DIY Me a Resolution for the Kids!

Yep, it is February, but as far as I am concerned

it is never too late for a resolution!
Especially one for the kids...

although when I re-read this,

I could abide by a few of these too!

Way back when...
I made these magnet paper dolls (see below).

Jenn from Rook No. 17 came over to visit and we had a BRILLIANT IDEA!

Well, I was thinking it and she actually said it.

Images from The Graphics Fairy found HERE and HERE!
Are they not the cutest!
See that little chalkboard...that is the inspiration for this DIY

Anyway, there was this cute little chalkboard accessory (see it up there...so cute!) that came with The Graphics Fairy download. It had the most adorable saying on it and I had been thinking about making it a larger sign. Jenn came over was checking out the paper dolls (because those vintage paper dolls are irresistible!) and came up with the same idea - great minds think alike, ya know!

And so we got craftin' together (which was way fun!) and made this sweet little sign that looks adorably vintage with a simple and sweet message (and I am hoping my kids get the HINT! "Go to bed early").

Here is how to DIY this sweet sign.

Below if the tutorial for the FRAME and

Jenn at Rook No. 17 has the tutorial for the signage/writing.

FRAME SUPPLIES

• 1 piece 1/4" plywood, luan, or other thin, yet (preferably) smooth wood, cut to size. Ours is 18" x 24" 
• 3 to 4 yardsticks (about $3.00 each at office supplies store - ouch! Hardware stores also carry them and they can be found at all sorts of other random places, like thrift shops.)
• Dremel Multi-Max or saw or have the store make a cut for you.
• Gorilla Wood Glue
• Gorilla Tape
• DISChanger, 4"
• Chalkboard paint, such as DecoArt Chalkboard Paint (NOTE: You could use a black acrylic paint, but the look of the chalkboard paint is just perfectly-vintage looking) 
• Miter saw or miter box (you could do straight cuts too)
• Stain such as DecoArt Americana Staining and Antiquing medium mixed with Asphaltum, as per package directions. (we used some random stains that we already have...when we checked all have been discontinued, but we feel you can achieve similar result)
• Decoart Americana Acrylic Paint, Asphatlum
• Rockler Deft Wood Finish Spray in Semi-Gloss
• Compass, awl, etc. - for beating up the frame!

SIGNAGE SUPPLIES

• Paint pen, white (we used Painters Opaque marker, medium tip)
• Computer print out of message in font and desired size. (Print your choice of wording on regular printer paper.  We used the wording from the Dolly Dingle blackboard, and used the font AbcDNManuscript.  You can download it free here:  http://www.eaglefonts.com/abcdnmanuscript-ttf-44294.htm)
• Pencils
• Ruler

DIY THE FRAME!

• Cut the luan to size (or have it cut at the hardware store.) I cut it with my Dremel Multi-Max.

• Measure the yard sticks so you can make the frame. We used about a 1/2 " overlap on the main board and frame (1/2 of the ruler was glued to the frame and half hung over)
• Miter the corners of the frame (or straight cut if you do not have access to a miter saw)
• Lightly sand the corners and the yard sticks (especially if there is a sealer on the sticks)
• With Gorilla Wood Glue, apply glue to the corners of the frame and match up.

• Use Gorilla Tape to secure corners until they dry.
• Remove tape and sand is necessary.
• Get painting and staining. We used a variety of stains in similar colors on our frame, but this is super cute painted too - you will see texture of the numbers through.
• Between coats of stain we beat the frame up with a compass/awl.

• We continued to stain and paint and beat up the frame until we each had a desired result. We also utilized some dry brushing with the Asphaltum paint.
• When satisfied and the frame is dry, spray with Deft Finishing Spray.
• Finish off with a DISChanger and hang it up for the kids to see! 

NOW, GO VISIT JENN AT ROOK NO. 17 FOR THE TUTORIAL ON THE SIGNAGE!

 

So...what do you think? Super Cute, eh?

How are you doing on your resolutions!

PS-I promise, Tickled Pink Spotlights are coming!



Get Your Craft on at Today's Creative Blog 

Inspired By YOU Wednesday at Eisy Morgan

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