Bulletin Board Project + Ramblings
It all started with a beautiful linen covered bulletin board that I saw at the Historic Concepts office when I went on my blogger outing last month. (Sorry I don’t have a photo of it but trust me, it was gorgeous.) I decided then and there that I had to have one for my inspiration board. I asked about it and was told that it was made out of homasote. I had no idea what that was so I did some research and learned that it’s an insulation/soundproofing material made from recycled paper. It seems Martha Stewart made a homasote bulletin board years ago (of course):
You can find her how-to here. I also found two blog posts about it here and here,
A couple of weeks later, I went to Home Depot and no one knew what the hell I was talking about. So I did some more research and found it locally at Capital Materials. They were so nice and helpful! Homasote comes in 8′x4′ sheets and I had it cut into two (5′x4′ and 3′x4′). The large piece will be for my inspiration board in my office and the smaller one will go in the office area of the kitchen. Here’s the large piece sitting in the garage:
It’s not much to look at now but it will be once it’s covered in some pretty fabric. This gave me a good excuse to go fabric shopping so off I went to Lewis and Sheron. I found this for the large piece:
For once I didn’t hesitate. I knew I wanted something blue since I’ve been working with a yellow and blue palette in the office. I’ve also been wanting to do something orange and blue and since it is going to hang by the big orange chair, I can get that out of my system too. (The blue is more navy in person.) I thought the pattern might be too busy at first but most of it is going to be covered in stuff so I think it will work out.
This is what I found for the smaller piece:
I’m crazy for burlap these days and I am dying over this blue-gray color.
I hope to have these done within the week and will take photos along the way. If anyone has done something similar and has tips, please share. Wish me luck!
Also, Kelley Moore is featuring me today in her Ramblings series. Please visit for some well . . . ramblings about me. Thanks, Kelley!
(Photos: 1.Martha Stewart. 2-4.From the Right Bank)
I recall the homasote thing when Martha Stewart did her board. I couldn't find anyone that knew what I was talking about at Home Depot or Lowes. But then a carpenter told me that I needed to go to a lumber company and they would be able to help me.
.-= Tonia´s last post ..My thrfting escapades- Parte Uno =-.
I love it! I am about to move and will have room for a studio – I have been collecting images for an inspiration board and just needed a way to hang them. I have my idea now. Thanks!
A remodeler I sometimes work with took a full sheet of homasote and routered an interesting pattern into the board. He hung it in the design office in it's natural soft gray state and it actually looks amazing. I'm kicking myself for not having a pic to send to you.
.-= Aimee@ the Functional Space´s last post ..Not My Mothers Jewelry Box =-.
VERY curious to see the turnout. I've also been in the bulletin board buisness (oh, the alliteration!) lately, as you can see in my blog, but the first image here made me crave a full-length one in a quieter fabric- I might do that for another room.
.-= Belly´s last post ..guest blogger- happiness comes in stitches =-.
Tee hee at Martha quip! I love bulletin boards!
.-= Will´s last post ..10 Things I Learned This Weekend =-.
Can't wait to see the progress. Also love the interview. I have also ALWAYS dreamed of being on broadway…specifically musicals. It's such talent I can never believe people do that!
Can't wait to see it done!
.-= PS~Erin´s last post ..2010 Motto- Finally! =-.
Can't wait to see how they turn out!
What a good idea (of course, Martha would do it first!)…can't wait to see your results!
ee—–so excited! Thank you so much for this post. Incredibly timely, because I've been searching everywhere trying to fit the right sized cork board for my inspiration board frame. So excited to hear about this stuff. And I love the material you picked out!
.-= Mary @ Room Polish´s last post ..Bedroom Redo =-.
Just read the post. That's so great that you have visited 40 countries. I'm with you on your iPhone love and people standing too close!
.-= Vanessa@decor happy´s last post ..CSN Giveaway =-.
Ah, now I know what your project is
!! And a big THANKS – because I've been trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a bulletin board. This seems like something I can do!!
.-= Piper´s last post ..utilitarian chic =-.
When I was in Architecture grad school, I had to do research on a commonly used product made of recycled parts, I picked Homasote!! It is made of recycled paper. Homasote is a brand name, the generic product is cellulose based fiber wall board. If the place you are buying it isn't familiar with the Homasote brand, say you are looking for a cellulose fiber wall board they may have it under another brand name.
.-= Luxurious Life´s last post ..A Few Things On My Radar =-.
Great info. Ive never used homasote before and i'm quite interested to see your results. I also love that it's a green product.
.-= Stacey´s last post ..Purple love =-.
Any amount of time you take to get the edges and corners accurate is worth it many times over! A border or frame sets it off nicely of course, but a funny little fold and a wobble in the weave drove me bonkers with mine – I saw it every time. Every single time…
.-= Tricia Rose´s last post ..The Caddis Worm =-.
Stacey: Me, too!
Tricia Rose: Thanks for that tip. I was noticing that the cut edge was a little rough and I was tempted to just cover it as is. But I know you are right – it'll pay off in the end if I get it right first.
Homasote…what most painters have in their studios to work on drawings on paper or to put a little collection of inspiration together. It is a useful product to use for a massive design board. Martha was certainly not the first.
I didn't know about Homasote, I like the fact that it's recycled.
A few yeasr ago I made a headboard using the same technique; I used an MDF board, lined it with some light padding material, then covered with fabric – it looked great. As Tricia said, take your time when doing the edges; I had a friend helping me keep the lining, and then the fabric, stretched properly.
I love the plain blue burlap! Can't wait to see pictures of your board close to the orange chair
.-= Cristina´s last post ..Glittering light sculptures by Loemen =-.
I love a good diy. Pictures, please!
Cool-can’t wait to see it! I didn’t know what homasote was, but yeah these homasote boards look great and how practical too!
Thanks for broadening my horizon!
.-= highglossblue´s last post ..Mini Makeover =-.
that damn Martha always a jump ahead. Love inspiration boards & you know, I need to do one again. By gosh you've inspired me Ally, then again you always do!
xx
.-= Deborah Milne´s last post ..a history in a homes design =-.
Ooh! This is going to turn out fab! I can't wait for the final product, very inspiring
Nancy
.-= Nancy@marcusdesign´s last post ..kelly wearstler’s dream project =-.
It's a great project. I can't wait to see the final result.
.-= Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last post ..Guest post- Thread count- ply & more on sheets =-.
I'm using that vine fabric in an outdoor-friendly red for a project I am helping my dad with. It will be fun to see how it looks on your bulletin board.
.-= Amy´s last post ..Flowers of the week- Nostalgic =-.
Amy: I saw it in red – it's really pretty. Looking forward to seeing your project.