Laundry Closet Makeover - Part 3

Welcome to The Laundry Closet Makeover~Part 3! If you missed the first two parts, you can see them HERE.
This post will be highlighting the shabby "Clothesline Fresh" sign. This sign was a toughy for me and I'm so excited that it turned out exactly how I had imagined! Those that know me well, know I'm a perfectionist when it comes to crafts. I can't just freehand something or throw it together and call it good. I need things to be straight and lined up and well....perfect!

This sign intimidated me at first, but if I can do it and love it, then you can, too! So this is my tutorial on how to make a shabby chic sign the pefectionist's way!

Step 1: Ready Board and Stencil
I found a board in the garage that I already had. I think mine measures 7" x 28" long. It was already painted a sage green, so I went over it with Folk Art Antique White acrylic paint. Then I created my wording stencil on my computer and printed it out (the perfectionist in me couldn't just free-hand it). Because it was longer than an avarage size piece of paper, I had to print it in 3 parts and tape together.

Step 2: Transfer Stencil
I went back to my grade school days to transfer my stencil on to my board. I turned my stencil over and scribbled over the back with a lead pencil. Make sure that you get good coverage, and use a firm hand.

Next I centered and taped my stencil onto my board. I then used a pen to trace around each letter. The lead I scribbled on the back will act as carbon paper and I when I remove my stencil, I will have this:
(sorry about poor picture quality..I was working on this after the Princess went to bed)
 
Step 3: Paint
I created and transfered the flowers onto my board the same way that I did my quote. Then, using a small brush I painted. This surprisingly didn't take as long as I thought it would. I used these acryllic paints:
Craftsmart Lime Green
Craftsmart Pale Blue
Folk Art Sunny Yellow.
At this point, it looks like I stenciled it and you can see some of the pencil marks from my transfer. I just used my sanding block and lightly sanded all edges and the surface. Then I mixed my Chocolate Brown Acrylic Paint with lots of water to make a glaze. I brushed it on my sign and then wiped it off with a damp rag. When using acrylic paint as a glaze, you have to work fast because it dries fast.
This is what it looks like with all the painting, sanding and glazing.
Since this is my laundry room where there will be lots of dust, I sprayed it with my Krylon Satin Finish.

I'm so in love with my sign and I'm so glad that I decided to give it a try. It is the perfect addition to my laundry room!
Thanks for stopping by. I hope that I have inspired you to try something that you have been too intimidated to start. Have a great day!

I've linked up with these great parties:

19 comments:

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

That is adorable! You laundry room is going to be so bright and cheery when you are done!

karen said...

Really cute:)

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

LOVE your sign!

Christie said...

Are you a new site? This is ADORABLE and I can't believe I haven't stumbled on your blog before now! So cute and love the ideas, as well as, the how-to tips! I am 2 months into blog land and have learned so many amazing things! Come visit www.threepixielane.blogspot.com!!

Cathy said...

This is so cute! It really does look perfect!

Nicole said...

I love your sign. I love signs all around, but the fact that you've done your own is awesome. I have only tried 2 of my own with bought stencils. I have been looking for one for my laundry room for a couple years now and this is inspiring. Not sure how to creat my own stencile on the computer though to where it would work. If you have any tips or are willing to share you file that would be great. You can email me nculver@centurylink.net

Terri-Lynn said...

Thanks for the great tutorial. I'm just starting on my first paint project. I appreciate the step by step. Feeling less intimidated now. Thanks!

Pam Kessler said...

Very cute. Great tutorial steps. I love the numbers "tied" to the photos.

memakingdo said...

Adorable sign great job!

LaKeta said...

Sweet lil shabby sign! Great tutorial too!!!!

Have a wonderful day!

LaKeta

1luckeegirl.blogspot.com

Heather* said...

Love this idea...I think I'll try this...thank goodness one of us remember things from school :)
Hope you can stop by my blog as well

Unknown said...

Very cute!

Chestnut Sparrow said...

That is great looking, I need to make some artwork for my laundry room. We have nothing but bare walls right now, blah!

Anonymous said...

I love the colours you used, so cheerful and they completely capture 'clothesline fresh' vibe. Great tut. I'm off to check of the previous two posts.

Cheyanne

Cecily said...

Love the sign and love the stencil transfer idea - great method!

Lemon Lane Studio said...

I have a laundry closet, too and have not done a thing with it other threaten anyone who doesn't close the doors behind them.lol Yours has inspired me to treat it like a little room. Very cute!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

I'm putting your sign in the Spotlight on Saturday at the PoPP.

Terry said...

I found you through the Power of Paint party! Your blog is so cute and I love the laundry sign! I'm now following your blog and I hope you'll check out mine and participate in my first Sunday Blog Love tomorrow!

Rebekah Lindenmayer said...

This sign is really adorable, I do all my transfer work the same way :) I love to hand paint anything. What font did you use?
Becky www.sweetbeehollow.blogspot.com

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