Sunday, November 17, 2013

Be The Good


To Make: 1 Be The Good Board
You'll find almost everything you'll need in a single trip to Lowe's or Home Depot: 
3 - Furring strips
2 - 18 inch Metal Brackets
1 - 12 inch  Metal Bracket 
40 - 1/2 inch screws
Paint - at least 3 colors 
(base, text, accent text)
(Grey, white or bone, muted yellow.)
Glaze
3 paint brushes (1 wide) 
Mounting brackets
Wire (for hanging)
Saw - Hand, table, or miter will work.
1 24" Vinyl Stencil - email me and I can have it shipped it to you.  
1 • buy three furring strips, which are 2x1x96", to make one 18x24" sign.
 • push them them up against a flat surface. It makes it easy to measure and mark them all in 24" segments simultaneously.
2 • cut straight across each board with a hand or miter saw (you'll end up with 12 pieces).
3 • lay boards next to one another.
4 • align boards so that one side is straight.
5 • drill metal brackets to each piece with 1/2" screws.  (If brackets are too long angle them inward just until they won't hang over the edge.  If screws are too long they'll poke through the front, too short and they won't secure the boards.)
6 • since you've already aligned one side you'll only have to clean up one side of the boards.  Drawing a straight line makes it easier to run through a table saw so both sides are straight.  If you'd rather not or don't have a table saw just make sure each piece is exactly 24" long.  I made one with each piece slightly different in length it added a rustic, "found" flair.  As you can see I secured a board that was warped with a couple extra screws on each side to anchor it to the bracket and keep it stable.
7 • this is what the hardware looked like on some that had wider furring strips, others had more narrow strips so I had to angle the brackets inward.  
8 • I used the double holed mounting hardware so the brackets seemed a little more stable and didn't twist... though a single would be fine. They run around $2-4 at any hardware/craft store.  I then ran hanging wire through a few times and twisted it tight.  Leveling and hanging pieces from two mounts is too tedious and unforgiving.  "AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT" hence the use of wire 'cause it's self leveling and more adjustable.  
9 • I painted the base a grayish color.
10 • I then added some brown and grey striations
11 • I blended them all together with a wide brush by running it side to side until it reminded me of weathered wood with a patina of natural color variations.  
12 • I transferred the vinyl stencil into the wood using the supplied clear transfer tape which aids in aligning & centering the text.  I LOVE using the vinyl stencil as it's adhesive makes it harder for paint to seep through thus blurring the text.  You can order this by emailing me at orders (at) pennyvinyl.com.  

Below are the photos of the colors I chose, as well as exact prices or estimates that you can buy everything for.  Click on image to see detail.  

Tip: To make more of a stained piece rather than a painted one add more water than paint.  I always used equal parts water and glaze.  


If you've been eyein' this saying as long as I have, hopefully this will help you finally get this inspiration into your life and home.  I just made this up as I went along, after falling in love with a picture that inspired this creation.  So if I forgot to mention or explain something just ask.  I'd be happy to answer any questions!  

16 comments:

Kristin said...

Shavonne!!! Love the blog re-do. I love how positive and upbeat you always are! Your blog totally gives off that vibe, too. Two thumbs up!

Kathryn said...

I LOVE this!! I can't wait to try it!!

Diana said...

I would really love to make a wood sign like this! I have seen them all over and I love the rustic look! :)

Shannon said...

Super cute sign!! Where did you get the little wood tree & deer. :)

Shan said...

Excellent tutorial and I adore the sign!

Unknown said...

I love this!!! So happy for IG follow Fridays - love it when I find a new blog to crush on :). - Kelly @thelilypadcottage

Whitney said...

I'm wanting to make one of these so bad! Did you use a pallet for the wood pieces or buy them? I can't seem to find that part.

Thanks!

Unknown said...

How can I orders stencil???

Stephanie
Couponbrough@gmail.com

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Thanks Kristin! You always make my day!

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Thanks Diana!

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Thanks Kathryn ! I'd love to see your finished product! Thanks for stopping by.

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Thanks Shannon! I got the little wooden accents from Homegoods! I just love that place! ;)

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Thank you Shan!

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Thanks Kelly! The feeling's mutual! I adore yours as well! It's been fun getting to know you better on Insta!

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

I bought furring strips at Home Depot or lowe's I liked them better than pallet boards because they're thinner and you don't have to dissassemble a pallet which is a tough job! Ha.

UpdikeUpdates.com said...

Sorry I'm just now seeing your comment Stephanie! I'd be happy to send one to you. Email me at orders@pennyvinyl.com and I'll get an invoice to you ASAP. Thanks!