Every so often I'm going to take a stab at copying a project I found on Pinterest. I'll link to the original and show off my own, along with any notes or observations regarding my experience with the project.
Today's project:
My board is a bit darker than the "original" knock-off. It instantly soaked up the walnut stain and there was not much to wipe off. If I had the chance to do this over I would have gotten the board damp first so it wouldn't have soaked up the stain so rapidly and would have been easier to wipe off.
I sanded and rounded the edges and corners. The board is a cheap wood and it chipped in a few places, but that just added to the aged appearance.
The wood took to a Sharpie just fine and I had no problem with bleeding. I tested it on the back of the board first, just to be sure.
Like MJ over at 517 Creations, I adjusted the placement of the numbers so I could hang it six inches off the floor. Because I chose to put it in a high-traffic area, PB screwed it directly into a stud as a permanent fixture we'll use to document Branflake's growth each year.
When I first showed it to PB, he was convinced that I'd purchased it for a small fortune and couldn't believe it when I said that I'd made it. Yes, honey, I am that good.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the project and how it turned out. It was a lot of fun to craft and now it's even more fun to show off.
::EDIT:: I shared this on Young House Love's Pinterest Challenge.
::EDIT:: I shared this on Young House Love's Pinterest Challenge.
I love your take on my ruler growth chart! Isn't it funny how differently wood takes the stain? I guess that's part of the fun! :)
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the Pinterest Challenge over on Bower Power and Young House Love? You should definitely submit this!
http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/07/another-unsuccessful-attempt-to-keep-it-cool/
I'll look into it! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! I'm going to try it as a gift for my sister when her son turns two later this year - it would be so fun to mark his growth throughout the years in one place.
ReplyDeleteHey...I did the same project this weekend. One tip for staining is to use a wood conditioner before you stain the wood. It helps the wood accept the stain more evenly...just fyi. Looks great! here is mine: http://neatandpretty.com/pinterest-challenge-measure-up/
ReplyDeleteLooks good! I'm a staining newb and will look for wood conditioner for future projects. Thanks! It's really not as dark as the picture makes it out to be :)
ReplyDelete