Hand painted wood signs

Now that it's finally warming up I can work in the garage again! This weekend I took full advantage of the warm sunshine and worked on some new wood signs.

My mom owns a green house and is making a gift shop this year!

I love to paint signs and this was a great reason to do so! Each sign is hand painted with decor arts chalk paint. I really love the finish of their paint and wax. I also stain some of the wood and distress with a palm sander. I use my silhouette cameo machine to make all of my stencils.

This guy above is pained onto a reclaimed wood pallet board. I am in love with how it turned out. I may just have to keep this one for myself!

I have several others that I am working on and wanted to share a few with you. 

I added burlap flowers that I used my sizzix to cut out. I sewed cute little buttons in the center and glued them in place. 

I really love mixed media, so I am working on adding in different elements to each sign. 

More to come later this week and if they do well, I may just have to add some to the shop!!
 Thanks so much for stopping by!

Tin birdies - a tutorial

Do you ever have an idea to make something, search all the craft stores high and low for the one thing you need only to find it's not out there? Sure you can order online but who wants to wait? 

Ok so I may be a little impatient, but I am even more excited that I made it myself! 

These sweet little birdies are made from a coke can! 

Now you can buy craft tin, but $4.00 for in little sheet is kinda crazy! 

What you need: 

an empty pop can

Tin snips 

Gloves 

Chalk paint

Wax

fiskars fuse bird die

First carefully cut the top off of a pop can, cut a slit down the side and cut off the bottom. This is sharp, if you have protective gloves wear them! 

Clean it up, wipe dry. 

Now for the fun part. Use your bird die 

Now here's a secret. I don't have the fuse cutting system. But you can use the dies with your other machines. I have the sizzix big shot. I had to make an extra shim with cardboard but it worked great! Use the plastic shim on the bottom, then place your die, tin, and enough cardboard or soft foam to get it through the machine firmly enough that it will emboss the tin. I used about 5. It depends on the thickness if the cardboard. 

Roll it through and that's it! You will have the cites little tin birdie! 

Now get out your chalk paint! I have been using Americana chalk paint. 

I love this paint. I get mine at Micheals and Home Depot! 

I used the ivory color. It make take 2-3 coats. Let it dry in between coats. 

Once dry distress as much as you want with fine sandpaper. 

Lastly apply the wax! I use the dark to give it a nice patina effect! That's it! Cute little tin birds made from pop cans! 

I made a few sets for my signs!! Good luck! And if you have any questions just ask! 

Missy