Making Old Signs

What is it

about old signs!

There's something about the way

the written word marks a passage of time.

It takes me back generations

imagining a pioneer way of life.

Humble.

Simple.

Resourceful.

Planked Styling,

rough wood,

stencil look letters,

and a rusty patina

have all the makings of 

an old time sign.

Terri, my country cousin,

saw the "Toll Bridge" original

in the local cafe.

Are you like me -

whenever I shop or see things I love,

I always think I can make that!

It's a way of life.

So I was excited to take the challenge

and make this Toll Bridge sign.

Using pieced fence boards,

keeping all of the boards and edges dark stain,

and brushing on an off-white paint,

my sign base is ready for lettering.

I made the text in photoshop and pencil transferred to the board.

Then let the marathon lettering begin. ha!

Watching the CMA's while outlining and filling in 

with a sharpie helps.

I did take a liner brush with black paint over top

to strengthen the text.

(I know - I need to get a letter cutting machine!)

Yeah, that's cinnamon in the picture.

I should be making pumpkin pie

but that would be "Lake Girl Bakes".

 I'm using my cinnamon for 

Old sign worn detail.

After everything was painted and dry,

I brushed clear glaze randomly over entire piece.

Then sprinkled cinnamon over those areas

and brushed lightly.

There are so many ways to distress

new paint to make it look old.

I thought this method looked 

like the original aged patina.

Aren't the words fun!

This photo was taken in Terri's charming 

farmhouse entry.

Her country design is so inviting,

I think she's going to let us in

for a tour soon!

Thanks for your visit!

Always appreciate you stopping by,

Deb

Link Parties:

DIY Showoff

Boogieboard Cottage

I Should be Mopping the Floor

Sunday Showcase Party

Between Naps on the Porch

Coastal Charm

Cozy Little House

From Dream to Reality
A Delightsome Life
City Farmhouse
Stone Gable
Redoux Interiors
French Country Cottage
Jennifer Rizzo
Craftberry Bush
Common Ground
Funky Junk Interiors

Honey Colored Cabinet with Rustic Charm

Flea Markets,

Thrift Stores,

Garage Sales,

Roadside Trash,

these are a few of my favorite

shopping venues.

Robin has another place -

her barn.

Nothing like a good old barn goody rescued.

Before,

it was the old dingy brown

and had some cut scallop detail

around the doors.

I pictured something more straight line cottage style

so I framed out the door edges with flat wood trim.

Sprayed the interior with

Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Based the exterior with a honey colored tan.

Used lots of clear glaze on my brush,

and then used a mix of three colors

for the top "brush on" brown.

I used faux tin tile inserts.

Glass will go in the top two doors.

The new hardware and tin tile

tie in with the oil rubbed bronze interior.

Now the country charm 

comes indoors.

Blessings,

Deb

Link Parties:

Between Naps on the Porch

Cozy Little House

Knick of Time Tuesday

The Happy Housie

Inspiration Exchange

Stone Gable

No Minimalist Here

Home and Garden Thursday

French Country Cottage

Redoux Interiors

Miss Mustard Seed
The Crafties Allie

How to Paint Acorn and Autumn Leaf Art

Hey Painting Friends!

Get your brushes out.

We're going to put layer over layer of paint.

Just like fall - full of beautiful blends of color.

You know me,

I love a textured board surface.

That, in itself, lends to interest in the way color lays.

Plus, I'm a little bit country. ha.

So starting with the fence board build,

put a wash of dark brown black all over.

After that dries, paint on an off white (Quill)

lifting brush on the edges.

I made a rough sketch

(need new art paper : )  )

Because I want a translucent look on this piece,

I'm going to use a lot of clear glaze to extend my paint.

First dip your brush in clear glaze,

then half in buttermilk and half in antique gold

and paint entire leaf.

Then concentrate the shading in the bottom right of the leaf.

First layer apricot glaze,

then raw sienna,

then Georgia clay,

then napa red,

then raw umber,

allowing each layer to dry first.

Oh, I also added some citron green.

If paint is too heavy,

lightly rub off with paper towel.

That will keep the translucent look.

Base the acorn in apricot and green.

Then shade with raw sienna and raw umber.

(or a mix of rich brown that you will also use for cap)

Use Raw Sienna with glaze on a small flat brush

for edge and leaf details.

On the very outer edges of the fence board,

you can add more brown by using a flat brush

and pulling color in on the edge.

I have other paint and build tips in

"The Crow and Pumpkin Sign" post

and "Fall Wheat Door Hanging" .

The acorn and leaf is a simple graphic

that will make a fun fall color statement

on your front door or wall.

Hope you try it!

Thanks for visiting my blog today,

Deb

 Linking to:

DIY Showoff

The Sunday Showcase Party 

 Between Naps on the Porch

Cozy Little House 

Coastal Charm 

Brambleberry Cottage 

Embracing Change

French Country Cottage

Be Inspired
Jennifer Rizzo
Redoux Interiors