How to Make Canvas Bulletin Boards
There are many commercial bulletin boards available, but sometimes the need arises for a bulletin board of a customized size or look. Bulletin boards are not too difficult a craft project and can often be constructed from household objects. For that reason, this is a nice project to do with your children. After constructing your backboard, you can choose to cover it with any fabric that strikes your fancy, including canvas.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Foam board or plywood
- Corrugated cardboard
- Spray adhesive
- Canvas
- Utility knife
- Construction stapler
- Wood molding
- Miter box
- Construction adhesive
- Brads (i.e., small nails)
- Picture hangers
- Push pins
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Design your board. You are custom making the bulletin board, so take a look at the place you intend to hang it and make a few measurements.
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2
Cut your backing board. Here you have to decide on size and durability. The cheapest and most disposable board can be cut from a piece of heavy-duty corrugated cardboard, which can come from an appliance box. A more durable board can be made from a standard piece of foam board available at any office supply store. For boards larger than 3-x-4 feet, cut a piece of lightweight plywood to size. Because it would be difficult to push pins into hard plywood, use spray adhesive to face the plywood with a layer of corrugated cardboard.
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3
Cut the lightweight canvas three inches bigger than the bulletin board size. Lightweight canvas of varying textures and widths is available at artist supply stores. Spray the surface of your backing board with adhesive and carefully lay the canvas over the board, smoothing out any wrinkles and stretching it slightly. Turn the backing board upside down and staple the fabric around the perimeter of the board, folding edges neatly at the corners.
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4
Frame the bulletin board with standard MDF wall molding, if desired. This is available at home supply stores. Use a miter box to cut 45 degree corners and attach the frame to the bulletin board with construction adhesive and small brads.
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5
Use adhesive picture hangers or a picture hanging kit to affix the bulletin board to the wall. While you're at the hardware store, pick up some colorful push pins and your new canvas bulletin board is ready to go.
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Tips & Warnings
In general, you will want to hang your bulletin board at eye level and have enough space to pin up all of your papers or photos. An extremely long and narrow board can make an eye-catching border along a room, and a really huge board can become a focal point or a sales tool in a retail establishment.
If you use foam board as a backing, make sure you get the kind that is backed with cardboard on both sides of the foam to prevent warping.
