Monday, November 9, 2009

Whitney's Christmas JOY Plaques


 Like Ashley, I too like to start decorating for Christmas in early November... we inherited this from our mother!  I hope you all are not tired of seeing us create with candlesticks and finials because here we go again:)... This is what I did!!



I decided to make wooden plaques that spelled JOY.  My first step was to get my supplies...



Three unfinished candlesticks and 3 little wood circles ~ found the sticks at Michael's and the circles at Hobby Lobby.



An 8ft 2 x 6 I purchased at Lowe's.  You can have Home Depot cut it down to buy less but at $3 I wanted all the extras!

I started by using my Gorilla Glue Epoxy to attach my candlesticks to the circles...



I want to again mention that the epoxy has the consistency of a hot glue, only it sets in about 5 minutes which gives you more play time and it is a very permanent hold... this has become a very favorite product of ours!



Just added a bit to the circle...



And added the candlestick.

While those were drying I went to cut my 2x6.  I measured it off every 8 inches.



I then used my $12 Stanley hand saw I purchased at Lowe's to cut the wood.  This tool is a must for small jobs and if you do not own a power saw.



This is what my 3 pieces looked like...



Now it was time to attach my wood pieces to the sticks.
I used my Gorilla Glue Epoxy once again to attach them.


Just added some epoxy to the top of the stick and then placed the wood on top.  I stole my next idea from the Gorilla Glue Girls who used Gorilla Tape to clamp things together until they dried.



So I did just that...





Not too shanty, right??!

After those dried I added my wood finials.  I found these at Lowe's.



Just added some GG Epoxy...



And put them on the top of my wood plaques.



Now it was time for paint... I used American Accents Canyon Black spray paint on these babies.  Once it dried I used my 3M block sander with 80 grit paper to shanty my edges up a bit.




This is where I learned the importance of wearing safety gloves.  This lovely ended up about an inch into my thumb while sanding...



So after getting a bandaid I started on my next step... I cut burlap into three 4x6 pieces...



I used my Elmer's Spray Adhesive to attach them to the wood.  I just sprayed some on one side of the burlap and placed it on the wood.  I then used decorative furniture nails on each corner to give it an even cuter look...



They all looked like this at that point...



Stencil time... I used my Cricut Personal Cutter to cut out each letter.  I used black acrylic paint and my stenciling brush to get the letter on the burlap.



Added a little twine and a few jingle bells because I could...



And now time for the reveal....



















So... what do you think??!  I love them!
I made all three for under $12.  Now that is a thrifty gift!! These would make great teacher gifts and you can use any word which makes them decor you can use in any season... can't beat that! 

~Whitney

116 comments:

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love them! What a great idea {except for the splinter part}! The problem is that I may make them and keep them!

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

You are killing me!!! I think these are so cute and I can't wait to try them!! Thank you...they look great!

duchess said...

This is one of my favorites of all time - great project! Thanks for the great instructions.

cindy said...

These are awesome Whitney. Love the jingle bell touch :O)
I'm hosting a 'made it with what I had' party on the 16th, and would love to have you join.

peace.

The Tuscan Home said...

WOW, WOW, WOW!! Your project turned out GORGEOUS!! Your tutorial was fantastic. Thank you *so* much for sharing. =)

Liz

Lori said...

That is fabulous!!

Joella said...

These are very nice...so creative!

Beverly said...

Totally want to do this for our kitchen ... wonder if I can get to the craft store today? :)

Melissa said...

I just found your site and I love it! Thanks for the great idea. Its one I want to try. I haven't done anything like it before! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I have some burlap...wowza!

Kathleen @ Measuring My Life said...

This is a great idea and I love them! Thanks for sharing!

Allison said...

No question I am making these! You rock!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a super idea and so pretty. Great tutorial too. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

Linda@CraftaholicsAnonymous said...

Love it! So cool. I think if I do it, I might add a little color, my house has plenty of tan and black! lol Thanks for the great how-to.
Linda

Anonymous said...

I just clicked over from someone else's blog when I saw the photo. These are AWESOME! You're so talented! so super cute!

Chris said...

HOW do you come up with this stuff? I love it. Just for the record, you could have linked up every. single. post. from your blog! Thank you for joining!!

Anonymous said...

ok girls! i love them! along with yesterdays post! you girls are just so crafty! i am so glad i am a follower so i can copy! thanks!

Unknown said...

sO FAR my fav. wood project you have done. I love the jingle bells hanging from twine too. SUPER CUTE! I need a HOBBY LOBBY HERE. Michaels doesn't carry the variety you all seem to get. ;(

Debbie said...

You are very clever and I am getting me some Gorilla Glue! What easy to follow instructions - thank you!

Unknown said...

totally LOVE this project!!!! would never think of it myself and it looks so easy when you break down the steps!

LouLou said...

I know you get tired of my LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE ITS, but I LOVE IT!

Lovely Scribbles said...

I LOVE them! I'm all about homemade gifts, and this idea is way too perfect!

Barbara Jean said...

too too cute!!

Nice job

blessings

barbara jean

Unknown said...

They turned out great. What a cool idea. Do the fumes from Gorilla Glue make you more creative? LOL!

Sorry about the splinter. You won't believe it but early this year I helped Neil move a piece of treated plywood and got a splinter in my finger, two days later I was in the hospital for three days. I got cellulitus(however that's spelled). I nearly had blood poisoning. When I saw the red blood streak going all the way up my arm I knew something was wrong. I guess I'm lucky because we've been working on remodeling for years now.

I just love how detailed your tutorial is. Thanks for sharing.

Hugs...Tracy :)

Little Big Nest said...

This is such a cute idea! Thank you for showing it step by step! So cute!

Blue Creek Home said...

These are just adorable!!

I would love to know how you like the cricut. I saw the infomercial and would love to have one.

I enjoy keeping up with you two talented sisters!
Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Very cute idea. Looks great! :)

Janis@HomeStyle said...

AWESOME job......and a fantastic idea!

Embellished Bayou said...

You are too smart, shanty, & chic for your own good! Y'all should open up a shop & sell all your creations!

Om Kareem أم كريم said...

I am SOO making some of these! I love them! You guys are amazing and I love your blog!

Jane said...

This is a great project...a lot of impact for very little money...the best kind!
Jane

Kari Sweeten said...

Amaaaazing!!

~ Regan said...

Oh, hope your thumb feels better! I was thinking of doing something similar with letters for my daughters room~ spelling her name... THis is a great idea!

Unknown said...

Fabulous! Another project for my list... :)Thanks!

Brenda said...

WOW! SUPER COOL! The tutorial is great! Thank you!

Sarah said...

You make it all look so easy, yet it always looks so professional. These are absolutely terrific! Can I order a set? ~ Sarah

Unknown said...

I am sooooo lovin' those! Thanks for the sweet comment today. Thank goodness...we are not alone..ha!

Cyndi said...

I love the things you two make, and the tutorials are easy to follow. I do have one question - What do you do with the screw on the bottom of the finial? Do you drill a hole in the wood to screw it into? Keep up the inspiring work!

Rachel~Wildflower Photography Studio and Wildflower Creative said...

Very cute! Great idea!

Smiles,
Rachel

A Southern Rose said...

This has to be my favorite thing that I've seen you do on your blog! I'm so excited! Makes me want to go to Michael's or Hobby Lobby right now and get the supplies. To bad they are both over an hour away! I love these!

Hope your finger is feeling better now!

Dena Pickle said...

another awesome idea! I love this one too!
Dena
sweetpicklesandchocolate

Katie said...

You are so creative! That is a great idea. Thanks

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Wow, I really, really, really like this one! I love black and I love burlap! Great job!

Anonymous said...

Love, love, love these! The stack of ideas I want to copy from your blog is growing daily. You guys are awesome!!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
5price4ever said...

WOW!!!Love the ideas!!!My crafting list is getting longer!!!Good job!!!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

You girls are just a machine with these projects! Too cute, love this one too.

At Town Square said...

These are absolutely adorable. I want some!

Anonymous said...

These turned out so cute! I love the way your tutorials are always so easy to follow too. Thanks for always including them!

pk @ ROOM REMIX

stephland3 said...

I love these! I would for sure buy them, I may work up the courage and try to create them myself!

Wendy said...

I am loving all your projects. I am going to have to pick up some supplies and get to work! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas!

Mommy Words said...

Once again great project and great tutorial. I just love it! Joy to you!

Moore Minutes said...

Who would have thought? lol...this is amazing! 5 star rating! :D

BlueCastle said...

Amazing! This is beautiful. Very creative too.

Pamela said...

LOVE this idea and soo very easy and cheap to make! Thanx for sharing!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Very cute! I love those. And I had no idea there was anything called Gorilla Tape.

Awesome project!

XOXO
Jen

Mama Byrd said...

Is hoping out of bed, reading your blog, jumping into the car without brushing your teeth or hair, heading to Michaels for supplies to make these excusable?

LOVE THESE

MJ @ 517 Creations said...

I LOVE these!!! Thanks so much for sharing them. :) Now I've gotta get to Lowes. :)

Jo said...

Those are gorgeous! I love the finials on the top. I knew there was something I could have done with all the little bits of wood my husband took to the dump...I'll have to look around to see if there is anything left.

{oc cottage} said...

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cute!!!!

m ^..^

sarah may said...

those are seriously cute. totally bookmarking this project for the holidays!

Its So Very Cheri said...

I love all of your projects. I have been looking around and am a new follower. I hope you will come by and enjoy your visit and follow me too.

cheri

Natalie@Endless Crafting said...

You guys have done it again...I love it. I have SO many projects of yours on my endless list to do! Can you tell me where I can find the furniture nails? Thanks!

Sue said...

Whitney, These are absolutely too cute!! The tutorials both of you post are always so thorough, too. Do you ever sleep? *grin*
Sue

jackie said...

these look so good!!

Heidi said...

TOO CUTE! You need to use the backs too...keep them just like they are, but add a small bullseye clip to the top of your wood plaque...then you have a perfect place to display your 4x6 photos. I HAVE to make these! THANKS for sharing!

Amy Eileen said...

I am COMPLETELY in love with these!!! I made a burlap banner last night and thought that was cute but now that I have seen THESE! WOW! lol I am going to have to try it!

Jennifer said...

Love, love, love!

Sheri said...

These are very cute!

We would SOOO get along!

Melanie said...

Seriously! I love them so much! This is my next project!

Wendy Ferguson said...

thank you! you have just given me a fabulous christmas gift idea. can't wait to make some!

Anonymous said...

So what DID you do with the screw on the bottom of the finial - did you drill it in the top of the wood square? And also, where do you get the cute decorative furniture nails? My email is decalono@msn.com....THANKS!

Leigh Ann said...

Seriously so cute! You 2 should have a TV show with all your great ideas!

Addie Parker said...

So pretty! I'll be bookmarking this for inspiration. Thanks!

sweetjeanette said...

ooooh! I absolutely love this idea! You did a great job!

sweetjeanette.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Amazing! Looks very professional!

Cazra said...

I LOVE THIS....along with so many of your other projects. My last name is only 3 letters so I may do this for a permanent decoration in my home. BTW: I bought, painted and distressed giant clothespins this weekend. I can't wait to hang them in the playroom this week! Thanks for the great ideas!

Kim -today's creative blog said...

LOVE THIS! I'm such a sucker for burlap.
thanks for linking

Julie Bagamary said...

VERY cute, creative and clever. Great instructions too.

Staci K. said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

Anne Marie said...

where the heck have I been? I feel like a late bloomer here.....first time.......can't believe the 'awesomeness' that is on your blog - I'm totally going to follow (can you tell I gew up in the early 90's)
ha!

stop by the farm any time!

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Very cute project, as always!

Pam said...

Love it! Could you tell me the font you used?

Michelle said...

What an adorable project. Thanks for sharing.

Oh and I am so jealous of those of you who have a Hobby Lobby and Micheals. I have visited HL on vacation and really wish we had one of our very own. :)

Room to Inspire said...

Hi Ladies, Just wanted to let you know I gave you guys a shout out on my blog yesterday - I am lovin' the Ralph Lauren Glaze!

Chelsea

Wade & Melissa said...

You girls are AWESOME! I will definately be making these, and for $12...can't beat that! Thanks for the great projects!

Jessica said...

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!

Carmen said...

I went to Lowe's in search of finials. No one there seems to know where they are. What department did you find them in? Also, you must have got a killer deal on the candlesticks. They are $3.99/$4.99 each at my Michaels. If I can get the price down by buying bulk online I could do them for neighbor gifts. Thanks for sharing!

Sarah said...

You have amazing ideas! I am so glad I found your blog! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Oh so cute--love these!

quester said...

I would love to know where to get these things as well. We have been to Hobby Lobby, Micheals, and JO Anns and they have some wooden candlesticks and finials, but they are way smaller than what you have.

Shanty 2 Chic said...

Hey girls~

A few of you asked where I get my candlesticks and finials. I am unable to reply to many of your comments because your email is hidden. I do get all of my candlesticks at either Hobby Lobby or Michael's. I use coupons or wait for them to go on sale. I find my finials at either Hobby Lobby in the unfinished wood section or at Lowe's with the decorative wood trims/corbels and dowels. Hope this helps!

~Whitney

Annette said...

Thank you so much for the shout out! Your Christmas plaques are gorgeous. You have inspired me to create a third shadowbox and decorate some wooden letters to turn the shadowboxes into a festive Christmas display. Thanks so much for sharing and Congrats on opening up your new etsy shop!

Amanda said...

I love this! Thank you so much for sharing! I was wondering if you could please tell me the two sizes (height) of candlesticks you used?

Thanks!

Nicole @ the style hatch said...

Do you remember what isle the finials are in at Lowes? I tried to find them with no luck.. Nobody working there knew what I was talking about either? Please help me because I am just dying to try this!

decorating diva {aka deanna} said...

love you girls! i wish i came up w/ some of this stuff! love the "joy" plaques and the magnet one for recipes, that may be my gift this year to the women in my family! thanks for all the fab and easy ideas! many blessings to you and your families!

Jenn said...

I am making these this week! I'm so excited. They are adorable!! I'm going to make mine red though--a nice Christmas red.

I also bought my candlesticks and finials online--much cheaper.

Breathing In Grace said...

Those are gorgeous...what a wonderful job you did!!!

Joy Beadworks said...

I'm all for JOY! Beautiful...I'm off to Home Depot NOW!

Roeshel said...

You guys are amazing. What a beautiful project - as usual. I love it. Thanks so much for adding so much inspiration to the DIY holiday party. You two rock!

Roeshel

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

I love the candlesticks! What a great idea, I'll be linking.

Sandi said...

Girl, I love it. Your instructions are great. I am going to try this but with maybe an initial for a friend instead. What a great gift that would make.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Sandi
impatientcajun.blogspot.com

Kathy said...

These are AWESOME! Thanks for sharing! :D I was so excited I called my husband in from his football game..he loved them too.

Nicole said...

I love love love this project. It is adorable. What is the font that you used for the letters? Merry Christmas!

Kathleen @ Measuring My Life said...

I just wanted to let you know, I just posted about your tutorial on these after showing my finished project here: http://kathleenrichards.blogspot.com/2009/12/two-diy-christmas-gifts.html

Vivian said...

wow! This is a cute and easy DIY. I'm bookmarking this page so I can make some for next Christmas. Thanks.

Julie said...

these are awesome and the tutorial is great -thanks for so many details!! i can't wait to try this! could you leave it up all year??? or will you put it away for christmas next year???

Allyson said...

I love it! How creative!

Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

I totally made my own set of these and LOVE them!! (Although I had to do my own sanding by hand and it didn't turn out quite as rustic as I wanted.) Thanks so much for the tutorial. I am now wondering about doing a single monogram plaque for our bedside tables.... it would totally go with our decor.

Heather said...

l.o.v.e. this!! I can see this in ORB to go with my dark emprador fireplace surround and dark red letters. thanks for the how to and the inspiration!!

Amanda said...

I am writing to request permission to reprint this adorable project on Craftown.com. We would of course give you full credit and will happily link back to your blog. Please let me know if this is acceptable. Thanks!

Amanda Formaro
Chief Editor - Craftown.com
http://craftown.com

SweetErGallery said...

Thank you for sharing this project! I fell in love with it!

Donna said...

Thanks for the CUTE idea. I just finished a set for a friend and painted them red for her. Now I want my own!

Steffanie said...

okay I just now saw this (Ive been a little MIA from my blog for a while) and this are fantastic. What section in Lowes are you finding the finials though? I swear I have been in there several times looking for some and even asking someone and still no luck. Any help would be appreciated!

Anonymous said...

What an adorable and super creative idea!!! I have to know, what is this font called?? It's too cute!! :)

Sarah said...

beyond presh. i am like overwhelmed right now with inspiration. looks so polished and rich, well done! :)

 
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