Vintage Coastal Sign Tutorial

I've been looking for some art work for our newly finished basement and I've been crushing on vintage wood signs. I thought it would be fun to have some really large signs with the names of nearby places, so I decided to try to make my own. Here's the result. Each of these signs are 48" long and 5 1/2" wide.

Check out this texture. 

This is a project I've been working on for the last two weeks. I had a clear vision of what I was trying to create, but it took a lot of trial and error to get there. I found a lot of ways NOT to do this! I finally got it the kinks worked out and I'm ready to share the tutorial. This tutorial does NOT require artistic talent or a fancy cutting machine. Keep reading.

Materials:

• Wood--I used 48" 1x6's that I got from the salvage year for $1 each.
• Sander or sand paper.
• Paint--I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White, Provence, and Aubusson Blue. This project actually takes very little paint, so if you buy the sample size containers, you'll have more than enough.
• Water-based matte polyurethane--a small can will be plenty.
• Mod Podge in matte finish.
• Brushes
• Engineering print (from Staples) 
• Plastic cup with water

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare and paint the board.

• Sand the board to remove splinters and rough edges. You don't need to go crazy and make it too smooth. You want to leave some imperfections and texture.
• Paint the board. I used multiple alternating coats of Old White, Provence, and Aubusson Blue.
• Distress the board. Sand through the finish until you achieve the look you're going for. It's hard to do this wrong. Just keep going until you're happy with the outcome. I finished off with a wash of Old White after I was done with the distressing.
• Once the paint is completely dry, seal the board with a coat of water based polyurethane.

Step 2: Create the lettering.

For this step you'll need to use PowerPoint. There may be other applications you can use, but this is the only way I know how to do it. This sounds more complicated than it actually is. I just tried to make the instructions very explicit.

• Open PowerPoint to a blank slide (no formatting).
• Under the "Design" tab, click on Page Setup. Change the width and height of the slide to exactly match the width and height of your board.
• Insert a text box. Choose your font (I used Papyrus) and increase the font size to about 200. You'll need to play around with this depending on the size of the board and the font you choose.
• Type in the words you want on your sign. Increase or decrease the size of the font until it looks right to you. This is exactly how your finished sign will look.
• When you're happy with everything, click "Save as" and choose JPEG for the file type. This will save your slide as a picture.
• Open the saved picture with Paint or with your picture manager. Click "Rotate" and select "Flip horizontal." This will create a mirror image of your lettering. Copy this.
• Go back to PowerPoint and add a new slide. Paste your reverse image into the slide and adjust the size until the reverse lettering fits perfectly into the slide (which is the same size as your board).

• Save the slide as a PDF file.
• Send or take the PDF file to your nearest Staples and have the file printed as a black and white engineering print. A 48" x 36" print costs about $7. You can actually print multiple signs on one engineering print. You'll have plenty of room. In fact you might want to have a back up of your lettering just in case something goes wrong.

Step 3: Transfer the lettering to the sign.

• Cut your engineering print into strips. Dry fit your lettering to the board to make sure everything fits and is centered. You may want to make a light pencil or chalk mark so you'll know how to line it up.
• Brush a thick, even coat of Mod Podge on the printed side of your lettering.
• Place the lettering print side down on your board.
• Now CAREFULLY press down on the letter to make sure it is in contact with the board.You will probably start seeing the lettering come through the paper.Smooth out any wrinkles. The paper is fragile when it's wet and is easily torn. 
• Let it all dry over night. 

Step 4: Finishing up.

• Using a paint brush, generously apply water to the paper. Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Starting in the middle (NOT at an edge), slowly rub off the paper backing. Use only your fingers and rub in a circular motion. Always rub from the middle toward the edges, not the other way around. No matter how tempting it might be, DO NOT attempt to peel the paper backing off the board. If you do, your lettering will come off. Do not rush this step. It is tedious and messy, but the results will be worth it. You may have to re-wet the paper several times. When the paper is all gone, your lettering will be left behind on the board. Please note, once dry and cured, your lettering will be firmly attached to the board, but while the paper is being removed, if you rub too hard, some of the lettering may come off. If that happens, stop rubbing in that area, but don't panic. You can always touch up any missing spots with a little paint or a sharpie. 
• When all the paper is removed, let everything dry overnight then finish off with another coat of the water based polyurethane.
• Finally attach some saw tooth hangers to the back side and hang up your new sign.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make a vintage coastal sign.

Thrifty Coastal Finds

Happy weekend everyone!

If you're done with your spring cleaning, you may be looking for some fresh coastal updates for your home. And maybe you don't want to blow the bank. Well I found some really fun options at great price points. And (surprise!) they're all from Amazon. Check it out. Affiliate links included.

Looking for some new wall art? This pretty 16 x 20 canvas is only $40. Don't you just love the colors?

I love this turquoise console table. How cute would this look in the entry to a beach house? The perfect place to drop off keys and mail. $156.

The colors in this 6 x 9 striped rug are so pretty. It's indoor-outdoor so you know it will hold up well. This would be great under a dining table. $115. Yes, for a 6 x 9 rug!

This caged onion table lamp is a coastal classic. It comes in a set of two for $120 (i.e. $60 each).

Outdoor pillows can be so pricey. These blue and white striped pillows are only $25 for both.

Every coffee table needs some eye candy. This pretty book is from Coastal Living has the best title--and beautiful photos. Beach House Happy $27.

I'm a sucker for glass bottles. This set of three decorative bottles is $30.

Even in the summer I like to have a throw blanket to curl up with while I'm watching TV. This one is a beautiful color and because it's made of cotton it's perfect for this time of year. $23.

I love these flameless battery operated lanterns. They're stainless steel and can be used outdoors as well as indoors. $40 for the set of two.

Tips for Shopping at a Salvage Yard

If you're a DIYer, lover of vintage, supporter of recycling and reusing, or just plain cheap, you've probably given some thought to visiting a salvage yard or warehouse. You can find these facilities around the country. Habitat ReStore is one of the best known. My personal favorite is Community Forklift in Bladensburg, Maryland. The idea behind these businesses is to salvage materials from construction sites, building demolitions, etc. and resell these materials--often to benefit nonprofit causes. This beats the heck out of this stuff ending up in a landfill and provides the opportunity to pick up some great materials for very little money. If you're looking for reclaimed wood, this is the place to go, not to mention a kazillion other cool things.  I'll tell you straight up--I love these places.However, if you've never ventured into a salvage yard, you may feel a little intimidated or confused. Hopefully I can provide you with some tips that will give you the confidence to dive in.

There are a few things you need to know before you head out the door. First, these places are not like your average Home Depot. They tend to be messy, chaotic, and dirty. Warehouses are unlikely to be heated in the winter or air conditioned in the summer, so dress for the weather.  Wear work clothes that you won't mind getting dirty. And don't even think about wearing flip flops or heels. Use a cross-body bag or carry your things in your pockets. You want to keep your hands free.

Second, you'll be expected to load your finds in your vehicle by yourself. So make sure you have a vehicle that's suitable for transporting large items. I have a station wagon with a roof rack. I also have a selection of kayak tie down straps (affiliate link) that are the bomb for securing stuff to your vehicle. Consider bringing a helper too. The staff is usually not allowed to help customers load, so keep that in mind.

Third, there are a few essentials to bring: a tape measure and work gloves. Like I said, this isn't like Home Depot where the sizes of things are marked. And unless you're fond of splinters, you need the gloves.

I was looking for pieces of reclaimed wood today, but I love just wandering around for inspiration. There was so much cool stuff! These doors were amazing. At least 10 feet tall.

And tons molding and trim.

A huge selection of French doors, some with original wavy glass.

Check out these pieces of an old tin ceiling.

I just loved this vintage stove.

And what about this sink? It could be so awesome in a farmhouse kitchen.

  I could think of some many things to do with these vintage shutters.

They had a great selection of mantels. This is where I found the mantel I'm using in the finished basement.

 Just so much cool stuff.

These old lockers would be so fun in a mud room.

This was a solid chestnut bed. So sweet.

This little cabinet was all metal. Very cool.

I think this little school desk would be so cute in a kid's bedroom or playroom. The top opened up and would be great for storing art supplies.

And check out all this vintage hardware.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Lighting fixtures, tile, windows, flooring, they had it all.

So what do you do once you find something you want to buy? First, put on your gloves and haul it out into the open to do a full inspection. Returns usually aren't an option, so be sure you're aware of any damage or imperfections. Measure everything to be sure it's the right size. Then go grab a dolly and bring your find to the cash register.

After paying, bring your vehicle to the loading dock (if available) and load up. Be sure to secure everything well.

In the end I came home with three pieces of wood and a lot of ideas. I hope this has inspired you to check out a salvage yard near you. Have a great week!

Coffee Tables for a Coastal Living Room

Hello everyone! We just got back from a week at the beach house. The weather was perfect and we had some real quality time with family and friends. It was lovely.

The basement is coming along nicely.  I've been thinking about moving some pieces from the living room to the basement and upgrading the living room in the process. The coffee table is at the top of the list. The current coffee table is another survivor of Hurricane Sandy. It's not in the best shape (okay, it was underwater for a couple of days so that's understandable). I would also like to move away from bright white furniture in the living room (white will work well in the basement) and add some more warm wood tones. Here's what the room looks like now:

In trying to figure out what might work, I found some great inspiration in the Arhaus catalog. Arhaus has a large selection of living room furniture including some nice choices of warm wood coffee tables that I think could work with my coastal decor. Check these out:

I love the idea of this nesting coffee table. It doesn't take up too much room, but the smaller tables can be pulled out when needed.

This trunk has plenty of storage space--very practical. This is actually in antique brass rather than wood, but this one is similar in style and in warm, java color wood.

This is a combination of distressed wood and an iron base. It's square and would work well with the proportions of my sectional. Here's another square coffee that has a wood base and a stone top.

I like the idea of a round table. This one is made of marble on a metal base. For a different look, check out this round coffee table with an antique oak base and a zinc top.

This option is made of antiqued, washed teak. Because it can be used outdoors as well as inside, it would be extremely sturdy and stand up well to wear and tear in the living room.

Finally, this option is a bit unconventional, but I really like the texture and organic feel of this petrified wood table.I actually think it would fit in quite well with coastal decor.

So what do you think? Would a wood tone coffee table be the way to go in this room?

To see all of Arhaus' living room furniture, click here.

Quick & Easy Easter Centerpiece

Can you believe it's Easter this weekend? Where does the time go? Hopefully, you're more on top of things than I am and have everything all figured out. In my case, we arrived at the beach house Wednesday night and I had nothing ready.  Like there was a very brown Christmas wreath on the front door. Not exactly springlike. Did I mention we're having nine people for dinner on Easter? So I needed a quick and easy centerpiece. Here's what I came up and it took all of ten minutes!

It's simple and festive. Because it's low, it won't interfere with people talking across the table. And with the exception of the plants, I already had everything I needed.

If you want try this yourself, here's how to do it:

1. Place 3 small flowering plants  (I used African violets from the grocery store) in decorative pots (I used small galvanized pails from Ikea). This will allow you to keep the plants watered without flooding your arrangement. 
2. Arrange the pots in an oval tray, bowl, or basket. I got this wooden one at Home Goods last fall.
3. Fill in with some moss.
4. Nestle a few Easter eggs in the moss. I used 8 craft eggs that I had painted a robin's egg blue.

I added a couple of candlesticks on the side. Done!

I hope you have a lovely weekend!