DIY: PINS, PATCHES, & THE WONDERS OF CORK

Here's a pretty easy DIY for those crafty types. If you aren't so artsy-fartsy, don't worry.
We've broken it down step by step so you can follow along. It's easier than building IKEA. 

• cork (you can buy this in sheets or a roll at any craft store)
• a frame (we used an awesome vintage frame we had in the shop)
• foam-core 
• a razor blade or scissors 
• a sawtooth picture hanger
• glazier points (can be found here)
• ruler or measuring tape
• spray glue

STEP 1: MEASURING

The first thing you'll want to do is measure the inside of your frame to get the size of your foam-core and cork board. After laying the frame face down, measure the inside back walls from top to bottom and side to side. Make sure to measure from lip to lip and not the inside opening of the frame - you don't want your cork board falling out the front when you're all done! It may seem very obvious, but because what's inside the frame is slightly larger than the opening, it stays put. Once you've got your measurements, write down the length and width. 



STEP 2: SNIP, SNIP, SNIP

Mark your measurements on your foam-core. Using a ruler or some other sort of straight edge, cut the foam core to size. We use a box-cutter because it's more accurate, but a pair of sharp scissors could work too. Mark the same measurements on your cork (or trace your foam-core) and cut to size. 



STEP 3: SEAL THE DEAL

You'll probably want to do this next part outside, unless breathing in really harmful chemicals is totally your thing (we get it but just this once be safe and go outside). We tacked our foam core to a wood column out on the deck and coated it with spray glue. It doesn't take as much as you think! A side-to-side vertical pass followed by a top-to-bottom horizontal pass should do the trick. You'll want to stay about 12 inches away from the foam core. Once you've finished spraying, it's time to attach the cork. Make sure to start at the top and gently rub your way down to avoid any air bubbles. It's kind of like giving a massage - but without the oil and awkwardness. 

STEP 4: SAFE & SECURE

Once our cork is glued on to the foam-core, place it inside the frame. If your frame is face down, you'll want to be looking at the foam-core. If you're looking at the cork, take some deep breaths and flip it over. If your frame already has clamps and a hanging mechanism, then clamp that sucker and move on to step 5. Because we're a fancy frame shop, we've got a special gun that inserts small metal brads that hold the foam core in place. Since you probably don't have one of these, we recommend using what are called glazier points. These you can also get at a craft or hardware store. They're essentially the same thing, they just involve a little more work to get them in. Read the instructions on your package, but it most likely involves nothing more than light tapping with a hammer or wedging in with a flat head screwdriver. Once the foam-core was secure, we hammered in our sawtooth hanger. These can also be purchased with tiny screws that secure the sawtooth to the frame (also available at the same stores). Read the package on your sawtooth and follow the instructions provided. It'll read something like "find the center and whack it in!"



STEP 5: PIN CRAZY

Now's the fun part. Pat yourself on the back because the hard part is over. Find some pins that make you happy. We're using these adorable little gold ball points and some vintage upholstery pins we had in the shop. Different pins can be used for so many different things - so use your imagination! Once you're satisfied with how everything looks, it's time to put this baby on a wall. We recommend using a nail with a flat head so your sawtooth hanger has something to rest on and keep it from sliding forward and off the wall.

TIP: Once you've hammered your nail and hung the frame, apply pressure to the top to drive the nail deeper into the wall. This eliminates the gap between the frame and the wall and makes for a more secure final product! 



STEP 6: STEP BACK AND ADMIRE

Congratulations! You're now a real DIY-er. Here are a couple examples of how you can use your new cork frame. No more piles of pins and no more tangled necklaces - now you can officially stay organized. 

Make sure to tag us on Instagram @foursidedchicago with your finished products! Happy corking!