Hi everyone! It’s Jamie from anderson + grant, and I’m so excited to be back here today to share a DIY project that is close to my heart. I’ve mentioned on my blog that I’m going on a bit of a shopping ban for awhile in order to put to use many of the things I’ve bought for projects and decorating. That means that I’ve actually got to use the many items that I’ve already purchased. I don’t know about you, but that isn’t always an easy thing to do as I’m always enticed by that next shiny penny waiting to be transformed.
Knowing that I needed to create something for today, I took a trip down to my basement to see what I could find. Believe me when I say there was plenty to choose from!
What I came up with for today’s project is a handwritten quote to hang on the wall or lean on a shelf. It was painted on a “framed” board that was actually the shelf on my childhood chalkboard where I spent countless hours with my friends playing school. I still use the chalkboard each year as a welcome sign for a holiday open house market at my home, but the shelf was taken off so that the chalkboard could fold up when not being used. I knew it could have a purpose, but it took quite a few years to figure it out!
I’ve been seeing art like this all over Instagram, but what I like about this homemade version is that I was able to choose a personal quote and sketch it out in my own handwriting. It’s like a giant note to myself; a reminder of something I need to keep telling myself.
Quotes are incredibly powerful. They can remind us of important memories; inspire; give courage; and make us look at an idea from a different point of view. Has there ever been a time that you’ve read something and felt like it couldn’t apply more to where you are in your life at that particular moment? I keep a journal filled with handwritten quotes that have inspired me and refer to them from time to time when inspiration is needed.
Just in case you’d like to create your own handwritten quote art, here are the steps I took:
SUPPLIES
Large Board
Paint
Stain
Black Sharpie
Sand Paper
The “board” I was using already had a frame around it. You may not want a stained frame around your painted board. Or maybe you want to actually put a board inside of a real frame. A large stretched canvas could also be used for this project. The choice of what you design on is totally up to you.
I stained the outside of my frame in Rustoleum’s American Walnut. After it was dry, I lightly sanded the wood to give it a slightly distressed, worn look.
The inside of the frame was painted with Fusion Brand Mineral Paint in Champlain. I dry-brushed Lamp White paint in places to give the plain white a little depth. It is from the same brand and has a very light gray tint to it.
Using a pencil, I lightly sketched my quote onto the board and then used a black sharpie marker to trace over my pencil sketch.
To age the writing, I used a very fine grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the marker writing.
What would your favorite inspirational quote be if you were to recreate this project?
would love to have a digital of this saying. Do you do that?
I’m so glad that you must love the quote, Gail. I’m sorry but I don’t have a digital version of it. You’ll be the first to know if I decide to design one, though!
I like what you did and I love the saying. I might use the saying for something like a greeting card.
That would make a lovely greeting card Gail! I think a lot of people could be inspired by receiving that quote.
I love that sign! And the message behind it!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for always taking the time to comment when I share here.
Love how the sign turned out….also enjoyed both your “stories” from both blogs about using what we have and being careful of buying things just to buy them. A good reminder, as well as a challenge! Thanks for sharing, and for your openness and honesty.
Blessings,
Lanita
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Lanita. It is always a little scary with sharing personal stories and being open. I’m never sure if my readers are just interested in a good DIY or if they enjoy a little background along with it. I really appreciate you stopping by both posts!
Great job. The quote is sooo true and something to always remember! You have beautiful handwriting too! 🙂
Aw! Thanks Brooke! I’d love to take a few calligraphy courses and actually feel like I know what I’m doing 🙂
Jamie, this is a beatiful post – both the project and the message! Thank you for sharing. I used to play teacher for hours on end with my chalkboard, such sweet memories. Have a great rest of your week!
Life was easier back then playing school wasn’t it?!?! It’s too bad that my real life endeavor of teaching didn’t turn out to be quite as fun 🙂 Much happier blogging and meeting friends like you. Hope you have a great rest of the week, too!