From Scraps to Suds

Susan K Mullins
by Susan K Mullins
7 Materials
$20
1 Hour
Medium
We are remodeling our kitchen. Yea! Our old stove was a drop-in unit, so it had wood trim in the front that matched my cabinets. Ok, I am one those, probably the same as you, who always thinks I can make things myself, rather than buy them. Right? I saw a laundry sign on a Pottery Barn web-site that I really liked. I didn’t want white like theirs or a vertical sign but a horizontal one, I knew I did want a sign that read ”Laundry”. I thought about the scraps from the stove and hmmm... I can use a piece of that wood to make a laundry sign. We have also been working in our laundry room and I was all into decorating the walls. I will post more about the kitchen and laundry room redos later.
Farewell old drop-in stove.
Unit removed and several pieces of wood scraps piled on floor.


I choose this piece of wood.
Decisions, decisions, should I stencil the word, laundry, or use the pre- made letters?
First, I painted the piece of wood with white, acrylic paint using a sponge brush. I did not paint the sides, I wanted to leave them stained. On the back I wrote the date and info about the piece of wood. After all, it has been in our home since the beginning. That’s just sentimental ole’ me.
Next, after the paint dried, I turned the wood over to see where to begin stenciling and to check my spacing of the letters.
I placed the stencil on the wood and outlined the letters for my “Laundry” sign. I used Tech Tools Stencils and a pencil to outline the letters.
In order to get all of the letters on the wood, I had to stagger the letters. I like the staggered look better than the straight line look. I think it is more of a farmhouse feel.
Now, I am ready to paint. I used black acraylic paint and a small paint brush to fill in the outline of the letters. As always, my assistant is close by checking things out.
First letter filled in, I like the look so far.
Half way finished with the lettering...
Painting of the letters is complete. Just waiting on the paint to dry so I can shabby her up.
After the paint dried I used a piece of cloth and spread Valspar Antiquing Glaze over the entire piece of wood.
Once the glaze was dry, I used a piece of sand paper and scuffed up the sides and went over the black lettering to give it a weathered look.
I used Command Velcro Strips to attach my Pottery Barn, knock off sign to the wall. I love it! Best of all, I didn’t have to purchase any supplies. I had everything I needed already in my supplies. If you were to make this from scratch it would be about $20.00 to $25.00.
Here is the sign hanging in her new home. She just moved from the kitchen to the laundry room...hence Scraps to Suds.
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  2 questions
  • Laine Laine on Apr 15, 2018

    Love the staggered lettering and the antiquing really finishes it. You are right, I wouldn't have cared for it if left white.

    did you make your clothepin board? And where do I find a huge clothespin like yours?

  • Toye Toye on Apr 15, 2018

    where did you get the big safety pin?

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