How To Create A Prayer Board in 4 Easy Steps
I was scrolling on Pinterest two weeks ago when a DIY prayer board popped up on my feed. Per the usual, I think I’m late to the party. But what an AWE-some idea!
I immediately knew that I needed a prayer board in my office, so I spent my Saturday morning searching for just the right graphics, topics, quotes and Bible verses about prayer. Then, I made a trip to my local craft store for some supplies, and Jeff cut out some letters for me using our laser. Here’s my finished prayer board:
PRAYER BOARD DIY PRINTABLE PROJECT by inAWE Handmade
As often happens when I make something creative for myself (or someone else), it becomes an inAWE Handmade product.
I’m happy to share this one with you as a DIY prayer board project. If you’re looking for a way to make a fun + easy prayer board DIY, this printable is for you!
Right now, this DIY prayer board idea is available in a Wildflower style. If it becomes popular (and I hope it does), then I would love to add more styles. If you have one in mind, shoot me an email and share your idea!
WHY OUR DIY PRAYER BOARD PRINTABLE IS UNIQUE
When you purchase printables from inAWE Handmade, you are getting much more than just the digital files we’ve created. I always take the time to create a detailed instruction sheet. It is an interactive pdf with links to all the supplies you might need along with some “professional” tips and tricks.
I also write a blog post (like this one) with everything you might need to know for your project to be fun and easy. Included in this post are some links to YouTube videos because sometimes they are more helpful than words or pictures.
Now, let’s jump into this prayer board DIY tutorial.
Step 1: DOWNLOAD Prayer Board Printable
Visit the printables section of our shop. Add the DIY prayer board printable you want to purchase to your cart and checkout.
There are a couple of ways to download your purchase. Right after checkout, look for the blue Download Now button and click it. Our printable downloads are stored on Google Drive. You do not have to have a Google account to access and download your files.
Alternatively, you will receive an email with a download link.
Once you click either Download Now on the website or the download link in your email, you will receive a pdf with a link to the Google Drive where the prayer board DIY files are stored. Once there, you can download the files to either your phone, PC or laptop.
I've created a YouTube video which explains the process of downloading digital files - just in case you are a printable newbie.
Step 2: PRINT Prayer Board Instant Download
Now that you have access to the DIY prayer board printable, it’s time to print them all.
I have deliberately created our prayer board printables in a black and white format for a couple of reasons. First, I want to make it affordable and easy for anyone to use and create their own DIY prayer board. Second, it allows for easy customization with any color-theme you choose. I’ve used this same printable to create these three very unique prayer boards which you can scroll to see further down in this post.
Also, in case you didn’t know, your local print shop is a great place to help you with your project. If you don’t have a printer at home, they are a great resource, and I find them to be extremely friendly and helpful.
I prefer to have my prints on a thicker paper than basic copy paper. This works well for me: White Cardstock Paper Pack. Your local print shop will have a variety of paper types and colors from which to choose.
Also, if you want to add a little more pizzazz to your prayer board, consider printing the banner, envelope titles, quotes and Bible verses on colored paper. I used this paper pack from Hobby Lobby for a couple of the prayer board ideas pictured above.
Step 3: CUT Prayer Board Titles, Quotes + Bible Verses
Next, the most tedious part 😫 cutting out all the goodies you’ve printed!
You can use a basic pair of scissors. Again, I purposely created this prayer board instant download with shapes that would be easy to cut out. Rather than circles, I chose a hexagonal shape with straight lines 😏
The most difficult part of the prayer board kit to cut is the PRAY banner and the blank paper holder. Fortunately, the paper holder is definitely optional, so feel free to set it aside. Maybe you will want to add it later.
That’s the beauty of this DIY prayer board kit - you can rearrange it, modify it, and customize it many different ways.
You can also choose to use stickers or embellishments from your local craft store instead of using the included PRAY banner. It’s totally up to you to use all or just some parts of this kit.
TOOLS FOR CUTTING YOUR DIY PRAYER BOARD GRAPHICS
Here is a quick YouTube Shorts video showing me using a Fiskar SureCut paper trimmer that is head-and-shoulders above most other brands. I LOVE the wire that shows me exactly where the cut is going to be.
Next, you have the option to cut mats and adhere your prayer board titles, quotes and Bible verses on them. The mat template includes all the mats you will need for each of the objects to have a ⅛” border around the edge of the prints.
If you decide to use a paper trimmer rather than scissors, then you can simply cut the mat paper to be ¼” larger than the design. For instance, cut a mat frame that measures 3-¼” x 5-¼” to use with the 3”x5” Bible verses and quotes. Here is a quick YouTube video of me using a paper trimmer to cut a mat.
If you are using scissors, simply cut out the template, trace around it on the colored paper you’ve chosen, and then cut it out. Here’s a quick YouTube video showing the process.
At this point, you may want to go ahead and adhere the prints to the mats you’ve cut. Alternatively, you can spend some time planning your layout for your prayer board and cut the mats as you go.
ADHESIVES FOR YOUR DIY PRAYER BOARD
Let’s talk adhesive. As a “paper professional” this is one of my favorite topics. You can use any one of the following options: a basic glue stick, Scotch double-sided tape, stick + peel double-sided tape or tape glue runners.
I’ve included Amazon links for the adhesives, but all of these items can also be purchased at your local craft or big box store. Check out this quick YouTube video that shows me using some of these adhesive options for your prayer board project.
Step 4: CREATE Your DIY Prayer Board
Now comes the best part - creating your DIY prayer board!
SUPPLIES FOR YOUR PRAYER BOARD DIY PROJECT
CORK BOARD: For the projects pictured above, I used this corkboard purchased from my local Wal-Mart store. It was, by far, the most economical choice. At the time of this writing, it was priced at $8.98.
inAWE’s prayer board printables are designed to fit a standard cork board that measures 23” x 17”. Amazon also has some good options: a basic corkboard or this aesthetically-pleasing one (which I have hanging in my office because it is SO beautiful).
JUTE STRING + BEADS FOR BANNER: I purchased my jute string and wood beads from Hobby Lobby. Amazon also has this twine and wood bead combo to purchase.
ENVELOPES: These are the A2 envelopes I used from Hobby Lobby. Here is a basic white option from Amazon.
PUSH PINS: I like these clear push pins and cute clothespins tacks on Amazon. You can also use basic thumbtacks and hot glue them to mini clothespins.
BLANK PAPER: You can cut copy paper to put in the holder for your prayer board or cut 3” x 5” index cards in half. The holder is included, but definitely optional. (FYI - It is the most difficult item to cut and assemble.)
TIPS + TRICKS FOR DESIGNING YOUR PRAYER BOARD DIY PROJECT
Deciding what color(s) I want my prayer board to feature is where I always start. In case you can’t tell from inAWE’s website and brand colors, blue is my favorite color.
My office is decorated with differing shades of blue, so deciding on my predominant color was easy. I purchased A2 envelopes from Hobby Lobby in Dusty Blue and crafted a mini bouquet of dried flowers for a focal accent.
If you are having a difficult time deciding on a design, I recommend browsing the patterned paper and/or packs at your local craft store. Some big box stores also have a paper crafting aisle. Alternatively, you can purchase and print digital paper from Etsy. You could spend DAYS browsing all the options available from the talented artists there. Just follow the link and search for "digital paper".
All of the designs that I created and pictured above started this way. I found a patterned paper that I liked and designed my prayer board around it.
The inspiration for this multi-colored prayer board was the piece of paper in the middle of the corkboard.
From my stash at home, I selected some solid card stock to use for the mats. I chose to use the Ivory A2 envelopes from Hobby Lobby and printed everything on an ivory card stock. And wouldn’t it be cute to add some butterfly embellishments to this one?!?
This earthy, botanical prayer board design was inspired by the botanical paper featured on the prayer envelopes.
I chose to use Olive A2 envelopes from Hobby Lobby. Then, I added some light colored twine, white clothespins and wood crosses.
I printed the title, quotes, Bible verses, etc. on a light-colored paper from this paper pack. The PRAY banner was printed on a coordinating dark tan paper from the same pack. In this design, I wanted to show that the mats are not required to make a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing prayer board.
Finally, this floral prayer board design was centered around this paper.
For this board, I used the Blush A2 envelopes from Hobby Lobby. Next, I decided to use these hinge clips rather than clothespins. Simply use a thumbtack to attach them to your corkboard. Oh, so easy!
I printed the PRAY banner and blank paper holder on a dark peach paper from this paper pack, and used the dark blue/green paper from the same pack for the mats.
For a focal point on this board, I purchased this wood cross and painted it in a coordinating color. It can easily be added to the prayer board with a push pin.
I hope seeing this printable used in three completely different designs inspires you to get creative and make one uniquely your own!
PLANNING THE LAYOUT FOR YOUR DIY PRAYER BOARD
Now that you’ve got everything prepared and purchased, you can FINALLY create your own DIY prayer board.
You could adhere everything to your prayer board using the adhesive options I mentioned earlier in this post. I prefer to use push pins so that I can rearrange or restyle my prayer board as my tastes and preferences change.
I’ve included more graphics, quotes and Bible verses that will fit on one corkboard in order to give you options to change it up from time to time. Keep things fresh - as they say!
Because I’m a lover of all things paper, I enjoy every step of this process. BUT - laying everything out on my corkboard and rearranging it until I’m pleased with my design - that is definitely my favorite part of making a DIY prayer board.
Now I can’t wait to get it hung up on my wall and start using my prayer board to build my faith and trust in the One who knows and loves me best.
I am, as always, inAWE. - Kasey
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