DIY Painted Cork Board

Why is it that the room we need the most is often the room that we finish decorating last? That has been the case with my home office.  I have all of these grandiose plans for it, yet it still sits full of unpacked boxes and Christmas decorations I can’t bring myself to finish packing away.  When Decoart asked me to review their new Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint, I knew it would be just the incentive I needed to get my rear in gear and finish my office!

I was so excited when a large box full of every color of the rainbow showed up on my doorstep along with the most amazing stencil brush and every kind of stencil one could imagine!

I decided a large memo board in my colors of choice would be just the project to kick off the office makeover! Here’s how I created my DIY Painted Cork Board with Memo Area using Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paints!

Large cork board (24 X 36 inch)
Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint in colors of choice (I used Primitive, Legacy and Relic)
Americana Decor Stencil Brush
Ruler, Pencil and Painters Tape Piece of balsam wood (1/8 X 3 X 24 inch)
Wood glue and clamps
Americana Decor Stencils (I used French Script and Distressed Harlequin)
Paint roller, paint brush and paper plate (for stenciling)
Memo board items (I purchased magnetic art, chalkboard clipboard, memo pad, chalkboard clothespins and cute thumbtacks)

STEP 1-3 Measure in approximately 11 inches and mark off a section of the cork board with a pencil to hold the memo board items. Using a ruler draw a faint line.  Mask of with painters tape along the line pressing down firmly.

STEP 4-6 Using a small sponge roller roll out Americana Decor paint in base color of choice on largest section of cork board.  Be sure to roll paint along edge of tape to get a clean line.  Paint smaller side of board in a coordinating color. In a Americana Decor contrasting color, paint your piece of balsam wood.  Allow to dry.

STEPS 7-9

When you base paint has dried.  Create a stencil pattern on the large side of cork board.  I chose the pattern from Americana Decor.  Use a low tack painters tape to hold your stencil steady.  Using a small amount of paint, pounce paint lightly on stencil.  Carefully remove stencil and overlap and position to cover entire surface with pattern.  Repeat with another stencil pattern for smaller side of cork board.

STEP 10-12

Once stenciled areas have dried, carefully remove painters tape to reveal a band of cork board.  Attach memo board items to board.  I used small nails to attach the metal art, for a magnetic board, and the mini chalkboard. I used velcro strips to attach memo pad.  Last using wood glue I attached the chalkboard “day of the week” clothespins to the balsam wood, and then glued the balsam wood to the cork board lining it up along the edge of the large side.  Use clamps to hold in place until dry.

Hang in place and enjoy!

Here are some more amazing projects using Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint from DecoArt and a Pinterest Board full of fabulous ideas!  You can purchase Americana Decor Paint online at Home Depot in tons of fabulous colors, as well as their quality stencils and brushes! You can have it shipped straight to your front door, or have it delivered to your local Home Depot and pick it up for free!

I was provided product to review and compensation for this post, but all opinions are my own.  Please visit here: Disclosure Policy for full disclosure.