Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Modern/Shanty Wall Hanging

Hey Guys!!!  I AM BACK!  I am now 1 week into my second trimester and I cannot tell you how great it feels to be awake and have my energy back!  I missed you all dearly and I am raring to go!

I have made a deal with myself that I cannot start on the nursery until both of my boys rooms are done and that's what brought me to this project.
There is alot of wall space above Kade's room and I have been racking my brain for a cute idea that still has a teen feel to it.  (He will be 10 this summer!)

I started with these nifty letters I purchased at Hobby Lobby for $5 each.  (They are pretty much always 1/2 off when I am there and all I can say is thank goodness my boys have short names:)  I painted them with Rust-Oleum Navy Gloss spray paint.

Next I used some left over 3/4" MDF (from my last massive project) and cut four 14"x14" squares to fit the letters.

I sprayed each square with Rust-Oleum Heirloom White Satin spray paint.

I did title this Modern/Shanty and this is where the Shanty comes in!  I used my 3M sanding block to distress all of the edges with lots of pressure on the corners.


I followed up with a bit of Minwax Red Mahogany stain on the distressed edges.  Use a foam brush and lightly wipe one coat of stain on the edges.  Let it sit for a second and wipe it off with a cloth.  Some streaks will be left behind on the paint and that is perfect for a roughed-up look!

Now for the fun!  I marked 2" from the edges of one side of the square.


I then predrilled holes at each mark.


I screwed 1 hook and eye in each hole.  I purchased these at Home Depot on the nail/screw isle.  They come in MANY sizes.

1 square down ~ 3 to go!

Final step ~ I hot glued 1 letter to each square.

What am I going to do with this?????  I had 4 pieces of chain cut at Home Depot.  This particular size runs about $1 per foot.  I bought 7 feet cut into four pieces.

I used the chain for hanging with the hooks and eyes!  This was my Modern touch:)







That's it!  So easy and it was under $30 for a HUGE wall hanging.  It looks modern and cool enough for a tween boy but shanty enough for a mommy!!!

Thanks so much for all of your supportive messages these past few months!  It feels so great to be back!

~Ashley

 
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31 comments:

Lyndsey said...

Ok I totally love this.. wish I had room I would so make one!!!

Pink Daisys Blog Spot said...

What a great idea! I love this.

KirkKrew said...

Looks really good! Did Kade like it?

Unknown said...

We have missed you! Looks great AS ALWAYS!!!
~Bridgette

Lee Hill Primitives said...

Great idea. Love it.

roseroomnz.com said...

awesome! love that! Rachaelxo

Heidi said...

The chains make it WAY COOL!

One Life Many Journeys said...

You have been missed! I am glad you are feeling better. What a cute project. I look forward to more shanty work!

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Looks great! Glad you are feeling better! :)

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

I am so glad you are back and have more energy! I cannot wait to see your work on the nursery!

This is such a great project! I have also used those same hideous gold letters from Hobby Lobby..they just have so much potential!

Good work!

Room to Inspire said...

What a great idea for a kid or tweens room! And I love the price tag. Glad your feeling better!

Chelsea

Leanne said...

I love the chain idea. It looks great.

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

This turned out great and I love the chain for hanging them up. Looks great! Love & blessings from NC!

Katie said...

I see those letters all the time -- such a cute idea for them!

CBB said...

Ok... What can I say? It is just awesome!!! I have to do that for my kids. Thanks so much for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I love this idea and the fact that you used chains to hang them! Very boyish, and totally perfect! You're amazing.

Julie said...

This is absolutely adorable. I love the idea of using chain to hang it.

Kristen said...

What a fun, new way to use those letters. It turned out great.

Frugal Home Designs said...

I love the idea of the chains. Great project.

Frugal Home Designs said...

Great project. The chains were an awesome idea.

Decor To Adore said...

So cute!

Please stop by an enter my French Basketeer tote giveaway.

Crafts and Deals said...

I love it!! I gave you an award!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

That looks wonderful- I love it! Thanks so much for the how-to, I'll be linking. And I'm so glad you're feeling better! It's a terrible time of year to feel bad.

Mom24boys said...

Love the use of chain to hang it. I have something similar but used roped instead. I like the chain. I may have to use it on my other son's room. I am passing on the "Versatile Blogger" award. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas. I think it was because of you that I found Knock off Wood!

Anonymous said...

Oh my heck! I love this idea and will totally be copying it for my little guys room! I love it so much - It is just the inspiration I was looking for!

Janine Claire Robinson said...

What a cool idea. How I wish we had a "hobby lobby" or "michaels" here in South Africa. It's always a place my sister and I pop into when we come and visit my mom in VA. Such bargains!! I think it's time for another visit!!! (Though I guess it won't be as much of a bargain with a airplane ticket thrown in - hee hee).

Cindy said...

What a great idea for a very masculine look. I love it. Thanks for showing us how it was done.
And I'm glad you are feeling better.
Hugs, Cindy S

Kathy@theshebearofeleven said...

A great idea and looks good.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Luv this look in a boy's room...thanks for sharing!

Blessings,
Linda

Unknown said...

I love it! The chain is the perfect masculine touch. Glad you're feeling better!

Erin said...

Love this! I have done this myself with my own twist. Is it OK if I link to you? I want everyone to know where I got such an awesome idea.

 
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