Here are two Christmas gift projects I just finished. One for AJ, our Mustang loving, drag car racer and the other one for our daughter, Jamie.
I started by snapping pictures in AJ’s meticulously organized garage looking for letters or items that worked so I could spell out MUSTANG. I cropped the photo’s in photoshop, converted to a black and white image and ordered prints.
Here is a shot of AJ in his beloved mustang.
After calculating the length of board needed, John cut the board and I sanded and painted it black. Rubbing off some of the paint with sandpaper softened the stark black.
Carefully aligning each photo evenly, I taped (I didn’t have it but double sided tape would probably work well) and glued them down. I actually think the tape worked better getting the edges flush.
The next day, using a sponge brush, I applied polyurethane.
To add a more masculine look, I attached hex head zinc screws on each of the four corners.
To finish, I cut a brown paper bag and folded to fit the back. A paper stapler is strong enough to go through the pine board. (oops, I see I need one more staple there)
Not shown in this photo, John added two saw-tooth hangers to the back for hanging.
Not shown in this photo, John added two saw-tooth hangers to the back for hanging.
For Jamie, I searched for items that would form the letters of her last name. To match her decor, I painted the board a light tan and then used some brown acrylic paint to antique lightly. This time the photo’s were printed in sepia.
I searched scrap-booking stickers for ideas for the edges but just couldn’t find what I like for what I wanted (rather didn’t want) to pay. I bought a little paper punch to make tiny flowers. Then gold head tacks for the centers that I found at Lowe’s. I liked the way it was looking… but maybe one more thing.
A little hard to see here, but I added drawer handles on each side of the board. The added detail gives a more finished look. They were extra from our kitchen re-do and had a bright gold finish. I coated with a mix of brown and black acrylic paint and then a coat of Mod Podge to seal.
All done and ready for gift-giving.
These are genius! Love this idea, thank you for sharing the how to. Your family will love receiving these! Have a wonderful holiday!
Hello
Thank you so much for sharing my birthday with me, your artwork is just beautiful. I love the concept behind the whole project. It must have been fun searching different images to take to make the names. They turned out amazing.
Wishing you a very blessed Christmas
Rebecca
Now this is what I was talking about…handmade as a true art form.
These are fabulous in every sense of the word.
Debbie
P.S. I spell my name T-R-A-S-H…just in case!
Wowza!!!! Yours turned out so much more fabulous than mine. I'm in awe of you. I love that you made your own frames and the little additions. It is fun making the signs, isn't it? I made one for my cousin that got married in October. I did their last name. They said it was their favorite wedding gift. I'm sure your kids will love theirs. How could they not? I may just make one that says NOEL for my work Christmas party. Thanks for telling me about yours. I love them!!!
Wow I am in Awe, these are gorgeous and so creative. I bet your children will cherish these forever.
I've seen these at craft shows and thought they were the most awesome idea I've ever seen. I've thought about trying to do one but could never get my mind to work right to figure out the pictures…lol Yours came out great. I bet they are going to love those. Even more so because they were made by you
This is great! I love it!
https://thestewartestate.blogspot.com/
Oh,oh,oh…can I put any more ohs??? I LOVE this!!!! This is the best sign I have seen in a looonnnggg time…..
Those are very creative and impressive presents. I would never have thought of looking for letters in everyday objects….cool.
Wonderful, wonderful gifts!! I love your gift giving ~ gifts from the heart to family and friends.
These signs are AWESOME! I think the little finising touches add so much to them ~ the rivets and the little handles!!
The pizzelles are perfect. I would love to try making them someday. They look to pretty to eat in your photos!
Thank you for sharing the Living Nativity too. What ablessing to remember the real reason for the season!
Great idea! Love it!
Love these! I made one a few years ago for my hallway and I always get compliments on it!
Wow that looks great!! Love it!! ~Thanks for sharing I might do something like this for my son for Christmas ~Love Heather
Genius! These are gems!
gorgeous…I love the manly screws added to guy it up! Overall – just a lovely personal gift. Awesome!
I love these Lorraine. What great and unique gifts and sure to be treasured by the recipients! Did I see Raider (the supervisor) sleeping on the job??
Now that is one CLEVER idea… and I'm sure the Mustang board is going to be a treasure for your son!
You can use that double stick scrapbook tape (comes in a dispenser like the one with white out) to attach your paper to the back… so easy…. then, lightly, VERY LIGHTLY spritz with water. The paper will actually shrink and become VERY tight! I learned that from a framer when I was having some things framed years ago…
Warm blessings,
Spencer
Oh wow…both are beautifully done. Love them. You did a great job…they look professional. =)
What a wonderful idea! I LOVE them both…perfect gifts and mean so much because they came from Mom and Dad! hugs-Diana
These are such great and thoughtful gifts — they are sure to love them — who wouldn't? Joni
What a fantastic idea! They are sure to be a big hit. Now you have my mind a reeling!
Thanks for sharing ~ hope AJ and Jamie don't read your blog! :~O
Christmas Cheer!
These are absolutely fantastic! great great gifts!