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:

Blue Cricket Designs~Show and Tell

Domestically Speaking~Power of Paint

Someday Crafts ~ Whatever Goes

Somewhat Simple~Strut Your Stuff

Fireflies & Jellybeans~Show Off Your Stuff

Home Is Where My Story Begins