LAKE Life Faux Weathered Wood Cottage Sign

Cindi McGee
by Cindi McGee
7 Materials
I've been looking at assorted "lake life" signs for the past few years in search of something for our cottage, but hadn't found just the right one yet. Suddenly it came to me that Smoothfoam would be the perfect way for me to create my own. The smooth surface is ideal for decorative painting, and it takes special finishes (like crackle) well too - so you can get a rustic or weathered feel on your finished projects.
Begin by transforming a plain foam sheet into a lakeside scene:


Paint top and sides of Smoothfoam(TM) sheet with Burlap paint. Let dry.


Apply coat of Americana(R) Weathered Wood(TM) crackle finish. Let dry.


Begin painting the lake scene:


Paint the sky with Blue Haven light blue paint.


Paint the grass with Hauser Light Green light green paint.
Paint pine trees with Plantation Pine paint.


Mix Midnite Blue and Plantation Pine and paint the lake.


Paint additional trees and grass with mixture of Foliage Green, Hauser Light Green and Woodland Green paints.


Add trunk/branch details to some trees with Coffee Bean paint and a touch of sand around the lake shore with Battleship paint.


Top layers of paint will crackle to reveal the paint below, giving the finished piece an aged/weathered effect.
Sand rough/raised area on each Smoothfoam(TM) letter with emery board.
Paint with Burlap paint. Let dry.
Apply coat of Americana(R) Weathered Wood(TM) crackle finish. Let dry.
Paint with Warm White paint. Top coat will crackle.
Mount letters to background painting with Beacon(TM) 3-in-1 Adhesive.
Paint "Life" beneath LAKE lettering with Warm White paint.


I used a Command Hook to hang my finished piece on the wall, but you could also add a ribbon hanger, etc.
Suggested materials:
  • Smoothfoam(TM) 1" x 6" x 12" Sheet   (http://www.smoothfoam.com)
  • Smoothfoam(TM) Letters - L A K E   (http://www.smoothfoam.com)
  • DecoArt(R) Americana(R) Acrylic - Burlap, Warm White, Plantation Pine, Foliage Green, Blue Haven, Ha   (http://www.decoart.com)
See all materials
Cindi McGee
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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