Boy, have I got a project to share with you – I’m practically giddy with excitement for how it turned out!
I hinted at the project last night …
And even last Friday when I posted a sneak peak into the GIANT bag of crafting supplies we received.
WOWZERS! That’s a LOT of “good things”, yes?
It’s all part of a Martha Stewart Mother’s Day campaign we’re participating in with several other bloggers. Our job was to come up with some sort of Mother’s Day craft/home decor/DIY using some of the items in the bag.
You all know we’ve used Martha stuff before, right? Stencils, glitter, paint. We used those things again (especially paint – LOVE the paint – it works on ANYTHING!). But we also got to try out several other good things this time around: the heat tool, stencil film, even the brush and stencil cleaner (which works like a CHARM!). And the foam pouncer tops and dragging brush are crazy handy tools to have!
Anyway…
Wanna see what we came up with?
Now, I’m not going to lie to you, this project was a TONNE of work. It is a huge piece and there are so many facets to it. But it’s been quite awhile since we tackled something so involved – so we were more than due for something HUGE!
SUPPLIES
Martha Stewart Products
- Paint: Aquarium in Pearl, Habanero & Jonquil in Satin (times 2-3 for Jonquil), Yellow Gold in Metallic and Wedding Cake in High Gloss
- Basic Brush Set; short bristled brush and angled brush
- Foam Pouncer Tops
- Roller and Tray
- Dragging Brush
- Multipurpose Heat Tool
- Stencil Film
- Stencil Adhesive Spray
- Stencil Tape
- Adhesive Stencil (flower)
Other Supplies
- 48″ x 48″ MDF cut to 36″ x 42″ at hardware store
- Lined Paper
- Scotch Tape
- Glass Cutting Board
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Black Paint Marker
- Walnut Distress Ink
- Spray bottle with water
- Sandpaper
- Hanging Hardware
- Computer
Because there are multiple steps, I’m going to break the project down into 5 stages for you to make it easier. You know, if you want to DIY your own!
*****
1. PREPARE MDF
Step 1.
Using the Roller and Tray and the Jonquil (Yellow) paint, roll paint over the entire surface. Repeat. Perhaps repeat twice. To be honest, I knew I wouldn’t have enough Jonquil to cover this massive board three times, so I painted a layer of Chamomile (a brighter yellow) first and then used the Jonquil. If you are shopping for paint, buy 2-3 containers of Jonquil.
Step 2.
While top coat of paint is still wet, use the dragging brush to texturize. I did this mainly to get rid of the roller’s foam texture look.
Step 3.
Wash Roller and Tray and set aside.
*****
2. LAY OUT & PAINT THE TEXT
Step 1.
I used GIMP to mock up roughly how I wanted my art to look. You can use my pdf (it’s pretty huge) if you’d like to save yourself some time. Just click the mock up below to open pdf, then right click to save. If you want to make your own, the font is Bernard MT Condensed, Condensed.
Step 2.
Using plain (or lined if you don’t have any plain! Ahem!) paper, lay out on your MDF approximately where you letters/words will go.
Step 3.
Now, trace letters/words off of your computer screen. Really! I have used this method – also known as I-don’t-have-a-vinyl-machine method! – many times before. Zoom in to the desired size and just scroll around as necessary to fit.
Step 4.
Using a soft pencil, scribble all over the BACK side of your paper. This is sort of like making carbon paper.
Step 5.
Position paper RIGHT side UP and secure with some scotch tape. Trace over lettering. Take a peek to make sure you are impressing the letters onto your painted MDF. Continue until you’re finished. Discard paper (in the recycling bin of course!).
Step 6.
Using the short bristled brush from the Basic Brush Set and Wedding Cake (white) paint, carefully paint inside pencil lines for all letters. Repeat if necessary (it was for me). Let dry while you complete the next steps.
*****
3. CREATE THE PAINTED PENNANT
Step 1.
Using your PDF mock up as a rough visual guide, lightly draw pennant strings with pencil. Erase and adjust if necessary.
Step 2.
Cut a triangle in desired pennant size out of a scrap of paper . Tape to a window and then tape a piece of Stencil Film on top. Trace the triangle with a pencil onto the Stencil Film.
Step 3.
Tape Stencil film to a GLASS cutting board. Use the Multipurpose Heat Tool with the angled tip to cut out the triangle.
Step 4.
Trace the triangle two more times using new Stencil Film each time. This time add a chevron pattern for one and a grain sack stripe to another. Using the Heat Tool and angled tip, cut out just the chevron pattern and the stripes.
Step 5.
Spray backs of stencils with Stencil Adhesive. Apply Stencil Tape to the corners to help hold it down – the Stencil Film tends to roll up, which was the only frustrating thing I found when using the Martha Stewart stuff. Using Roller and Tray (or paper plate if your tray isn’t dry or clean) with more Wedding Cake paint and plain triangle cut-out, paint each pennant white. Let dry.
Step 6.
Using the angled brush from the Basic Brush Set and Wedding Cake (white) paint, carefully paint the pennant strings. Let dry.
Step 7.
Using the other stencil cut-outs and an adhesive flower stencil with the Foam Pouncer Tops (on your Habanero, Yellow Gold & Aquarium paints), stencil the colourful parts of your pennants over top of the white. By using metallic and pearl paints, you get a fabulous hint of shine, even after the distressing steps below. Let dry.
*****
4. ADD A DROP SHADOW
This step makes the artwork look more like a vintage old sign. My youngest said it looks like a real old billboard.
Step 1.
Using a black paint marker, draw a drop shadow on each letter and each piece of the pennant banner. Keep in mind a drop shadow only appears to one side. Study old signs or typography if necessary first.
5. MAKE IT LOOK OLD/VINTAGE/DISTRESSED
Step 1.
Using your sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block, sand entire painted surface. You want to take the newly painted look right off and remove any thick paint lines.
Step 2.
Rub the Dragging Brush on your Walnut Distress Ink pad. Then starting on the top left drag ink down to the bottom. Repeat, moving to the right and dragging down again. Repeat until you have inked the whole piece. It should look like it’s stained and old, not covered in ink.
Step 3.
Lightly mist the whole piece with water. This adds water marks and more texture to the ink.
Step 4.
Using your fingers (hubby gives me trouble for that!) or a lint-free rag, rub extra ink on the corners and edges.
AND THEN…YOU’RE DONE!!!
What do you think? Fun sign, yes?
To find the products I used and other Martha Stewart / Plaid products OR for more crafting ideas visit Plaid on:
**I wrote this post as part of a paid campaign with Plaid and Blueprint Social. The opinions in this post are, as always, my own!
Linking up here: Loving This Crazy Life, The Shabby Creek Cottage, House of Hepworths, Somewhat Simple, Katie’s Nesting Spot, Beyond the Picket Fence, Thrifty Decorating, Saved by Love Creations, Yesterday on Tuesday, The 36th Avenue, The Artsy Girl Connection, Handy Man, Crafty Woman, Blue Cricket Design, Someday Crafts, Domestically Speaking, Homemaker on a Dime, Under the Table and Dreaming, I Heart Naptime, DIY Showoff, Not Just a Housewife, Homework, Funky Junk Interiors, Remodelaholic, Addicted 2 Decorating, The Not So Functional Housewife, Tatertots & Jello,
This is adorable – I love the way you created the letters without using one of the popular “cutting vinyl machines”! I may try this, but probably on a smaller scale
JoAnn
I totally get that! This thing is huge! It does fill up a blank spot in our hallway nicely – I can see it from my bedroom!
S.
This is gorgeous! They really look like real painted pennants. I love this sign. Martha Stewarts products are fantastic to use. Shannon, I’ve been looking at all the craft stores trying to find a star stencil. I couldn’t see that Martha does one. Do you know anywhere that may sell them?
Danielle recently posted..Tex Mex Dinner
Hmm, good question. Like a barn star or another kind of star? You could always try Martha’s Multipurpose Heat Tool and some Stencil Film…you can make literally ANY stencil out that stuff!!!
S.
I want to do kind of a nautical star, but one that could work with the American Flag if I ever decide to paint it on furniture or pillows. That my be a good choice to try that. Did you find the heat tool easy to use?
Danielle recently posted..Tex Mex Dinner
It was SUPER easy! And I’m a big fraidy cat when it comes to tools and hot stuff! I may or may not be a wee bit clumsy!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE this!!!!!!!!!!!! This will be ALL over Pinterest too! It’s so gorgeous!
Pamela
Pamela recently posted..{Guest Post} Better Life Bags Introduction
Oh the wonderfulness that is Pinterest!
I absolutely LOVE this!!! Came out so great! I hope you’d link it up to my party which starts today. I made a “You are my sunshine” printable recently. You should check it out as well. {http://lovingthiscrazylife-melissa.blogspot.com/2012/04/you-are-my-sunshine-my-only-sunshine.html}
Melissa @ Loving this crazy life! recently posted..IT’S A PIECE O’ CAKE LINKY PARTY #4!
Thanks Melissa! Super cute printables! S.
Thanks! And thanks for linking up!
Melissa @ Loving this crazy life! recently posted..10 Easy Afternoon Crafts for the Munchkins!
I know exactly how much work went into this project and you must feel really good about it! It looks great! (and that shadow detail…)
Suzonne Stirling recently posted..Stenciled Glasses
The shadow! Yes, my years in graphic design were helpful on this design!
WOW!! This is SO gorgeous! I love the huge size of the artwork. The bunting is to die for! You did an amazing job with this campaign!
Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe recently posted..Stenciled Wood Canvas
Thanks Michele! It was loads of fun!
Oh. WOW. This is absolutely amazing! That sign does indeed bring sunshine into a room. It’s gorgeous!
You rocked this one… need to look again! Boy, Canada’s got some great talent goin’ on here…
Donna
Funky Junk Interiors recently posted..Rustic and pretty… with a little help from Martha Stewart Crafts
Go Canada! Lol. Thanks Donna! You rock!
That turned out awesome! Love it! Great job!!!
TY!
What a beautiful sign!!! Love the design and the colors, so great!! So bright and cheery!
So bright and cheery – but still smack dab in my neutral comfort zone because it’s distressed!
Oh my gosh!! I am so excited (and can’t believe) that you did this without a cutter. You know how much my heart jumps at the fact that you shared this tutorial?! OH the projects I can now make!! Thank you!
The sign is absolutely beautiful, every single element of it. Great job!
Ann Marie | white house, black shutters recently posted..Handprint Flower Planter | Mother’s Day Gift Ideas with Martha Stewart Crafts!
Yupper, no cutter here!!! I love how happy you are at the possibilities!!! Yay!
It turned out so great! Love how you distressed it and the colors are perfect.
Shauna@Satori Design for Living recently posted..Where I Shop for Deals
Thank you sweet friend!!!
Wow!! This is amazing. The best project I’ve seen with the free MS product bloggers have received, by far.
I just found your blog and I’m in love! Its so cool that you are Cdn. Where abouts are you? I’m in Calgary and I’m just so pleased to find really talented bloggers on this side of the border!
Thank you Charlene! We’re in Ontario, just outside Toronto.
Amazing & lovely.
Nikki Mans/WhiMSy love recently posted..DIY: April Showers Greeting Card
TY, Nikki!
This turned out great. Not only do I love the sign but I love all the accents and furniture in the picture too : )
I am so stealing your idea on how to transfer images ( I don’t have a vinyl machine either…and probably nevern will). You guys did a great job!
Helen – http://www.pickedandpaitned.blogspot.com
Helen recently posted..Versatile Blogger Award & Seven Fun Facts
Steal away! The pencil idea is not original – it’s been around for ages! I think we just forget how simple things can be! Have fun!
This is INCREDIBLE! I love it so much I can hardly stand it. My wheels are turning, for sure.
Wendy recently posted..How to Make a Hand Carved Name Stamp
Hmmm-mission accomplished I guess–makes me want to drive right over to Micheals and get me some more Martha craft supplies! Lol! Great sign–love it!
Awesome! Let me know what you pick up!
It is a lovely piece but way too much work for me1 I do like the idea of tracing from the computer screen. I will try that.
crosstown recently posted..Wall Scape01
It was a lot of work – but so worth it! It makes me smile every time I walk past it – and that means a lot!
Having something that makes you smile definitely makes it worth the work.:)
crosstown recently posted..Door Knobs
Exactly!
I’m loving how this project turned out!! Genius idea on using your PC Screen!!!
Katrina recently posted..Fabric Shopping
In case anyone was wondering, we have no printer, so the computer screen was totally necessary!
Oh my goodness! I want it!
It’s beautiful! I love every detail about it! So clever. Your hard work definitely paid off! LOVE it!
Fantastic Shannon! This project turned out really well. I totally thought the pennant was draped over top of your canvas and not painted on!
Dayna @ Inspiration for Decor recently posted..Downton Abbey and English sofas
Crazy thing about that painted shadow! Thanks, Dayna!
This is SO cute! I love the size of it!
Korrie@RedHenHome recently posted..Zack’s Room: Oak to Espresso
The size is pretty crazy! But it’s perfect in our hallway!
I LOVE IT!!! Such an adorable project! And I am way jealous that you got all of those Martha Stewart goodies.
Amazeballs bag of goodies! You can come play with them anytime you like, Sarah!
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. you did an amazing job! xo
TY!!!
That is amazing any one would love it. You did a fabulous job. Maybe someday I will paint one for our home. Thank you for the directions.
Having the directions definitely makes it easier!
I love love Love this! Thank You for sharing all the steps. I wish I were able to make one but I don’t think I can pull it off! Its Gorgeous
I’m sure you could – just follow the steps one at a time!
Shannon, this is gorgeous! And I like your technique for transferring letters. A lot of people don’t own a Silhouette or equivalent, so it is good to see how to do it “The old fashioned” way
. Thanks for joining the parade.
Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl recently posted..The DIY Talent Parade Link Party
Sometimes the old fashioned way is the way to go! Thanks, Brittany!
i LOVE this. what a great project…now where to put it?
lisa @StudioJewel recently posted..Fashion Tip Tuesday – are you on trend?
Hmm, where indeed…
Looks like a lot of work – but it was worth it! It turned out great!!!! Nice job!!!
Jen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
Jen recently posted..Forcing Cherry Blossom Branches
My favourite projects always are – a lot of work AND totally worth it!
This is incredible! So pretty! Would love for you to stop by and link up to the Pomp Party!
http://jill-createcraftlove.blogspot.com/2012/04/pomp-party-15.html
Jill @ Create.Craft.Love.
We’ll try to pop over!
Guys, I am seriously DYING over this piece. It’s so happy and whimsical. One of my fave DIY blogger pieces of all time! Can you make me one too, lol?!? I am sure it was a tonne of work, but your efforts paid off. It’s amazing. ~Kerri, A Pop of Pretty, apopofpretty.com
Happy and whimsical – perfect description! Thanks, Kerri!
I am in LOVE with your sign!! I would smile all day if this were in my house! I think I might have a new project on my to do list!
Thanks for sharing!
We’d love to see you make your own, Jenny! Do share, if you decide to!
So cute! I have to say I am laughing right now at step 3! Have used that technique many times and didn’t know I others did too(I always secretly felt a little foolish…but not any more!)
Great tips!
It’s not foolish at all!!! Do what works!!!
Thanks for sharing!
This is SO SO SO SO fun!!!
Thanks, Kristen!!!
absolutely fabulous!!!
Maria Matter recently posted..Inspire Me Fridays 56 – Anything Goes!
TY, Maria!
I can’t tell you how much I love this. It is fantastic. I love everything about it. The colors, the size, the saying. Great job. Thanks for sharing!
Camille @ Makoodle recently posted..Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea – DIY Favorite Quote
Thanks, Camille! You’re very sweet!
My favorite children’s song with my favorite colors and a bunting?? I absolutely love this!!
That’s a lot of favorites!!!
This is soooo pretty! I love pennants, and this is such a great size for the space it’s in.
Ruth recently posted..Comment on Upcycled Clothing: Dress to Denim Jacket by Winners of the Recycle, Re-Use and Re-Purpose Challenge | The CSI Project
Pennants are so fun!!!
I love this sooo much!! What size and what font did you use for the letters?? Thanks!
The letters are varying sizes. The font is Bernard MT Condensed.
I’m in love with this art piece! I’m loving the yellow with the red and blue! Beautiful work!
Such a fun colour combo!!!!
Loved this project and link up so much that I had to feature you! Hope you’re having a great week!
Melissa @ Loving this {crazy} life! recently posted..IT’S A PIECE O’ CAKE LINKY PARTY #5
Thank you!!! We hope YOU’RE having a great week too!
Your amazing art piece has been featured for Functional Friday!
Thanks so much for stopping by to link up!
~Angela
Angela @TheNotSoFunctionalHousewife recently posted..Functional Friday Linky Party #30
Thank you for the feature!!!
This is just about the cutest thing ever, so I featured it today. Thanks for the tutorial and the inspiration!
Laurel Stephens recently posted..Friday Finds
Thank you so much for the feature! So sweet of you!
Girl, this is your BEST. IT’s just so stinking cute!!! Love the colors, words, pennant banner, EVERYTHING. Great work!
shaunna
Thank you, friend! I must admit I have a bit of a crush on it!
I know you have 96 comments so I normally wouldn’t bother adding my two cents, but not only is this project SOOO amazing your tutorial was GREAT. Your tips on tracing off the computer screen and making carbon paper are going to come in handy immediately!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Heidi recently posted..Refinishing Antique Wood Chairs
Don’t ever let lots of comments stop you from commenting – we read every single one!!!
I saw this on Pinterest and you totally inspired me! I had some wood planks in need of new art, that I had just taken down, so I spent most of the day following your directions! Thanks so much! Check it out if you like!
http://thebaezablog.blogspot.com/2012/07/you-are-my-sunshine-art.html
Oh your version turned out beautifully too! Nice job!
Gonna attempt this with a different phrase. Does it need a protective top coat? I’d be nervous not to do one. Also, could you explain how you hung it? Thank you!
We didn’t top coat it. It hangs on the wall and no one touches it, so there really was no need. As for hanging it, we just used those little sawtooth hangers and some nails. Easy peasy!
Love the look of this project, what a great tutorial. Question…can you use a canvas instead of the MDF? T
I’m sure you could use a canvas instead of mdf. Just be gentle with it – canvas tends to “sink” in the middle while you’re working on it. Especially with as many layers as this one. Have fun!
xo.
This is beyond gorgeous! Great job and props for free hand tracing the letters!
katie recently posted..Washi Tape Notebook
Thanks Katie…out of necessity, right?!
Do you think you could use reg. wood stain instead of the distress ink?
It might. BUT stain has a burn-in affect – which means it gets into the paint (it’s meant to soak into a surface, right?) and can therfore move it around. SO you would very likely mess up your paint. If you really don’t want to use the distress ink (which is not too expensive at Michael’s and lasts quite awhile), I would recommend glaze instead of stain.
I love this project! Do you mind sharing how you hung it on the wall. I have some board that will work for this, but its so thin I don’t know what I could use to hang it with. Great job!
We just used those little saw tooth hanger things – super easy!
Thanks for inspiring me! I made a project from this beauty, here you can see it and my mention of your blog! All the things you do are wonderful!
http://myshabbychichome.blogspot.com.es/2012/11/volviim-back-being-deeply-loved-by.html
Shabby Chic Home recently posted..VOLVI!!! I’M BACK!!!
Hey, awesome!
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a
colleague who had been doing a little research on this.
And he actually ordered me dinner because I discovered it
for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for
the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this issue here on your web site.
how to get rid of static cling recently posted..how to get rid of static cling
What a great idea to trace your computer screen! I never would have thought of that.
It’s amazing what you can come up with when necessary!
What a GREAT sign!!! You did an amazing job!!! Found you on Pinterest and I’m happy to be your newest follower. Would love to have you stop by for a visit!!! Also “liked” you on FB! Blessings ~ Judy
So glad you found us Judy!
Thanks for sharing this – I finally got mine done this past weekend. Come over to my blog and check it out! http://dangerouslydomesticjen.blogspot.com/2013/02/you-are-my-sunshine.html