Have a few old cork boards lying around? Don’t toss them just yet!
With a little imagination, you can turn them into fun family crafts that everyone will enjoy. Cork is super easy to work with, and the best part? It’s budget-friendly.
You can paint it, cut it, pin stuff to it, so many options! From personalized message boards to colorful wall art, the ideas are endless.
Even the kids can jump in, making it a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. You don’t need anything fancy, just some simple supplies and a fun idea to get started.
I’ve turned plain cork boards into everything from memory keepers to game stations, and it’s always a blast. It’s amazing how a simple board can turn into something meaningful with just a bit of creativity.
Why Cork Boards Are Perfect for Crafting
Corkboards are one of my favorite things to use for family crafts. They’re lightweight, easy to cut, and super simple to decorate. You can paint them, pin things on them, or glue stuff to them.
Plus, cork is soft but strong, which makes it safe for kids to work with, too. No sharp edges, no heavy lifting. Just pure creative fun!
Another thing I love about cork is that it’s reusable. If you want to change your design later, just pull out the pins or add something new.
It’s like a blank canvas that you can use again and again. You can make a family calendar, an art display, or even a game board; cork works for it all.
If you’re looking for boards that are both durable and stylish, these cork pin boards for walls are a great option to start your next project.
What You’ll Need
Before you start crafting, it helps to have all your supplies ready to go. Gathering everything in one place makes the project smoother and more fun, especially when kids are involved. Here’s a list of simple tools and materials that will help bring your cork board ideas to life:
- Corkboard (any size)
- Push pins or thumbtacks
- Scissors
- Paint or markers
- Craft glue or hot glue gun (with help from an adult)
- Colored paper, fabric scraps, or stickers
- Photos, ribbons, washi tape, or other decorations
Optional extras: string lights, buttons, stencils, or printed quotes.
Tip: Gather everything on a tray or in a box so it’s easy to carry and clean up
Easy Cork Board Craft Ideas for Families
Cork boards are super flexible, which makes them perfect for all kinds of family-friendly DIY projects. You can use them to get organized, show off your favorite memories, or just have fun decorating together.
1. Family Photo Display Board
Turn a plain cork board into a personalized photo wall. Start by printing out some of your favorite family pictures, vacation shots, birthday moments, or silly selfies. Arrange them in a fun pattern or a timeline. Use colorful push pins, labels, and stickers to add a personal touch.
You can decorate the frame with paint, fabric, or washi tape to match your room’s theme. Try adding words like “Family,” “Home,” or “Love” with letter stickers or cutouts. Hang it in a hallway, entryway, or bedroom where everyone can enjoy it daily. It becomes more than just a display, it tells your story.
2. Kids’ Art Gallery
Give your kids a place to proudly share their artwork. Instead of taping everything to the fridge, turn a cork board into a rotating gallery. Let them pin up their drawings, school projects, or even coloring pages. Add their name or age to each piece to make it feel special.
To make it extra fun, you can create “Artist of the Week” signs or borders for each child. Use bright frames, glitter borders, or fun thumbtacks to show off their style. Switch out the artwork weekly or monthly to keep it fresh. It’s an easy way to boost their confidence and make them feel seen.
3. Memory Board for Vacations or Holidays
Gather small keepsakes from your favorite trips, like postcards, ticket stubs, wristbands, dried flowers, or little notes. Pin them to the board to tell the story of your adventure. You can add printed photos, short captions, or even draw small doodles to match the theme.
Divide the board into sections by trip, season, or event. A beach corner, a camping section, a winter holiday area, it’s totally up to you. This kind of craft lets you relive those happy memories every time you pass by the board. It’s a creative and personal way to decorate any shared space.
4. Weekly Chore or Schedule Board
This one is both fun and practical. Use tape, paint, or colored markers to divide the board into columns or rows for each family member. Write names at the top and list daily or weekly chores below. You can use sticky notes or index cards so tasks can be moved around easily.
Add fun stickers or checkmarks when tasks are done, this makes it more motivating for kids. You can also include reminders for homework, activities, or meal plans. Place the board somewhere central like the kitchen or hallway, so everyone sees it often. It helps keep your week on track without any nagging.
5. Goal or Vision Board
Sit down as a family and talk about your goals, big or small. Each person can make their own section of the board or create individual boards. Cut out pictures from magazines, print words or quotes, and draw symbols that match your goals. Want to read more books? Add a picture of a bookshelf. Want to save for a bike? Pin up a photo of your dream one.
As time goes on, you can update your board, track progress, or celebrate goals that were reached. It’s a great way to stay motivated and support each other while dreaming big together.
6. DIY Cork Puzzle or Game Board
Turn your cork board into an interactive play space. Paint a simple game like tic-tac-toe or checkers right onto the board. Use buttons, bottle caps, or mini clothespins as game pieces. You can even make a matching game with felt shapes or numbers.
For added fun, use Velcro to attach and move game pieces or string to create connect-the-dots puzzles. This kind of board is perfect for rainy days or quiet afternoons and can hang in a playroom for easy access. It mixes creativity with play, and keeps kids entertained without screens.
The Benefits of Crafting as a Family
Crafting together as a family offers more than just fun; it brings connection, learning, and lasting memories.
It Builds Stronger Bonds
Crafting is more than just using glue and glitter. It’s time spent talking, laughing, and sharing ideas. These moments bring families closer and often turn into favorite memories.
It Helps Kids Grow
When kids make things with their hands, they gain confidence. They learn how to solve problems, follow simple steps, and stick with a project until it’s done. That sense of accomplishment really matters.
It Encourages Teamwork
Crafting teaches kids how to work together. Someone might hold the board while another paints or pins. Sharing tools and ideas helps everyone feel included and valued.
It Gets Everyone Off Screens
Instead of scrolling or watching, you’re sitting around the table, creating something real. It’s a refreshing break from phones and tablets, and a great way to be present together.
It’s All About the Fun
It doesn’t have to be perfect. The fun comes from the process, not the result. You get to laugh at the mess, enjoy each other’s company, and take pride in what you’ve made together.
How to Store and Reuse Cork Crafts
One of my favorite things about cork crafts is how easy they are to reuse. You don’t have to throw anything away when you’re done. You can change the design, update the look, or start over completely, without buying a new board.
If you want to save a finished corkboard, just hang it on a wall or lean it on a shelf as part of your décor. If you’re not ready to display it, no problem. Cork boards are flat and lightweight, so they slide easily under a bed, behind a door, or into a closet.
Want to use the board for a new season or project? Just pull out the pins and peel off any paper or decorations. If there’s glue or paint, give it a light sanding or paint over the surface for a fresh start.
To make things even easier, I like to keep a small box of leftover craft supplies, pins, ribbon, tape, and extras, so everything’s ready for next time. That way, when inspiration strikes, you’re good to go.
Ways to Display Your Cork Creations
Don’t let your hard work stay hidden in a drawer! Cork crafts are fun to show off, and they can look great in your home. Try hanging your finished board:
- In the entryway to leave notes or reminders
- In the kitchen, as a mini family command center
- In your kids’ bedroom, to display their art or photos
- On a playroom wall as a fun, rotating activity space
For projects you plan to maintain over the long term, it helps to start with a well-designed board.
Tips for Crafting with Kids
Crafting with kids is always an adventure. Here are a few tips to make it smoother and more fun:
- Set up a kid-friendly zone: Use a newspaper, a mat, or an old sheet to protect surfaces.
- Let them take the lead: Kids have wild imaginations, go with it!
- Use safe tools: Stick to kid scissors and non-toxic glue unless an adult is present to help.
- Keep it short and sweet: Younger kids focus better with shorter craft times.
- Don’t aim for perfection: The goal is to enjoy the process, not to create a masterpiece.
And most of all, laugh, cheer each other on, and celebrate what you made together.
Conclusion
Crafting with cork boards is such a fun way to spend time with your family. You don’t need to be an expert or have fancy tools. Just a few supplies, some ideas, and a little time together can turn into something special.
I’ve made memory boards, chore charts, and even art displays with my family, and we’ve loved every minute of it. The best part? You can change things up anytime or start fresh with the same board.
It’s simple, affordable, and full of possibilities. I hope these ideas help you get started on your own corkboard projects. Pick one that feels right for your space or your family. Then gather your supplies and start creating. You might be surprised how much fun you have along the way. Let’s make something together.
