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