Monday, November 9, 2009

Giving Thanks Centerpiece

Update:








DIY Day @ ASPTL

Last night as I was lying in bed at 7:30 pm with a massive headache,  I started thinking about my crafty friend Jenn, and a Christmas present she made for me one year. It was three blocks that she decoupaged Mary, Joseph and Jesus. It was great. And I thought I could do something like that for Thanksgiving - as a centerpiece for the table, so I thought of 'Give Thanks' and then this morning I happened to see this at Shanty2Chic. And thought, One,  I can't believe I can't think of something original and two, I better do this project today so I can share it with Jenn.
So, I found a couple pieces of 2x4 in the garage, and cut it up into various sizes. Then spray painted them black and roughed up the edges.
Then I brought them inside and cut up a piece of scrapbooking paper that I liked. Then stamped on the letters with scrapbooking ink and clear stamps. I was going to go over the letters with a marker, but I liked how it didn't stand out and scream 'give thanks' at me. I then used mod podge to attach the papers. Two things I'm learning. I don't like that mod podge is shiny AND you have to put the stuff on everything, or you get bubbles. Those bug. Totally.


Here's one side:


Then I cut up pieces of burlap and hot glued them onto the blocks. I nailed in upholstery nails on the corners a la Whitney at Shanty2Chic.



Painted (with Rustoleum Heirloom White) a piece of 2x6 that I'm sure Tom was going to use for something else. I think for a bat house. I roughed up the edges and decided I wanted to add some texture to it, so I cut up a piece of burlap to fit on top and frayed the edges then tacked it down.



I then used epoxy to glue the blocks to the board. Of course my tools are tinfoil and a grilling skewer....only the best in this house. And this is the proper way to make sure the Gorilla Glue adheres to the board. Diet Coke doesn't just help with my sanity. (On the Chalkboard is a list of the times that we hear a train go by. Porter and Jack are OBSESSED with trains and so they want to know EVERY-SINGLE-TIME we can hear them so that we can run down there right before it arrives and watch it go by.....On a side note, we will be going to TRAINFEST this weekend in Milwaukee.....)



Here's the finished project. It looks ginormous on our tiny table, but once we get the leaves in for the big Thanksgiving meal, it will look fabulous!

 

Also linked to Just a Girl. So many creative people. Check them out. I steal borrow heist gather inspiration from tons of them.

10 comments:

  1. hey dear! sort of off the subject, but I am curious what you are keeping time of on your blackboard. From the picture where Jack is stacking the diet coke cans. LOL! Just curious.

    Kate

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  2. We're keeping track of when the train goes by! That's what having all boys does! You get to keep track of the train!!!

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  3. Very cute and I like the way you varied the heights of the blocks. Great job!

    pk @ Room Remix

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  4. Adorable! I love it! That is a great project!

    XOXO
    Jen

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  5. Very creative and nicely done! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :) ~Rhonda

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  6. This is so clever. It will look beautiful on your thanksgiving table.
    Thanks for sharing this great idea.
    Best wishes, Natasha.

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  7. That is so cool. I have to admit your name caught my eye (there aren't a lot of us-do you get called Kristy all the time too?) but your craft got my attention. Great job!!

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  8. This looks SO GOOD! Well done. :) What a fun centerpiece to have.

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