Over the weekend, I completed three little projects for the garage entryway. They were simple and inexpensive, so of course I couldn’t wait to share them with you! Each took me less than an hour to create. If I can do them, you can too!
Hand-Lettered Framed Sign
I had my eye on a few beautiful pieces to add to my garage entryway space, but for budgetary purposes (and to try something new), I decided to try making one of my own! I took your vote on which saying to use and though it was close, the phrase “Let’s Stay Home Tonight” won. Mike made me mix CDs when we were dating and this phrase is from one of our favorite songs in the bunch. Such sweet memories!
I used to paint all the time, so I had paint brushes and a small tube of black watercolor paint on hand. Since we have plenty of space to work with on the wall, a large RIBBA frame from IKEA fit the bill. I found an 18″ x 24″ watercolor pad of paper at JOANN Fabrics and Crafts (also available at your local craft store or here’s a link to one on Amazon).
I started by writing out the phrase in pencil many different ways, looking to Pinterest and Google for inspiration.
Once I picked the style I liked, I practiced painting it on a piece of scrap paper.
Once I felt comfortable, I lightly wrote out the phrase in pencil on the watercolor paper and slowly began to paint over it.
In true left-handed fashion, I smudged it! I thought I was going to have to redo the entire thing!
But, it just so happened that my dear friend Jessie of Roseberry and Co. was visiting this weekend! She creates beautiful watercolor floral and hand-lettered prints – check her out! Anyways, she happened to know just the right thing to clear up my smudges: a Magic Eraser! Brilliant. She gently went over the areas that needed touched up.
And…voila! All fixed up!
I had measured the wall a few days earlier and hammered a concrete nail into the cinderblock. I’m not going to lie – it felt good to hit the same wall that had given me so much trouble to paint! If you’re hammering into concrete or cinderblock, it’s important to use a nail suited for it. Thankfully, my sweet neighbors gave me a few to use so I didn’t have to buy an entire box! Also, wear your safety googles!
I used a little piece of tape to secure the print on the mat and then hung it up. I LOVE the way it turned out! It’s not perfect and I’m not a hand-lettering expert, but I love the personal touch and it’s been a treat to be welcomed home with this in view.
Try your own!
If you’re thinking, “I don’t have good enough handwriting for this type of project,” I would encourage you to try it! There’s something beautiful about hanging your own or your child’s handwriting in your home, especially if it’s a phrase or verse that’s important to you and you want to remember it. When you see it on the wall, visualize that you’re writing it to yourself, speaking truth. It doesn’t have to be perfect – it’s actually better if it’s not!
Gold Letter Magnets
I know this might be an age-old trick, but it’s my first time trying it! I found these magnetic letters at Walmart, but you can also find something similar on Amazon here. I used Rust-Oleum Pure Gold Metallic Spray Paint to transform these colorful letters into something for my refrigerator!
This project was so simple, less than $15, and such a fun addition to the garage!
Numbered Stairs
These stairs were calling out for a little detail! I debated between using a stencil to add a pattern, but in the end, I love the simplicity of numbers. I found house numbers at Lowe’s that were perfect for the job!
I measured to ensure they were centered on the stairs (height and width) and then used this super glue to secure it to the concrete step. The numbers have holes for the screws, but since I didn’t use them, they remain empty. For this project I just left them, as you can barely see the white coming through.
It’s such a sweet touch to this space of ours!
Did you tackle any projects this weekend? If you try any of the three above, I’d love to see them! Tag me in your photo or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook.
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