French Letter Wall Hanging
I saw this wall hanging on Ballard Design web page and just fell in love with it. I thought it would look great in our bedroom above the nightstand. I however did not like the price, I believe it was $349. 
I wondered how could I make that with the same feel. The first problem was finding a print that look similar. I recently discovered The Graphics Fairy Blog, she is so talented her graphics are amazing. As I was looking at all the wonderful graphics she has I saw this French letter and thought it would be perfect for my wall hanging.
I resize the file in Photoshop in order to have it enlarged to a 16 x 20. I then ordered a print in matte finish. I ordered the print from Snapfish for $14.99. It came a bit darker than I was expecting but I could work with that.
Next I cut a scrap piece of plywood just a little larger than the print. I cut it 17.5 x 21.5. I then stained the edges and a couple of inches of the plywood Chestnut a dark brown stain.
The next step was the fun part, I got to make the print look old. The first thing I did was burn the edges off. I scared my husband a little with how much fun I had with this. I think he was worried about me burning the house down. I also burned a couple of holes through the print. I then tore the paper in a few places. Destruction can be fun sometimes.
Next I took Tim Holtz distressing ink and inked the edges, where I had torn the paper and white was showing.
I then used Mod Podge in matte to adhere the print to the plywood. Before I used the Mod Podge to the front of the print, I took a bit of stain on a paper towel and rubbed it all over the print to age it further. I left it heavier in some areas. I let this dry overnight before sealing it. I used 3 coats of Mod Podge to seal the print.
This was an easy to do project and the only cost to me was the print itself for $14.99. If you do not have wood or would rather you could use a canvas that could be purchased at your local craft or art supply store. I might try that for a Christmas themed one.
I have posted this link to the following blog parties:
I love 'cheap chic' projects! Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThese is such a great project! I may have to "borrow" (visiting from It's So Very Cheri). Have a great day, Becca
ReplyDeleteI am going from blog to blog of such talented crafty people and I'm about to put my head in the oven (it's gas) over my utter lack of creativity!
ReplyDeleteIn other words...THIS IS FABULOUS!
Wow! Great job with that - i'm with Wingnut...wonder if she has room for me in her gas oven too :-p
ReplyDeleteI Love this ! Wonderful way to use a Letter like this!
ReplyDeleteHave a Wonderful Week!
Jill
Too neat! Great use of the image!
ReplyDeleteOh wow!!! This is awesome!!!
ReplyDeletexox
This turned out great! I love The Graphics Fairy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to use this image. I love the way it came out-wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, you are a genius!!! This is so gorgeous and you saved a bundle too! I'm so glad you posted a tutorial, this looks like so much fun to make. Thanks for linking this up to Brag Monday.
ReplyDeleteI saw this in Ballard and have been wanting to make one ever since. This turned out great! Stopping by from The Graphics Fairy. I am a new follower.
ReplyDeleteHolly
504 Main
That is so clever and I love it! Thanks for stopping by sharing your project with us at Anything Related!
ReplyDelete{Rebekah}
From one Heather to another, great job. That is so cool, I may have to try it.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love this idea! Definitely stealing it from you. I just can't believe how much Ballard was asking for that! Was it an authentic French letter or something? Thanks for linking up to my Friday link party! Hope to see you again next week!
ReplyDeleteI really like this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool project! You did it for so much less~I like yours better.
ReplyDeleteWe featured this, today, as one of {Our Favorite Thingz}!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
ReplyDeleteHeather, it's awesome! You really did a great job with this project.
ReplyDeleteI'm featuring it Thursday night.
Thanks for linking to my party. I would love to have you join me each week.
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Very nice! Love your project and the scaring the husband part too : ) Found you through the Spotlight at so very Cheri.
ReplyDelete