Monday, September 20, 2010

Thrift-Store Blocks Re-Do

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I came across these old blocks at the thrift store a few months ago and I knew exactly what was in store for them.

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I popped off the wooden letters, painted the front black, and printed off some letters in various fonts.

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I liked the way the black letters on white looked so much that I painted white over the black background. I then traced the backs of the letters in pencil, put each letter on a block, and rubbed the front with a lead-less mechanical pencil to transfer the letter outline onto the block.

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I got some Craft Smart paint from Michaels that almost doubled my painting time (on the right). Do not get this stuff if you are trying to do this project, it covers like watercolor, so it makes an already time-consuming project take a lot longer. Luckily I had some of the Liquitex (on the left) leftover from another project, and that filled in the letters easily with only 1 coat.

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I then sanded the letters and corners, painted over the whole thing with an antiquing glaze and wiped it off. Ta da!

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I realize that glazing flirts with the fine line between making your project look antiqued, and making it look just plain dirty. I'm hoping my technique will continue to improve with time.

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The black paint under the white background paint ended up coming in handy, because when I sanded the edges and corners, the black just popped right out. It didn’t even need the glaze.

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What do you think? A pretty good thrift store re-do, right?

I'll be linking up to some great parties at these links, so check them out.

Have you entered the Cutting Edge Stencil giveaway yet? If you need some inspiration, check out Patrice's post here, or click and leave a comment here to enter. You don't want to miss it!

See you next Monday!!

Erin

26 comments:

KJ@letsgoflyakite September 20, 2010 at 6:21 AM  

That was a great find! I love how they turned out. Well done!

Lori P September 20, 2010 at 6:26 AM  

Cute! What serendipity when you find something and turn it into something even prettier!

Sarah @ Modern Country Style September 20, 2010 at 7:29 AM  

You are *so* right. It's a very fine line between antiquing and plain old messy. I'd say you are completely over the right side of the line!! The blocks look GORGEOUS!

The Autocrat: Haley September 20, 2010 at 7:42 AM  

Very fabulous! Totally diggin' on the black and white.

Unknown September 20, 2010 at 8:29 AM  

NICE, NICE, NICE! I got some Pooh blocks from Goodwill months ago. I need to go find those boogers and get busy! Thanks for sharing!!

~ The Speckled Dog

Stacey September 20, 2010 at 9:09 AM  

I love the black/white color choice. It gives the blocks such a classic look and the font for the L is superb!

And your blog name has definitely caught my attention. I love that Lemon Tree son by Peter, Paul, and Mary!

Stephanie R. September 20, 2010 at 10:49 AM  

What a cool idea! Next time I go to the thift store Ill have to keep my eye out!

Unknown September 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM  

I love how they are not "perfect." Cute

Unknown September 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM  

I love how they are not "perfect." Cute

Mallie September 20, 2010 at 6:28 PM  

Very cute! I have a hard time with antique glaze too, I always feel it makes it look dirty. But yours look GREAT!

Unknown September 20, 2010 at 6:37 PM  

Great redo! Love the makeover.
Thanks for sharing.
Brooke

Amanda September 21, 2010 at 7:00 AM  

Very cute, featured you this morning! http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/welcome-blocks/

Pretty Pink Cherub September 21, 2010 at 9:46 PM  

Love them!!! Wonderful makeover!!!

Katie Brown September 21, 2010 at 9:57 PM  

These are great! Thanks for sharing the idea on how to transfer the pencil...I've never thought of that before!

Amy Kinser September 22, 2010 at 9:52 PM  

I think they look great. I found a bag full of blocks at GW recently myself and have been waiting to decide what to do with them. I'm thinking you have motivated me now. Not sure how many I have though...

Partying with you.

malia September 22, 2010 at 11:51 PM  

girls-- this is amazing... love it if you link up tomorrow to a crafty soiree at www.yesterdayontuesday.com
your blog is a bevy of wonderful things... i'm you newest follower
malia
www.yesterdayontuesday.com

Lori@Paisley Passions September 23, 2010 at 11:29 PM  

WONDERFUL thrifty redo! Love it! Thanks for sharing it on Thrilling Thursday too!

~Lori S.
Thrilling Thursdays @Paisley Passions

thriftytickle September 24, 2010 at 1:19 PM  

Love it! Thanks for linking up to Vintage Suitcase Friday!

Anonymous September 24, 2010 at 9:03 PM  

Cute! I love the distressing! :)

Linda@Coastal Charm September 24, 2010 at 9:11 PM  

Great DIY project and soooo THRIFTY!

Blessings,
Linda

Chantal September 25, 2010 at 2:29 AM  

Great result. Really effective. Love it.

Unknown September 25, 2010 at 5:49 PM  

Fabulous. I like the glazing and don't notice any 'dirt' appearance. I have seen a lot of gals using ink to antique, which I haven't tried yet. So many ideas, so little time . . .

Would love for you to stop by tomorrow and link it up to Passion for Paint!

Suzanne@thriftstoredecorjunky September 26, 2010 at 12:42 PM  

I love what you did with the blocks. So clever. Looks great!
Come visit me over at my blog sometime..

Katie September 29, 2010 at 4:19 PM  

What a fun project, I like the varying sizes of the blocks and that you handpainted them. Vinyl is nice, but I've always love the look of handpainted lettering. Thank you for joining us at A Crafty Soiree! I hope you'll come back next week and link up again!

malia September 29, 2010 at 11:11 PM  

absolutely adore how these turned out!!!

Kerrie Lightfoot February 27, 2011 at 8:36 PM  

Love love love them!!!

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