How to Make Your Own Halloween Cork Board Borders
Many pre-made Halloween bulletin board (or cork board) borders are available for sale in stores and on the internet, but it is much more fun and creative to learn how to make your own, and it is much less expensive. Keep reading to learn how to make your own Halloween cork board borders.
First: Assemble the materials needed to make the border
Of course, you must first have a cork board. Second, locate some card stock or heavy paper, at least 80# weight. Make sure the paper is compatible with your printer. Regular copy paper is acceptable, but looks somewhat flimsy and is not as professional looking. A color printer is also needed. Measure the length and width of the board, and make a note of the dimensions.
Second: Create the design for your border
You may already have a .jpg file of pumpkin clip art. You may want to draw your own, and scan the design, if you have a scanner. Pumpkin stamps (available at hobby and craft stores) would also work. If you are using a digital design, divide the measurement of one side of the board by the dimensions of the image you want to use. If one side of the board is 20 inches and your design is 3 inches square, you know that you can comfortably fix six repeats of the design on that side. Duplicate the image in your computer program on an 8.5 x 11 inch page size, align the images and make sure the space between them is equal. Repeat for all four sides. The idea is to create single "strips" of repeating designs.
Third: Print your Halloween border
Because the paper is only 11 inches long, you must print more than one piece for a cork board that is longer than that. Your printer settings have an option to "tile" the printout so that the pattern is continuous. Make sure your paper orientation is correct and print the design strips.
Fourth: Finish your cork board project
Once you have printed enough "design strips," you can either cut out the pumpkin shapes or leave them on the strip, which you can now affix to the board with two-sided tape or staples. Now you have a decorative cork board that shows off your creative abilities and also adds a fun, festive touch for Halloween.