How to Create a Holiday Card Archway

The holidays mean many things and one of things is lots of cards. Finding somewhere to put all of these cards is difficult for most of us and most of us run out of room before they all come in. A holiday card archway is a great way to display your cards without taking up extra space.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure Hand-held circular saw Jig saw Hammer 1 sheet 3/4" plywood 1 (8-foot) 1 x 6 board Wood glue Finishing nails 8 feet crown moulding 4 to 5 packages 12-inch square cork

1. Measure your doorway. Use these measurements to determine the exact sizes that you need.

2. Cut the plywood sheet to 70 inches long. Your sizes may vary according to your measurements.

3. Cut the 1 x 6 board down the middle creating two equal strips to be used as edge trim for the plywood.

4. Draw the opening according to the measurements of your opening or doorway, and cut out with a jigsaw.

5. Attach the edging around the sides and top using wood glue and finishing nails. Take care that the edging sticks up from the surface of the plywood. This will make the cork tiles flush with the edge.

6. Cut the crown moulding to size and miter the corners. Nail and glue it to the face of the top edging.

7. Attach the cork tiles to the plywood surface using Liquid Nails. Apply a glue bond around the edges of the cork tiles. Cut off excess with a craft or utility knife.

8. Fill holes with wood putty. Use sandpaper to smooth the surface. Stain or paint as desired.

9. Hammer four or five four-inch nails into the top of the existing door trim at a 45-degree angle. Space nails evenly across the top of trim to help evenly support the weight of the archway. Gently rest the archway on them.

10. Now you're ready to break out the pushpins and cards!

Tips & Warnings

• Have someone help you lift the archway and gently rest it on the nails for support.