It seems these days all I do is try making a sign that looks decent, or make chairs out of pallets. Especially since I have THIS pile now stacked in my basement:
I wanted to make my dad a sign for his workshop. I didn't want to spend money buying vinyl lettering (I'm so cheap). And, my hand painted sign didn't turn out too well. SO I used letters found at the dollar store. For $1, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Next, I spray painted the board with a silver metallic spray paint. I'm not sure if it is just WAY old or, this brand of spray paint just has retro styled cans, but I thought it was cool. It has sat in our basement forever so, I'm glad to finally use it on something.
ColorPlace Spray Paint-Silver Metallic
Next, after the spray paint dried, I laid the letters out on the board and arranged them the way I wanted. No, my dad's name is not Choppy. But, some people might think so. It's been his nickname my ENTIRE life and I've never really understood why. My great-grandfather had the same nickname (but that was on my mom's side of the family; confusing). Anyway..everybody knows dad as Choppy. Hence..Choppy's Workshop.
The wind started blowing the letters all over the place. I definitely recommend using a glue stick or some sort of adhesive for this step.
I took a can of black spray paint and went over the board entirely. The letters were blowing around like mad and I didn't have on any gloves. You should have seen my hands (too covered with paint to pick up my camera). It took half a can of mineral spirits to get it off. I had to paint my nails red for work today to cover the rest of it up. I can't stand to have my nails painted. I've waited all day to go home and take it off. (Boy, do I get off on tangents or what! Focus...)
SO...after I painted the board and became ADHD and removed the letters before it was dry, this was my result:
The letters are a little crooked and the black bled into the silver more than I would like. I think I'll rough it up around the edges some more to let some silver shine through on the sides. Then fill in a little of the silver right around the lettering. Overall, it looks OK. Its a cheap, easy way to make a sign. But definitely use a glue stick or adhesive on the lettering and wait for the paint to dry. ; P
Next, I almost finished a pallet chair I am making for a friend. I will finish it up tonight. I think I'm even going to put arms on this one. These pallets have rounded edges so it gives a nice contrast on the square look. I will have more on that later.
I can't wait for Good Friday! Another Friday off work, that's two back to back. I love it. I should have lots of time to work on some stuff and the dreaded housework. What are your plans for Easter?
