Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Beachy Themed Wall Hanging Project

Happy Saturday Ladies!  Hope you are having a great weekend!  Today I wanted to share with you a little decoupage plaque that I made as a gift. It was such a fun and easy project, and I happened to have all of the materials on hand already.  How great is that?!

A couple of weeks ago, I showed you a birthday card using the same "bathing beauty" image, as well as a copy of vintage sheet music, titled appropriately "By the crystal sea."  I found both of these images over at the Graphics Fairy.  If you have never visited, be sure to check it out!  I have found so many wonderful images there, tons of great inspiration!  Anyway, I began with a piece of luan (it's like thin plywood, but nicer, I think).  Hubby cut me a bunch awhile back from a large sheet, and I had this piece left over.  You can find large sheets of luan at any hardware store, and get a ton of different projects from just one sheet, for not very much money!  Just make sure to sand the front & back, as well as sides before beginning your plaque.


First, I primed the back, then painted it with several coats of craft paint.  I am loving this color!  It's called "Laguna".  Love the name!! After the two coats (drying between each, of course), I used a bit of Ralph Lauren's antiquing glaze in  "Smoke".
Then I applied a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front, and added the copy of sheet music, smoothing out any air bubbles.  After that was dry, I added the bathing beauty image with more Mod Podge.
The sand dollar motif was from some scrap booking paper I bought when we went to Maui last winter.  I like to pick up fun things on trips that I can use in projects once I get back home, rather than just buying the usual souvenir t-shirts!  Anyway, I added another coat of Mod Podge over the entire front, and while that was still wet, I sprinkled on some clear coarse glitter by Martha Stewart.  Sorry, but I couldn't really get the glitter to show up in the photos!  When that was dry, I added one more coat.  I then used my handy dandy little dremel tool to drill a small hole in the top corners.  I then used some craft wire in an antique bronze tone, for more of a vintage feel.  I added two neat flower shaped buttons that are actually made out of coconut shells, that I found at a fabric store in Maui.  I didn't know at the time what I'd use them for, but I thought they were so cute I just couldn't pass them up!
Here's a closer look at a button. I just ran the wire right thru the holes.
I am lovin' the sand dollar!
Here's one more look at the finished plaque.
There you have it!  A fun project, to give or to keep!  And without spending a ton of $$$!
I am linking up with  The Graphic's Fairy for Brag Monday, where you will get lots of fun and inspiring ideas!

11 comments:

Sweet European Dreams said...

love this! I think I could make some sets to give away for Christmas presents - these would be cherished!

NanaDiana said...

Very cool beachy-themed piece of art. It makes me think "island" and I love the old feel of it. Great job. I haven't seen that particular color anywhere before. Now I will have to watch for it! Diana

Leo said...

Donna - this makes it even nicer that I see how you made it....I have it displayed front and center in my kitchen...I LOVE it...!!!

Kaybe said...

How stinkin adorable and affordable except the trip to Maui to get all the supplies which I would be totally willing to do :) I love love vintage beach pictures.

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

This turned out so sweet. I love it.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Wonderful project, Donna! It inspires me to make some gifts this year!

Unknown said...

This is wonderful!

Cindy Adkins said...

This is one perfectly gorgeous gift! And also, I hope that your husband is feeling better.
Hugs,
Cindy
xo

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

What great sheet music to use with this project. Turned out great!

Karen The Graphics Fairy said...

Hi Donna,
Your plaque is so pretty!! Those adorable buttons add just the right touch too! Thanks for linking this up to Brag Monday.

Edith Schmidt said...

How sweet! Fantastic idea and wonderful collage work!