Okay, so like a week ago I shared with you my burlap wreath. And, my frustration over how well it blended in with the brick. I was so bummed and had hit a brick wall {ha!}. Then, as I walking in the back yard, I spotted this.
This was our attempt at building a “door” for our small shed to keep the dog out. It never stayed together the way we intended, the dog ran away :(, and we took it down. I asked my husband not to throw it out last summer because “I might use it”… and here it has sat since then. {have I mentioned our back yard needs lots of work?}
So, I started in tearing it apart.
And then cutting it up. I decided I didn’t really want it that long, so I thought I would cut the pickets in half. But, then I didn’t want only one end to have the points, so I decided to cut those off too. And then I put it back together using the same 1×2’s to anchor the pieces together.
Remember this wood wasn’t perfect to begin with and it had been sitting outside for months through all the elements. Perfectly imperfect!!
I had grand plans for this piece. I love the look of chevron and you remember I shared this picture with you.
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| source: MadeByGirl |
So….I read several tutorials on how to make chevron stripes and finally thought I had it figured out….sorta.
For the background color, I used the white paint that I used to paint my built-ins, and doors for a cohesive look that I might be able to use year around. Remember, I’m not worried about it being perfect so I just slapped the paint on there, not bothering with the holes, or getting complete coverage.
Then for the chevron design. I’m so not one for measuring more than necessary so I decided to use the planks for the vertical lines and use a yard stick for the horizontal lines. Honestly I wasn’t sure how wide I wanted the stripes to be. I’ve told you before I’m a VERY visual person. So I decided to just use the width of the yardstick to make horizontal lines across the whole piece. I would decide after which ones to use.
Then I brought out the tape and starting making the angles. Simply choose how many “rectangles” wide you want the stripe to be and how many “planks” long you want the stripe to be and you have your angle. Okay – seriously – I was majorly winging it. 🙂 The taping part can get a little tricky – don’t get in too big of a hurry. I’m soooo impatient so yes this was hard for me, but luckily it was a small piece. The big spaces are where you will paint, and the small spaces will stay the original color. Make sure you press down the edges of the tape to prevent the paint from seeping under.
I decided to use the wall color that I used in my living room, again to achieve a cohesive look. Again, not worried about perfection, {but not wanting the paint to bleed under the tape} I painted on a fairly light coat. By the time I got to the end of the board I was almost giddy!! I couldn’t wait to pull the tape…
so I didn’t!!! Look at the finished product!!
It is exactly how I envisioned!!
I was left with quite a few pencil lines on the white paint.
I was left with quite a few pencil lines on the white paint.
Nothing that a damp rag won’t remove, especially if you make your lines as light as possible.
Now, it is fairly heavy so I plan on mounting a nice picture hanger wire to the back. My hubby had installed a screw into the brick years ago for me to hang things on. Then I will use a command hook on the board to be able to hang things {like my wreath} on the front of the board. Perfect imperfection!! LOVE!!
This will give you an idea of what it will look like.
I hope to get my mantel spruced up sometime this week, so I can share with you the complete look. But, let’s get real folks – it’s spring break ;)!!
Blessings to you and yours!!
Linking up
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Looooove it! I've got some old fence panels sitting outside for another project, but you've got my wheels turning! Can't wait to see it up on the mantle!
SO so cute!! Love it!! 🙂
I love anything with chevron. So I definitely love this. I would love it if you would link this up to my party.
http://www.ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/tuesday-link-party-11.html
Don't you love it when your project turns out just as you were hoping? It's so pretty, I love the subltle colors and your wreath looks great against it! Have fun with your mantle and Happy Spring Break! 🙂
I adore this! It's absolutely gorgeous…great job!! 🙂
So fantastic! Stopping by from the Beneath My Heart March linky party!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C
http://designsbystudioc.com
Looks great! I love me some Chevron!