thinkbrit

4’x9’ foam core insulation + duct tape + fabric = bulletin board.

I meant to take pictures as I went so I could share my process with y’all, but I forgot in the midst of cursing under my breath and sweating a lot.

The general idea, though:

Materials:

• 1/2 ” thick foam core insulation (available at your local home improvement store— a 4’x8’ sheet costs about $10)
• fabric (enough to cover your final size of bulletin board)
• duct tape
• 3M picture hanging strips
• an assistant

Process:

1. Measure and cut your foam core to the size you want it.
2. Lay your fabric out the way you want it. If you’re only using one piece of fabric, this will be easy. If you are using three pieces of fabric and are trying to get them straight, you will probably curse. Make sure your door is closed if you are at school.
3. Put the foam core down on top of the fabric. Anchor one side with the duct tape. Start in the middle and get one side anchored in several places, then move across the foam core to stretch and pull the fabric tight.
4. Keep going until the sides are all anchored. Fold the corners carefully (think of hospital corners on a bed).
5. Once finished, put enough picture hanging strips on the back to secure to the wall. Mount to the wall and press securely.

Yay! A custom-sized bulletin board for less than $20 (and an enormous one, at that). I have another sheet of foam core and will be making a few more of these to put up in other places in my classroom. I will try to remember to take pictures next time!

This way, I will not have to pull out millions of staples from my walls at the end of the year. Hooray!