Bildirimlerim featured a new Entryway Gallery Wall on Friday.
Numerous pieces of wall art revitalized the area, adding cheer and vitality, all at no monetary cost!
Celebrating resourceful, upcycled crafting endeavors!
The journey began at a carpenter’s workshop where I was allowed to examine the wood scraps discarded from their operations.
Sometimes unexpected treasures arrive in beautifully wrapped presents.
Other times, they appear in a carpenter's refuse container…
I was delighted by the assortment of wood pieces I discovered and carried a large bundle home.
Though unsure of their purpose initially, I was determined to utilize them promptly, avoiding a lingering, incomplete project within my home…
Inspiration was needed, and I discovered it within this resource:
The Handmade Home’s Handmade Walls e-book.
I acquired this months ago and quickly absorbed its content, recognizing my deep affection for it; however, for this project, I dedicated time to thoroughly review, study, and note details, building excitement for what was possible!
Reviewing the content, I learned that Ashley employs a distinct painting method from my usual approach—incorporating layers of latex house paint and stain!
The prospect of trying this technique made me incredibly eager.
I retrieved my collection of house paints from my downstairs storage, selecting my favorite hues.
My aim was to cover every salvaged board within a single day! While not achieved in one day, it was nearly there… Once momentum built, creating something unique on each piece proved genuinely enjoyable.
This tutorial showcases the Light Reflector Arrow Sign. I sourced 3 aged light reflectors for just 50 cents at a garage sale and conceived this sign to repurpose them! {Furthermore, our eldest son has handled bows and arrows since age 2, so it felt fitting for our home.}
Here is the process I followed. {Please note the surrounding clutter… I am a very untidy creator!}
Apply the main top color to the sign's borders; in this instance, that color was white.
Apply the base coat color, brushing vertically and horizontally to achieve surface 'texture'.
{A blow dryer can accelerate paint drying considerably; I always keep one accessible as I am an impatient painter!}
Outline the arrow design (I adapted a Google arrow picture) using graphite paper. {A video documenting this step is available here.}
Since the pattern consisted of straight lines and stripes, I utilized painter's tape for precision; remove the tape before the paint sets.
{The most enjoyable phase arrives when the paint is nearly dry; use a paper towel to lightly rub paint away, revealing the base coat for an aged or distressed look.}
Ashley also suggests using fingers to lightly 'tap' and smear paint, adding subtle background color layers; it felt daunting initially but becomes easy to manage!
I sketched a loose, uneven border around the entire piece using a delicate brush, aiming for a cheerful, relaxed feel rather than strict straightness.
A rag was employed to apply some stain to the perimeter initially, drawing the color inward toward the middle.
This was then buffed away until the finish achieved a flawless, aged appearance.
After preparing my 3 light reflectors obtained from a garage sale, I drilled holes through the central section of each of the 3 primary arrow components, securing them tightly by twisting them into place.
These reflectors offer utility as hooks for displaying items.
Alternatively, they can simply be displayed for a cheerful aesthetic!
**I extend immense gratitude to Ashley and Jamin for their wonderful e-book Handmade Home; it served as the complete source of inspiration for these signs. Their support in exploring new creative avenues is deeply appreciated!**
*Note: No payment was received for this blog entry.
Check out these resources: It’s So Very Cheri, Alderberry Hill, Mod Vintage Life, C.R.A.F.T, Home Stories A-Z, Today’s Creative Blog, Ladybug Blessings, Coastal Charm
