"Good Bones" - Family Name Plaque Upcycle

by Bethany P

$8.00

2 Hours

Easy

I found an ugly piece of art at a local thrift store for $3 and was, for some reason, drawn to it. When I picked it up, I realized it was made out of some sort of plaster-ish material and was very heavy. My first thought was, "This could go outside!!". I snatched it up and took it home - this was the result. Don't overlook something with "good bones" that can be used as a starting point!!
Original art piece: $3
Rope: $5
Paint: left over from other projects

good bones family name plaque upcycle, crafts, curb appeal, repurposing upcycling

This is Mr. Ugly. Ok, maybe it was horrible, but it's not my style.

This photo shows the cool plaster-ish material, which was painted and "crackle" finished. Not really my thing either.

I started by painting over the finish with EXTERIOR paint. The frame trim was painted the same color as my front door & shutters as this was to be hung over the door.

Then I chose a design and painted our family name and, as you can see, some lovely anchors.

I wanted it to look a little distressed - but not too much as I didn't want to change the color of the frame. I used some dark wax to bring out the detail on the frame.

This was the final finish after the excess wax was buffed off.

To finish it off, I trimmed it out in some rope I had left over from another project.

Now, to get Prince Charming to hang it over the door for me. :)

What do you think?

Doesn't it look perfect?

(I couldn't take a straight picture to save my life!)

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

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2 of 5 comments

Heidy on Jun 14, 2015
Classy and fabulous!

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Brenda Freeman on Feb 23, 2020

I just started crafting a little but I will be on the lookout for an idea like this that calls out to me. Thanks for sharing

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