards are great!
I’ve put cork on walls behind desks and workstations often- I’m a designer-
The cork tiles I prefer to use are from http://www.DuroDesign.com (much nicer colors and better quality cork) are really dense – so thumbtacks don’t work very well. I suggest using a stapler to tack things up. Staples leave such small holes, and the cork is self-healing- so the cork wall doesn’t look peppered with holes.
Lorie! This is great… I even have these cork squares! Thanks so much for sharing this post with me on creating your vision board. I just love the concept behind seeing your vision as your reality!
I just made my first vision board the other day. It took me less than 10 minutes and I didn’t have to buy anything. I cut and pasted pictures I found online into a paint program and set it as my desktop. Things began to manifest within 24 hourse. I plan to do a material version, but as a starter, my “desktop model” is working GREAT! I have pictures of it posted in my blog if anyone is interested! http://thespiritvibe.blogspot.com
I LOVE the cork board idea! I think the only thing I’d do different is… I’d attach the cork to something like poster board and THEN hang it on the wall. Liquid nail will take several layers off your wall if you ever want to remove it. It’s some sticky stuff!!!
Many Blessings!
El Baugher aka- The Smiling Spirit
This is a great idea; however you don’t need to buy the cork tiles from an actual cork flooring vendor; that would just be a waste of money in terms of production?