Having a wall in my entryway that was conspicuously empty, I though long and hard about what to put there. I wanted something fun and interested, something with more visual appeal than a simple mirror. Inspiration hit when I saw an antique reproduction of an old hotel key rack. It was fun and shabby and fit in perfectly with the feel of my house. Then I saw the price tag.. and after I picked myself up off the floor I decided that I would make my own, and you can too!
1. The frame: I use a plain brown frame that I had lying around the house, since you are going to pain it, it can be from any garage sale, re-store or good will that you happen to spot it at. The only thing you need to worry about is that the size and shape fit the area where you will be hanging it. (I have a light switch to the right of my blank wall, so I decided to hang my fame vertically instead of horizontally, both ways will work, just make sure you put your hardware on before you paint!!! I use a couple saw tooth hangers on mine
2. Paint: This can be your favorite color, something to go with your furniture or something more ambitious. I put several different colors of paint on my frame, then a layer of crackle medium, followed by a coat of white paint. The resulting white finish has a nice distressed quality with bits of color peeking through.
3. The boards: I "procured " the red weathered board in my key rack fro a falling down fence on my father-in-law's property. I encourage you to choose barn wood or some other weathered boards since they give such a nice textured appearance to your finished project. I am always asking people for misc. chipped and weathered boards from old buildings, fences, etc. and stock piling them for when inspiration hits.
4. Turn your now painted frame over and affix boards to the back of the frame, I use nails and upholstery tacks nailed into the frame. Make sure you set the boards as close together as possible ( if chop saws scare you, use a hand saw) remember that you don't want them to be perfect, so if your boards have holes, etc, that's fine, the wall color will just show through and make it more interesting.
5. The mirror: Mine was from a dollar store, no kidding. I found one that was the right shape and size, took it out of the plastic frame it came in and super glue gel it to the boards ( put glue on both services, let sit for 10 mins, then press together, allow to dry for 24 hours)
6. The hardware: The hooks are simple everyday white cup hooks from the store, they come in several different colors so you can pick your favorite. the ceramic number plates I picked up at Hobby Lobby, any numbered tags will work, my numbers are random, but if you want to be neat and tidy you can number yours in order. These I also super glued to the boards (see step 5) and after they were dry tapped small black tack nails in to the holes for show and to add interest.
7. That's it, I added some old keys that I had around the house and hung it on the wall. I love that it is something different than what everyone else has and I get constant compliments on it, and so will you!
No comments:
Post a Comment