Thursday, February 14, 2013

Rustic Number Sampler

Here is a project I'd like to share with you...


I call it a "Rustic Number Sampler". 

If you are like me, I save all sizes and shapes of  wood.  "Scraps" from all my wood projects.  My husband was so glad to see that I was finally using up some of my collection.  He thinks my scrap collection is a bunch of junk wood, but I always can see it's potential.

So, I started with an idea which I then put to paper, making myself a pattern.



I  searched my scrap pile to find the right size pieces of wood cutting them all to size using a table saw.  I then traced the numbers onto more scrap wood.  I used mdf, plywood and pine lumber all in varying thicknesses.  The number "2" was cut from scrap metal, the "3" and "4" were stenciled and I did an inside cut for the number "5" on 1/4" plywood.   I sanded everything to get them ready for stain and paint.  And, I filed and polished the metal number "2".



For the color palette, I used "Sandbar" color paint from Home Hardware, "Buttermilk" and "Lamp Black" by DecoArt and Minwax stain in two colors - dark walnut and puritan pine.



Once everything was dry, I did a bit more sanding to give some of the pieces a bit more of an aged appearance.   I then secured the numbers to the wood pieces using wood glue, stenciled the "3" and "4" onto the wood and secured the metal "2" with rivots.  Oh...and because the number "5" is an inside cut, I needed a backing so I used a piece of burlap!





Now for the hard part...how was I going to secure it all?  My husband suggested that I attach all the pieces to 1/4" plywood...good idea!  So, I made a frame out of weathered wood - again, a scrap collection sitting outside along the shop wall buried in snow.  (of course, I had to be patient and let the wood completely dry before assembling)  I attached the frame with an air nailer to the outside edges of my backing piece (the plywood) and then glued the numbered wood pieces inside the frame...kinda like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.  Once the glue dried, I attached picture hanging hardware to the back. 




I'm very happy with the way it turned out.  Best of all, I used up some of my scrap lumber, the project was free and now have new artwork to hang in the living room!



Thank you for stopping by...

Lesa

34 comments:

  1. Oh my word! This is amazing! You totally could sell these... but I know it prob. wouldn't pay too well because of all the time you have into it... but it is absolutely gorgeous! (ha, if you do decide to sell one, let me know, I'd be first in line!!) Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. So clever and creative - love that rough texture.

    ReplyDelete
  3. p.s. I'm pinning this too. Little Bit

    ReplyDelete
  4. this is so amazing!! I love how artistic the numbers can be. Featuring on my weekly wow's on Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  6. OH my goodness I absolutely love this! I am seriously looking around my house right now trying to decide where I can put something like this. It's beautiful. And I'm so with you, I save EVERY scrap of wood. Great way to recycle!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is just amazing!!! ( how did I not know about you? )
    I'm going through French Country Cottage tonight am just blown away by the talent in the blogmosphere - but this one stood out for me!
    LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
    Your newest follower - ( would love a follow back when you have the time )
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love it! I'm pinning it because someday I want to copycat this! So cool!

    ReplyDelete
  9. So glad I found your blog and I absolutely love the numbers sampler. Very clever! -- Jan

    ReplyDelete
  10. Stopping in to pin this, I love it.

    Bliss

    ReplyDelete
  11. gorgeous ! we featured you today at the Inspiration Gallery...xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is amazing! I love it and am pinning it.

    Now following you!

    Julue

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh MAN!!! Lesa, my jaw hung open when I found this. I love it for so many reasons! I'll take an entire wall of it please!!

    I've featured you all over the land. :) Thanks for linking it up!

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151431039546141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&type=1&theater

    ReplyDelete
  14. You are very talented! Thank you for sharing in this week's Rustic Restorations Weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love this! Very Creative! I'm now a follower...

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is just SO absolutely gorgeous, great job! It looks super expensive. Love love love it! Pinning it for future reference.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This turned out amazing. I love all of the different textures and sizes of the numbers. If you get a chance come link up at my Tuesday Pin Party.

    http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/pintastic-tuesday-link-party-27.html#.USP_sKWkrCc

    ReplyDelete
  18. That sampler is FAB-U-lous!!! If you haven't already had a chance, I'd love for you to stop by and share it at the 100th Tuesday To Do Party over at The Blackberry Vine! http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2013/02/tuesday-to-do-party-100-99-list-makers.html

    Smiles!
    Jami
    The Blackberry Vine
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is absolutely gorgeous. So pin-worthy!
    So wall-worthy!

    You did well and should pat yourself on the back!

    hugs x
    crystelle
    http://www.crystelleboutique.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh, my! I think maybe even I could do this.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your scrap art project is terrific, Lesa! Thanks for sharing the how-to.

    And thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. I'm running behind this week, but be sure to stop by to see yourself featured today.

    Blessings,
    Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

    ReplyDelete
  22. I LOVE the look of this! What a great way to use your scraps. :)
    -Revi

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured today!
    I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and join me later tonight for Make the Scene Monday #63!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am in LOVE with this! Truly, you struck gold with this project! I am in awe and total admiration! Now following you! And you have inspired me to maybe use my scraps, because I can't throw them away either! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is so AWESOME!! I love the look of this! I'm featuring you tonight at MMM

    ReplyDelete
  26. This turned out so cool!!! I have been looking at all of your projects, and you are really creative and talented! If I could draw and paint like you,I would probably never leave the house, LOL!!! but then you also have MAD wordworking skillz as well! thanks for sharing and inspiring the rest of us to create!
    p.s... I agree with Little Bit (she is ALSO very talented) you could totally sell these!!! I would buy one!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey, Wow all the posts are very informative for the people who visit this site. Good work! We also have a Website. Please feel free to visit our site.
    스포츠토토탑

    ReplyDelete
  28. I really like your writing so so much! percentage we keep in touch more about your post on AOL? I require a specialist in this house to solve my problem. May be that is you! Having a look ahead to peer you. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete