Noticeboard Project

Judging by the number of great comments I received on my bedside cabinet makeover post you girls are into interior decor just as much as I am! I guess we just love things to look pretty! I had quite a few emails and comments requesting a step by step guide on how I achieved that so I'm working on a post which will be published by the end of the week.

At the weekend I embarked on a much quicker and easier project and your shared enthusiasm over all things interior related inspired me to share it with you today. I'm hoping that when I move thrall be a space in the kitchen for a vertical or horizontal noticeboard on which I can display photographs, postcards, shopping lists and the like. When i spotted this cork noticeboard and ancient framed print at my uncle's garage clearance I immediately knew what I could use them for.

From a distance this frame looks nice, right? Actually it was pretty nasty and messed up. You probably can't judge the dimensions from this photograph but the cork board was huge and more suitable for a commercial office rather than a home. I wanted to clean up and paint the frame and cut the cork down to fit.

As I didn't want to spend any money I simply used what paint we had laying around - a brilliant white satin finish (somewhere between matte and gloss). I think this frame would have looked great painted grey or even a bright colour like pink or turquoise. I may end up changing it once I know what my new kitchen actually looks like!

It took no time at all and cost zero £'s as everything was given to me for free. The result:

I think it'd be cool to find a really ornate frame, choose a crazy bright paint colour and cover the cork with a large print fabric. The possibilities are endless!

I pinned a few items on just so I could see what it would look like in use. I don't plan on decorating this until I move into my new flat but I'll definitely show you the result when I do. I may even change the frame or at least change it's colour! And in case you were wondering what I already have displayed...that little cutie is a Cambodian boy I send money to each month via a charitable organisation. His mother gave him up as she couldn't afford to keep him. The money he receives is used to pay for his upkeep and schooling in a children's village (similar to an orphanage) so that's something I'll donate every month until he is 18.

This card came with a Dogeared wishbone necklace i received last Christmas. I love anything that has some kind of extra special meaning behind it!

Finally, this is one of my favourite photographs, taken at a hostel I stayed at whilst travelling in Greece years ago. It's a sign written by the owner, Mike, who had lived in the building since he was born. His mother had since died and he ran the place as an authentic Greek bar, restaurant and hostel and will do so until the day he dies. Most of the surrounding properties had been renovated into swanky generic bars but he refused to sell. I have some amazing memories of that place and will definitely go back. Yet another reminder that happiness does not come from money!

So, tell me, have you already created a noticeboard? How did it turn out? Is this something you'd like to try for your own home?

♥