A special shout out to all Dad’s out there!
I hope today everyone who has a special man in their life helping to raise little ones or have already raised them, are being spoiled rotten today!
Dad’s deserve it!
Life is better…when you are home
I was contacted a few months ago to create my version of Life is better in the country.
I love a good challenge and this took some noodling! I thought I could do it and said a little prayer!
I am so happy I didn’t shy away from this task!
Besides paint. paint brushes, 220 grit sand paper, flat sealer (my choice is below) you will need painters tape and a little courage.
How to make my Faux Weathered Wood Background
I first painted the entire background a light brown color. Once that was dry, I decided for this 24”x48″ piece I was going to have the faux wood planks be approximately 6″ and taped off the lines going down the board lengthwise.
Here I didn’t worry about bleeding from the paint since I was going for a rustic feel. Once these lines were lightly painted, I removed the tape and then turned the board sideways and randomly taped where the line would represent where the two planks would have “butted” together and painted them and removed all the tape.
Then the fun began and where I got to paint the planks different colors. I used white and dark brown and made sure to leave a few light brown planks that I had painted over the entire board with in the beginning.
Once I had all the planks painted, I then “weathered” these boards with a dry brush technique.
This is where you very lightly dip the tips of your brush in a dark brown paint, or paint color of your choice. Before applying to your surface, wipe off any excess paint and then very lightly brush around the edges of your faux planks to represent aging wood.
If you get too aggressive with this techniques, no big deal! You can go back and repaint that area with the original color and try again until you get the look you like! Don’t fret. If you need to go over these again, it will more likely help to add an authentic weathered look.
This is how I was able to get the background for these faux weathered signs!
The diamond shape and white border I will address in a future post.
This sign was such a hit, I was asked to make another one and ship it to West Virginia to a friend and former co-worker!
An awesome thing about painting wood, if you make a mistake you can sand it down and paint it again!
I hope you give this technique a try! If you do, please share with me your results! I would love to see it!
On a Personal Note
Saturday has been spent cleaning around the house, sanding furniture (our new to us kitchen table and chairs) and finishing up my last round of projects so I can take it easy the rest of this month!
Today, we are celebrating Father’s Day. All Merrill wanted is for us to grill dinner. Steaks, brats, something with potatoes and a red beer, should be doable!
Until next Sunday,
xoxo
Melissa
My favorite Products:
My current audiobook
I knew I would enjoy listening to Rachel Hollis’s recent audiobook, Girl Stop Apologizing.
I’ve read (listened to) her previous book, Girl Wash Your Face and knew I would enjoy listening to her again. Let me know what you think if you’ve already read or listened to her recent books. I also need recommendations for future books. If you’re a book reader or audiobook listener, send your suggestions my way!
General Finishes Flat out Flat matte sealer
Flat out Flat sealer, by General Finishes is my favorite sealer. Once I had my faux planks painted on the projects in this post, I then sealed the background with 2 coats of sealer before moving on to painting the diamond shape and border. I do this so If i have any bleeds or mistakes, I can gently use a baby wipe or a very damp cloth and wipe away any mistakes. This way, my background is protected and I don’t have to start all over!
I absolutely love “My” Mother’s Day gift this year! Yes this is one of those items that I needed, or thought i needed, so I gifted myself!
Besides taking awesome photos, my favorite feature is the Bluetooth technology and how easy it is to sync and download my photos to phone and laptop!
Falveys Lumber, Albia, Iowa
I purchased my smooth plywood for “Life is Better….” from Falveys. As always they are helpful and cut my pieces for me in the sizes I need at no extra cost!
The plywood for these pieces I believe were 1/2 inch thick. The smoothest they have. These pieces still need sanding before painting since there is still a texture to them.
I can not go smaller than 1/2″ as I add a rustic frame to my pieces and I need enough room to nail them together.
Yes, this post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase,. I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you.
