Backyard sign.....

found wood

     It's been busy here as we wrap up the school year. We've been stagnated on projects. However, I did have time to make a super cute sign for our backyard. Recently, when reading a decorating magazine I saw a picture of a seed company sign on someone's mantle. Knowing I'd never have the luck to find a seed company sign AND have my last name on it I decided to make my own.

binding strips

     So, what does any self respecting, budget minded gal do when she needs wood for a project? She starts checking out her neighbors backyard foraging. I happened to spot a ten foot long piece of redwood on the side of my neighbors house. After I texted him pleading asking for it I went and dragged it home. Handy Mr. Rural cut two pieces, each 36", from it. I then used binding strips to put the two boards together.

first coat of paint

     After treating the wood with a little vinegar to give it just a bit more age I cut some letters out of card stock. Then I traced the letters onto the sign and painted them in a kelley green color. I didn't want the sign to look new so I roughed up the letters a bit which brought out the wood below. Next up, a coat of stain and voila, an oldish looking seed company sign for our backyard.

Finished sign

closeup of texture

     Sometimes it's fun to go out and find things but other times I just look around the house and hunt down materials. This is one of those projects. Found wood, leftover paint and stain. The garage can be a great place to scrounge!