How to Make Cork Frame DIY (Corkboard with Corks)

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5:30 AM

How to Make Cork Frame DIY (Corkboard with Corks)

If you’ve ever saved wine corks thinking “I’ll make something with these someday”—this is your sign.

This cork board picture frame is a fun project that turns everyday corks into a functional piece of decor that works perfectly on a desk, shelf, or table.

Because the corks are long and sturdy, the finished cork board stands up on its own, making it ideal for photos, notes, or little bits of memorabilia—no wall mounting required.

It’s a great idea for decorating small spaces, dorm rooms, or a creative craft room, and it’s beginner-friendly even if this is your first time working with cork.

Supplies Needed for Cork Board Frame:

affiliate links

Optional Supplies: (I didn't use any of these, but you can make yours as custom and sturdy as desired)

Thrifted frame backing from a thrift store
Paint (if you want a finished look on the back of the frame)
Wood glue (optional but recommended for extra strength)
Foam core (cut slightly smaller than the cork layout)
4x6 photo or postcard (for sizing reference)
Piece of cork or roll of cork (optional backing layer)
Spray adhesive
Scissors or craft knife

Let's get started!

Supplies Needed for Cork Board Frame: affiliate links Wine corks Hot glue gun and glue sticks Optional Supplies: (I didn't use any of these, but you can make yours as custom and sturdy as desired) Thrifted frame backing from a thrift store Paint (if you want a finished look on the back of the frame) Wood glue (optional but recommended for extra strength) Foam core (cut slightly smaller than the cork layout) 4x6 photo or postcard (for sizing reference) Piece of cork or roll of cork (optional backing layer) Spray adhesive Scissors or craft knife

Step 1: Arrange the Wine Corks

Lay out your wine corks in a neat grid before gluing. For this project, I used:

6 corks across
7 corks tall

This size creates a cork board that’s tall enough to hold a push pin and a standard 4x6 photo comfortably.

It’s one of those good ideas that’s simple but surprisingly effective.

Step 1: Arrange the Wine Corks Lay out your wine corks in a neat grid before gluing. For this project, I used: 6 corks across 7 corks tall This size creates a cork board that’s tall enough to hold a push pin and a standard 4x6 photo comfortably. It’s one of those good ideas that’s simple but surprisingly effective.

Step 2: Glue the Corks Together

Once you’re happy with the layout, start gluing the corks together using a hot glue gun.

Work row by row, gluing each cork to the one next to it, then stacking rows carefully.

For added durability, you can add a small amount of wood glue between corks as well.

Let everything dry completely—this is especially helpful if you plan to handle it a lot.

Step 2: Glue the Corks Together Once you’re happy with the layout, start gluing the corks together using a hot glue gun. Work row by row, gluing each cork to the one next to it, then stacking rows carefully. For added durability, you can add a small amount of wood glue between corks as well. Let everything dry completely—this is especially helpful if you plan to handle it a lot.

Step 3: Add the Backing

OPTIONAL:

Cut a piece of foam core to fit the back of the board, trimming it just inside the edges of the frame so it won’t show from the front.

If you want extra stability, you can also glue a piece of cork or thin roll of cork onto the foam core using spray adhesive.

Apply the adhesive in light coats, let it get tacky, then press everything together firmly.

Attach the backing to the corks using hot glue or wood glue and let it dry thoroughly—ideally overnight.

By the next day, everything will be solid and ready to use.

Step 3: Add the Backing OPTIONAL: Cut a piece of foam core to fit the back of the board, trimming it just inside the edges of the frame so it won’t show from the front. If you want extra stability, you can also glue a piece of cork or thin roll of cork onto the foam core using spray adhesive. Apply the adhesive in light coats, let it get tacky, then press everything together firmly. Attach the backing to the corks using hot glue or wood glue and let it dry thoroughly—ideally overnight. By the next day, everything will be solid and ready to use.

For the best visual, I used corks of about the same size.

I also placed the corkscrew hole toward the back so the front would look clean and free of debris.

Step 4: Finish the Back (Optional)

If the back of the frame will be visible, you can paint or cover it for a cleaner look.

This step is optional, but it makes the project feel more polished, especially if you’re gifting it or styling it in a shared space.

How to Use Your Cork Board Frame

This DIY stands up beautifully on its own thanks to the thickness of the corks.

This mini corkboard is perfect for:

Photos
Small memos
Postcards
Tickets or keepsakes

It’s a creative alternative to traditional DIY bulletin boards and works especially well where wall space is limited.

How to Use Your Cork Board Frame This DIY stands up beautifully on its own thanks to the thickness of the corks. This mini corkboard is perfect for: Photos Small memos Postcards Tickets or keepsakes It’s a creative alternative to traditional DIY bulletin boards and works especially well where wall space is limited.

I like the rustic look of corks and they are great for a message board. (This is a pic of me and my baby boy back in 2009)

You could make this cork board as large as you want...if you are going to build a cork stack much bigger than this, I would use a foam core backing covered in cork (adhered with spray glue) so it just looks like cork between the actual wine corks.

It could be mounted in a frame with no glass and hung on a wall for all kinds of memos.

I like the rustic look of corks and they are great for a message board. You could make this cork board as large as you want...if you are going to build a cork stack much bigger than this, I would use a foam core backing covered in cork (adhered with spray glue) so it just looks like cork between the actual wine corks. It could be mounted in a frame with no glass and hung on a wall for all kinds of memos.

That's it!

This cork board picture frame is one of those good ideas that turns leftovers into something genuinely useful. It’s quick, affordable, and endlessly customizable—and a perfect way to reuse wine corks while adding personality to your space.

Whether you’re decorating dorm rooms, organizing a craft room, or just want a clever desk accessory, this project is a great idea that’s easy to love. 🍷✨

Happy crafting!