« Cloud Cork Board Tutorial »

So I was on Pinterest when I saw these four cloud cork boards. Now I have to admit that they were totally cute, but they were teeny tiny (smaller than a 4x6 picture each). Plus add on the $20 price tag that doesn't include shipping and I was over it.

In the heat of my humongous 'reorganize the heck out of my office' fascination, I removed four cork board squares that were where I intended to place my new DIYed erasable wall calendar. Tossed to the side, they were forgotten until that pin came along yet again.

My nephew is obviously an artistic genius. He's going places.

And guess, what? My new boards are sized well enough that a pic isn't going to totally cover them up, plus since I already had everything on hand the total cost was totally FREE! Who am I to turn down a free project?

Want to make your own? You will need:

• 12 x 12 Cork Tiles
• Cheapie foam brush
• White acrylic paint
• Free printable pattern
• Xacto Knife

Lay your pattern on top of the cork and use your knife to make your first cut. Be firm, but don't stress out over cutting all of the way through the first time.

Because cork is kind of non slip, you could easily place your pattern on top with no problems, but if you find that this isn't working for you, you can use thumbtacks or a little spray adhesive to help keep it in place.

Take your knife and run around the cut, placing pressure as you go to pop the cloud shape out of the cork. Take your time or you can accidently tear out huge chunks.

When your shape is freed, use your knife to clean up large chunks. On smaller issues, you can easily rub your finger along the edge and the bumps will fall off.

Lastly, cover with white paint to finish up the cloud effect. Go over with as many coats as necessary until you get a nice, solid finish. Remember that cork is incredibly porous so no matter what kind of paint you use, the first coat is going to suck right in. The better the paint you use for the top coat, however will greatly impact the number of times you repaint your clouds...

Pop up on your wall and stick these babies up with notes, reminders or things you just want to see on the regular. Up there is a note from my nephew: "Thank you Auntie A for comeing here! - lots of hearts that say "Love" - (on the back) "Main thing. XOXO. I love you Auntie A. for Auntie A from Holden". Gah! So freakin' sweet :) Happy  hump day!

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