The World is Imperfect....So Is My Project

Remember when you were a kid and the most complicated craft project you had to tackle was making that ball of rubber bands?  Easy, right?  Not for me.  The rubber bands kept breaking or popping my fingers or flying across the room.  This project was the same way for me.  I am not a crafty person, I'm not a crafty person.....at all.  Imagine Arnold's voice in Kindergarten Cop telling the kids he did not have a tumor...at all.  That is the voice I'm using here.


This project just about did me in...and it is so simple...and so easy.  That's the crazy part.  When I purchased this board at the thrift store, I had a vision.


But by the time I got home with it, the vision was gone and fear had it's icy fingers at my throat.  After the fear subsided, I went to my Pinterest board for inspiration and came up with my project.  I had no idea how it would turn out.

I started with basic supplies: a paint brush, chalk paint, varnish and a sanding block.


I put on the first coat of paint. This is what I saw...


The image was bleeding through the first coat.  So, on to the second, third and fourth coats.  This board was mocking me, daring me to make something else out of it!  I forged ahead. After the fourth coat, I could no longer see the image.  I had a blank slate with which to work.  But what to do?  My vision was gone.

Several days later, I had another vision.  This time I went to the eye doctor for new contacts.  The board sat in our dining room floor, unfinished.  The taunting continued.  One day, I was so disgusted that I walked by and kicked it.

After additional Pinterest perusing, I made a decision.  I went to Michael's to purchase a stencil.  Any 5 year-old can draw and paint with a stencil, surely so could I.  That's where you would be wrong.


It looks like a deformed bat!  Yet, I continued.  I removed the stencil and carried the board outside for some light sanding.  When I was finished, the sanding block had holes in it.  How does that happen?  I showed my efforts to my husband.  He was kind and held back a laugh.  I asked if he could sand on it a little for me since I didn't do that great of a job. He hit it with the palm sander on the corners and edges, making it look much better.  Sanding over the words was a great improvement also!  After he finished, I wanted to age it.  Unfortunately, I spilled coffee on it...on purpose.  It left a wonderful aging stain across the letters, which also helped hide my 3 year-old painting efforts.



After it dried, I felt much better about this craft project.  While it isn't great, it added the little something extra to my bedside table, a little vintage charm, if you will.


It looks pretty cute covered up by these gorgeous hydrangeas!


When I purchased this board, I purchased another one very similar.  A true visionary, huh?  I think I will sell it in our next yard sale.  I will let someone else have a vision over that board!

What about you? Are you a crafty person who turns out stunning projects?





19 comments

  1. You read and commented on my waxed paper transfer table. I promise it is easier than stenciling. I rather like the board because of its distressed look.

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    1. Donna, thank you so much for the comment. I replied below but didn't hit the "reply" link here! :-) I will get the hang of it one day!

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  2. I like it now that it's done and it looks cute with the hydrangeas, but it was just a killer for me...LOL. I did try a transfer on a grain flour kitchen towel using freezer paper and that was much easier for me. But I'm afraid to get the towel wet...LOL

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  3. Benita,
    I know this was not what you expected but it came out beautiful.
    Kris

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    1. Thank you Kris. I had envisioned so much more...LOL. But I do like it and it looks cute in the bedroom. I may give it another go with the other board I have and try a different technique.

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  4. I think it's gorgeous! May not have been as you planned but a lovely result. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you!! I'm just not a crafty person. I'm much better in the kitchen, well, sometimes...LOL! Have a great one!

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  5. It looks great and your crafting adventure sounds like most of mine!

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    1. Thank you so much! Craft projects are not my strong point, at all...LOL

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  6. This made me laugh, not always does it go as planned. But in the end it turned out beautiful. Don't be afraid to try again, it may turn out as pretty as this.

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    1. Nikki, thank you! I'm pleased with the final product. I wouldn't let anyone examine it closely though, unless I was spilling more coffee on it! It made me laugh also. Something so simple, yet so complicated....LOL

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  7. It looks lovely I think, even with all your struggles. LOL.

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  8. For as much trouble as this board gave you I think it turned out really pretty! I can totally relate with you though. I'm currently in the process of painting an old vanity and it's driving me nuts! I usually really enjoy the process of making over furniture but I can't wait to be done with this one.

    I host a link party called Your Turn To Shine every Thursday. If you're interested, I'd love for you to stop by sometime and share some of your projects. No worries if you're not into link parties :), I just wanted to extend the invitation!

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    1. Thank you so much! I don't know how you cope with refinishing furniture! I would be insane!! LOL Thank you for the invitation and yes, I will most certainly link up! I love parties!! :-) Thank you again and have a great day!

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  9. I enjoyed reading this, and it came out great!!

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    1. Thank you Steph! Much better than I thought it was going to! But definitely frustrating. And I have another board to go! LOL

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  10. Oh my God.... you cracked me up on this post! I was laughing with you though, because I understand the frustration. I think it turned out really cute though :)

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    1. Thank you Rue! I tell you though, these blog projects are killing me!...LOL

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