here's how I got started...

here's how I got started...
a 20 minute podcast by Crazy BeYOUtiful

Monday, December 3, 2012

fun to create...fun to give...

here's a cool customizable project...

that makes a perfect holiday hostess gift...

it's a chalkboard,
and embellished with my Blossom Bucket silverware...
and an altered art parts star...

I like this because it can be created 
to coordinate with anyone's decor in mind..

it's a super simple project...
just what we need during this busy time of the year...

with 2 complete sign boards in the package...
it's very reasonably priced & convenient...
 so you can make 2 gifts at once...




I started with the art parts star...
and added a medium thick uneven layer of
 set that aside to dry...


when the paste was dry, I added a thick-ish uneven coat
 let that dry...

when the crackle paint was dry, I added some of 
for this one I used the brushed pewter...

and then added a bit of shading to the edges with walnut stain, using the blending tool...

the star turned out like this...


I used Claudine's studio black gesso to create the chalkboard...
just write your menu...
the chalk cleans off easily with a moist paper towel...

I painted 2 layers of gesso on the dimensional sign board base...
and let that dry...

the art parts top & bottom trim pieces 
can be inked and stamped with any background stamp...
OR...
they can be covered with patterned paper...
OR...
they can be painted to fit in with any decor...
OR...
they can be quickly stained with any distress stain color...

I think they're stinkin cute...

I added the word MENU with tim's alpha parts...

but there are LOTS more options...

you could easily make it a MEMO board,
 instead of a MENU board...
a fun place to write little family messages...
OR...
 to doodle on...

you could also add the recipients name instead...

after I glued the star in place, the lightbulb went on...
just a bit too late...
DUH...
that drives me nuts...

think about this...

add a magnet under the star & another on the signboard top...
then create an embellishment for each season...

the magnet would make it super simple to change 
& customize it for each holiday...
or any gathering...

add a heart...
add a gift (for a birthday celebration)...
add a flag...
add a flower...
add some fall leaves...
add a Christmas tree...
add a monogram...
there are lots of fun options...

my next one WILL have interchangeable accents...

it would be fun to give this for Christmas...
then send a card each season and 
enclose a new accent for the top...

I have all sorts of goofy stuff planned to write on mine...

menu?
reservations...
or...
whatever YOU make...

or...
I LOVE carryouts...

or...
if I ever do cook...

I'll write
take it or leave it!

since it's Monday night football...

here's our menu...

I hope this quickie project has inspired you to...

make art!
wendy
ps...I DO make a mean salad! lol...







22 comments:

SusanK said...

Oh my stars! This is the perfect gift for our neighbor who's new house is being built just outside of town. I am definitely going to get this in the works...I know he'll LOVE it!!!!!!!!! Thank you, Ms. Wendy for such an awesome idea!!!!

Gabrielle said...

Love, love, love this! What a cool idea though I'm not sure I could give mine away...!!!

Julie S said...

Great idea! Gonna have to try my hand at this. :)

Debby said...

This is an awesome project. Love the idea of customizing it for the seasons. That cooking stuff does take away from the arting time. Glad we have leftovers so I do not have to cook today!

Helen said...

Great idea,what a neat gift it would make. Enjoy your menu!

Wilma said...

Ohh, wow you sure inspired me! Thank you :-))

SandeeNC said...

I have a board that is similar and meant to make a chal board for my kitchen YEARS ago, maybe I'll pull it out and try again to complete it, lol I happen to love the idea of interchangable Holiday embellishments, and the silware is too stinking' cute! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Vic said...

What a great gift idea! TFS

Art By Wanda said...

Fabulous!!!!

Redanne said...

What a fabulous make Wendy and thanks for all the suggestions too, this looks like a 'must make'.

Becky said...

stinkin' cute as always! especially the sayings for your board...I'm partial to "whatever you make" LOL.

Dorothy said...

Such a great idea!!! Enjoy the game and your "mean" salad!!

Kathy Eddy said...

Oh, this is just a wonderful gift idea. Lots of possibilities for personalizing something like this.

Eyeleeeen said...

A fantastic idea Wendy! And a gift anyone would love.

snazzyoriginal said...

Great idea, love that star xx

Kim said...

So cute! I love this, what a great idea!

Roseanne said...

VERY EXCITING!! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

This is a great gift idea! And, so simple! My wonderful Rick just told me I could order what I wanted for Christmas, and I had the toughest time on the SSS site. Could only find your stamps, Art Parts, & Blossom Bucket. Couldn't find pastes no matter what kind of search I did! You did say they carry it, right?

Myrto said...

I so love this menu "Salad + pizza". My favorite, as long as it also contains very cold beer !

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

TOTALLY COOL!!! A very perfect gift for anyone! Brilliant!

Marjie Kemper said...

That new board is fantastic... so many possibilities!

slbt17 said...

you are too cute!

Love your style, thanks for the inspiration.
Sandra ltb