Thursday, October 1, 2009

i always make a few of these



A few years ago I made stencils of sayings, words, etc. for each holiday and I find myself turning to these each year for a few blocks and signs . Here's what I do: 1. go to the garage. 2. look for wood in wood pile.* 3. grab a few. 4. paint them. 5. leave them for a few days. 6. find my stencils (made from over head projector screen that I have printed directly on and used an exacto knife to cut out the letters). 7. stipple (proper term, I'm told) the paint on the board using the stencil. 8. check and see if I remember how to use the drill press. 9. drill holes in the corners. 9. sand the edges crazily using my husband's (now mine, I think) electric hand sander. 10. stain. 11. add wire, ribbon etc.

*another option is to find 2x4's and make blocks with holiday phrases and words.

I know these are a bit country, but the fact of the matter is, it's a lot of bang for your buck. The wood is usually free (from friends or left over from my husband's job sites) and I have all the stuff laying around.

These are the two that I got done the other day. Fun to add to existing wreaths or whatever!

11 comments:

Marjorie said...

Cute! I love them with the wreaths too. Here is the Giant Ginger Cookie recipe:
http://livingwiththreemoonbabies.blogspot.com/2008/12/giant-ginger-cookies-recipe.html

Anonymous said...

I've been following your blog for a while, but I don't think I've ever posted. I love this idea--especially how it is used to dress up your wreath. I linked to your post, hopefully you don't mind.

Julie said...

I have no idea why my name showed up like that above! I'm not spam...promise!

Mommafo said...

You should post your stencils, or make a how-to?

sb said...

I love wood crafts and used to be into tole painting. (Coincidentally, I just did a post on some of my old projects on my blog.) Those signs look great, especially with the wreaths. I also love the fonts you chose.

Melissa {polkadot chair} said...

okay.. so am I a super stalker since I have commented on all of your last posts???? These are so cute and like a million times nicer than the vinyl ones... I was looking around my house/scrapbook room today and all my best stuff came from you...
The sign you gave me last year is hanging on my door in the same spot you left it last year! My poor wreath was too lonley until you dropped it off!
I have TONS of wood scraps that i made Jeff save from the basement if you run out.. come and get some.

Bianca said...

well, if these are a bit country, then i guess i'm a country girl. i love them!! i've always been a bit scared of stenciling, but maybe i will have to give it a try.

Unknown said...

I love your blog Traci! Inspiring! I am now a follower of Amazing Mae and would love to have you follow mine- Southern Institute for Domestic Arts and Crafts at http://sidac.blogspot.com

Hope you are enjoying the start of fall-it's my favorite time of year!

jenny

Cindy said...

So in love with your blocks and signs. Can you do a post or reply with how you make your stencils? You know our home now needs all of this goodness. Keep up the great work. You have the best ideas. Thanks for the post.

**Oh think of the Christmas gift giving ideas one could create with all of these goodies!?! I'm off to find wood out back.:)

Jared and Delia said...

I really like this. That is nice that you have scrap wood hanging around all the time...what a dream!

Are those leaves real? That wreath is pretty.

Cheryl said...

I LOVE all your wood work with stencils. Only you have the handwriting and steady hands to make your own.

I love these Halloween versions. Darling!