How to Make a Dream, Vision, and Goal Board Using a Bulletin Board

The first time I made a vision board was about 10 years ago at a blogging press event. It was an activity built into the agenda where we were given large poster boards, a stack of magazines, markers, scissors, and glue. We basically ripped out pictures from magazines and cut them out. After we designed our boards, we went around the room and described our board designs by explaining what images in the magazines inspired us and how these visuals tied into our dreams, visions, and goals. It really was a meaningful activity (so much more than a simple arts and crafts one) that I truly loved; especially getting the chance to peek into the hearts of the other bloggers in the room. ❤️

I’m not sure why I hadn’t created a board since that event because I really did love the experience. Friends over the years would create their own (even Oprah Winfrey) and I would always tell them and myself, “I need to do this!” but never did. Until recently, obviously, because that is why you’re here, right? Ha!

Vision boards can be used by anyone of any faith, belief, divine influence, or mindset. They can be customized for YOU. For the areas of YOUR life. Images that represent YOU. Whether that is led by religious faith, the law of attraction, or the universe, all is okay and welcome because this will be made by your hands. I truly believe that boarding is powerful.

WHY DID I USE A BULLETIN BOARD?

In the past, I’ve made vision boards using poster boards and gluing/taping down images, but I wanted to use a bulletin board this time to make my dreams, visions, and goals fluid. Because life is fluid. Also, what if those dreams come true? That’s the goal, right? When they come to fruition, you can then update the board to new dreams. So, in a nutshell, I loved the flexibility of a bulletin board that I can update as much as I want.

WHAT TO DO FIRST TO CREATE YOUR VISION BOARD:

Before you even buy or gather ANYTHING, you have to start thinking about what your dreams, visions, or goals are for the board you’re making. Make a list of everything that comes to mind. If that list feels too scattered, revise it with a new list. There are no rules here. Do what feels right. And it’s okay if new ideas come up later or you want to remove something; that’s why a bulletin board is a great platform to use because it’s easy to switch visuals out. 🙂

Creating a dream board can be year-specific or not. It’s up to you. For me, I made them non-year specific to take less pressure off an actual timeline, but that’s me. Again, this is your personal journey, so do what feels right to YOU.

Here is my personal list that I made before working on my board:

• a loving partner
• growth in income
• boundaries
• bravery
• eliminate debt
• give and love more
• raise good humans
• be a good human
• self-care
• support women & minorities
• make my home a happy, positive place

ITEMS YOU NEED FOR YOUR VISION BOARD:

I want to preface by saying that I encourage you to look around your house before shopping for dream board supplies. You may be surprised by what you already have in your house, like inspirational quotes you’ve torn out or placed on your desk, books that have great visuals that you can cut out (if you’re comfortable with that), magazine piles, etc. I found many of the following items I’m listing below (except an actual bulletin board) by peeking around the corners of my house.

For those items that you don’t have and want for your vision board, I have included Amazon links in the supply list below so you can have them safely shipped to your front porch, as to avoid going out shopping at this time (please stay safe right now xoxo).

• a bulletin board, any size you wish (I used a 23″ x 17″ bulletin board)

I bought a plain bulletin board with natural wood trim. I chose to paint the trim to add a pop of color (fuchsia, to be exact) to my vision board.

It looks very different with color, huh?

• small push pins

Small push pins, like the ones you would place on a map, are good to use for this project because they won’t poke too far into the board to get in the way of hanging it on the wall. They also blend in well with the design of the dream board because they’ve not very noticeable.

• magazines (travel, lifestyle, etc.)

I used many magazines that I already had in my house and only purchased a couple in-store. You can also order magazines on Amazon.

• visual books, journals, and interactive books like this one, this one, this one, and this one (I was fortunate to already have these books at home!)
• adult coloring books (I used this one)
• postcards
• scissors

optional items:

• craft paint (if you want to paint the bulletin board trim like I did)
• poster board or foam core board (in lieu of bulletin board)
• Mod Podge for coating trim paint or gluing to post/foam core board (I like the gloss finish Mod Podge, but they also make a matte version)
• double-sided tape (if you use a poster or foam core board)
• inspirational stickers
• washi tape
• enamel pins
• greeting cards

HOW TO MAKE:

This is the fun part.

Start flipping through your magazines, books, journals, postcards, etc. and pull out/rip out visuals and find pictures that resonate or line up with your dreams, visions, or goals. It’s okay if you pull out more than you’ll actually end up using. I certainly did. Also, don’t feel like you have to finish this project right away and go through EVERY SINGLE THING THIS VERY MOMENT. Take your time building your board. I worked on mine for about a week-10 days. Remember, this is a meaningful project that is meant to connect with you, so rushing isn’t necessary. ✌🏻

Cut/trim up your pieces as you wish. Or leave them torn. Or cut them into perfect squares, circles, or rectangles. It’s up to you. I went a little more freestyle with mine, but, again, this is your board.

Once you get to the point of having all of the items for your board cut out, you can start assembling them on your bulletin board. You can even start pinning some down in to secure them in place. If you don’t like the placement later, you can move them. That’s the beauty of using a bulletin board.

For my board, I did a stacking method to fill every inch of space up on the board. A collage-type method that I found quite beautiful. For tiny spaces of corkboard that were exposed, I placed patterned images in the bottom layer, like flowers and plants that I love.

And that’s pretty much all there is to it. The journey is just as awesome as the destination!

When I was finally happy with my board, I hung it up on my home office wall. You may decide to hang yours in a different space, like a bedroom, reading nook, living room or wherever you will see it daily to be inspired and reminded. Do what feels best for you! It’s time to achieve those goals and dreams!

If you have any tips that I didn’t share here, please leave a comment below! Also, when you make your own vision board – I want to see it! Please tag me on Instagram at @momspark or Twitter @momspark so I can share the experience with you and cry happy tears.

Peace, love, and joy, my friends. xoxo

*this post contains affiliate links

Amy @ Mom Spark

For 16 years, I have been the creator & full-time blogger of Mom Spark. I’ve also created content for numerous outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, & Huff Post.