Linen Pillowcase Corkboard

Did you know the VERY cheapest way to get linen is at your local thrift store or at an estate sale? Be certain NOT to head to the fabric bins, for those are often marked up a bit.  Rather, dip into the pillowcases and other old "linens" and you might be suprised at the beautiful, old cottons, true linens and other natural fabrics.  Case in point?  25 cent linen pillowcases.  #MadeMyDay

Supplies:

• Large 24 x 35 corkboard <<< Link is to a new corkbaord, but I see these for $1-2 ALL the time used!  You are covering it, so it does not have to be pristine.
• Vintage or New Pillowcase - Standard Size
• Staplegun and Staples
• Metal Panel/Sheet - optional
• Cardstock - Large Scrapbooking Pieces - optional

Step 1: Gently dis-attach the cork from the frame.  Note that these corkboards are lightweight and somewhat fragile, so be careful!  If you would like a heavy duty option, you might consider creating a giant cork wall out of squares like my History Keepers Life-Sized Cork Wall. (I need to make another one of these in our new house...I miss it!)

Also note that there are about 6 places where the cork is solidly attached to the frame.  

Go slowly when you feel resistance and carefully separate the two.

Step 2: Cut the pillowcase open along the three seams. Iron and/or wash if needed.

Step 3: Place the pillowcase between the cork and the frame.

 Step 4: Push/pop the cork back into the frame gently (it WILL break if you man handle it!).

Push from the bottom right along the edges, not in the middle.

Step 5: Staple the pillowcase to the wooden frame on the back side.  Do NOT staple the pillowcase to the cork, as the staples will come through the front.  Staple the middle of the horizontal sides first, pulling tightly.  Repeat with opposite vertical sides then staple around the perimeter, pulling tightly.

***If you would like to make a fully wrapped linen board, you can add a piece of batting in between the case and cork, pulling the entire thing around the frame and stapling it to the back.  (See Below)  HERE is how I completed a similar project with a red and white polka dot fabric.

Once your board is wrapped and stapled, then you get to decorate! 

 I love adding a couple large pieces of cardstock to break up the field of color.

I also added a tiny bit of walnut stain to the plain frame and accessorized with walnut clothespins.
 They are expensive, but super cute, don't you think? (I asked for them for Christmas.)

A solid panel of metal is attached with simple pushpins for a magnetic space.

The perfect spot for business cards, photos, notes and reminders!

 If you liked this tutorial, then you might enjoy the BOOK!

Make your own coconut oil.

Gather your own sea salt.

Grow your own grapevines for wreaths.

Give gifts naturally grown and crafted from your backyard garden.

Each chapter focuses on a plant or groups of plants and how to grow them in your home garden.  Then, gather up those natural ingredients and get crafting! From lavender wreaths and hypertufa planters to lambsear angels and pickled tomatoes, there are projects for beginners on up!

Crafting with Nature is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, POWELL's! (!!!!)  Booktopia (Australia!), IndieBound, Alibris, Glose.com, The Book Depository and Walmart.com.  Books are also rolling out to retailers and libraries, so check for them there. 

 If your library does NOT have it yet, this is why you should talk to your librarian!