This Viral Hack Turns a Messy Pin Board into Something Totally Chic

Emma Zawacki
Emma Zawacki
Emma is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but moved to Missouri to pursue her dreams of writing. She studies journalism with an emphasis in reporting and writing at the Missouri School of Journalism. Outside of school, she practices floral arranging, crochets blankets and…read more
published Jun 1, 2025
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Colorful wall decor featuring a mirror, framed art, and a pennant, with a variety of personal items on a dresser.
Credit: Abby Porter

As someone who loves to keep every note, letter and postcard I’ve ever been given, I’m always looking for ways to display my memories in a more elevated way. But decorating can be expensive, especially for someone who loves a maximalist (more is more!) look. 

Since I’m trying to graduate from a wall full of sticky notes and taped-up pictures, Alexis Mueller’s (@alexissmueller) TikTok video on how to turn a memory pin board into a full gallery wall stood out to me. 

With picture frames, a few pieces of fabric, and all those mementos I know you’ve held on to, you can create meaningful works of art for your wall. And the coolest aspect of this DIY project is that it’s fully customizable. 

In the video, Mueller is shown cutting assorted pieces of fabric to lay in photo frames. With the glass removed from the frame, she then uses the fabric like a pin board, attaching photos and even a small sea shell.

According to the comments, Mueller got the fabric and frames for the project from Hobby Lobby, but a similar TikTok video from Layla (@laylafederico) suggests thrifting the frames. Thrift stores will usually have a wide variety of options in different sizes and finishes, meaning you could achieve the look for even less — especially if you’re able to thrift the fabric as well.

If your frames are small enough, you can also look for fabric websites that will send free or cheap fabric samples, like The Inside. They provide five free samples, and if you need more after that, they’re only $1 each.

Once you’ve gathered the materials, the sky’s the limit on your creativity. 

Whether you make a handful of small pin boards like Mueller, or a larger one like Layla, this craft is the perfect, affordable way to make a space your own and create a home for all your keepsakes. 

This post was a collaboration between Dorm Therapy and Apartment Therapy and originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: This Viral Hack Turns a Messy Pin Board into Something Totally Chic

Emma Zawacki

Contributor

Emma is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but moved to Missouri to pursue her dreams of writing. She studies journalism with an emphasis in reporting and writing at the Missouri School of Journalism. Outside of school, she practices floral arranging, crochets blankets and takes care of her plants.

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SchoolUniversity of Missouri '26
MajorJournalism with an emphasis in reporting and writing
FavesCrocheting, sitcoms, tulips, and iced raspberry lattes
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