~ photo heavy post ~
Inspiration. Determination. Bliss.
These three words really sum up my obsession desire to create my own message board.
If you are like me, you can spend hours a fair amount of time, getting inspired by Pinterest. I am always in awe over how creative and clever folk are! Having a creative idea, and actually getting it to work, in real life, as it does in your mind, is a talent. I don't know about you, but I have done some crafting, and ended up with a pile of trash, and completely frustrated.
I don't know if it is my desire to create beautiful spaces around me, or the desire to learn something new, but I have a lot of crafts I want to do. I also have quite a few boards on Pinterest. Ok, 59 boards.
I have a fondness for shabby chic style accents. And when I saw chicken wire message boards, it was love at first site. I know that this is not a new idea, and they are everywhere. But, I refuse to pay a high price for something I can do myself. So, here is how I did it!
I started with an open frame:
not pretty, but the detail is great.
I took a medium grit sandpaper, and created my own imperfections. I used a complete spray paint (primer + paint) in a warm, pretty ivory color. I painted the frame. I used two coats. I also had to wait 24 hours once I was happy with the color coverage.
*please read the complete instructions on the spray paint. Each manufacture has their own nuances when working with their product.
Love the detail. But my frame looked too flat. 2-dimensional. I wanted something prettier. Something with character. Something vintage. Something shabby chic!
I wanted a product that would bring out the details, to show some visual interest. And look what I found @ one of those big box home improvement stores!
Before you cringe, this color is actually a deep, brown. Not black. The salesperson couldn't tell me if this was black or brown, and really wasn't any help. I left the store frustrated. When I got home, I did some searching on the internet, and got my questions answered. Went back to the home improvement store, and made my purchase with confidence.
*Always read the directions on how to use the product. * Always. You do not want to be surprised or disappointed with a product because you didn't know how the product is intended. This particular product only has a 15 minute workable time under perfect conditions (temperature and humidity).
I had to wait at least 24hrs after my last coat of paint, before I could continue. Boy, a whole lot of waiting!
I brushed it on, and wiped off.
One of the things I loved about this project, was that if you didn't like how it turned out, you just wipe it off with a damp rag and start over.
If you think the color is too dark, wipe some more. If you wiped off too much, add more. If you don't like it too heavy in the creases, wipe them some more, too. The color was fairly easy to control. Love that.
I purchased the smallest roll of chicken wire I could find.
I used my husbands staple gun to attach the wire to the inside of the frame. The wire is wider than the frame, so I used my husbands wire cutters, too. Gotta love a well stocked workshop!
I love how this project has turned out so far. But, I want something behind the chicken wire, to ground the frame. I'm not too much of a fan of open frames. But, if you are, this is your stopping point! I will swing by the fabric store tomorrow and see what they have in the burlap family. Or possibly linen. I know I want something soft, neutral, and appropriate for this project. Stay tuned to see what I select {smile}.
The other craft that is at the top of my 'to-try' list is, faux mercury glass. I have a few canning jars that I would love to transform. I also want to create a special framed mirror using this technique. Please stay tuned for those projects, coming soon.
If I didn't answer any questions you have about this project, (or any others) please contact me.
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