Thursday, April 29, 2010

Shutters Memo Board

I am going to be honest, this latest project threw me for a loop. I came out of our local Habitat Restore with some great miniature indoor shutters, but couldn't think of a thing to do with them!


I have seen awesome tutorials on making shelves, mail racks, jewelry stands, wall hangings, etc. with them; but nothing seemed to fit into my style or tickle my fancy. I half-contemplated just sitting them around for interest, but quickly decided they were too "cookie cutter" and not vintage enough for that. So, after racking my brain for awhile, I just pulled out all the materials I could think of and started winging it. I have mixed emotions about the results, so I am definitely going to need some opinions on this one!

Without further ado, here are my new shutters:



First, I decided it was only natural to number my shutters. I mean, I really do number everything, as I will show you next week! I used the easy pencil mark transfer with simple Times New Roman numbers. I used acrylic paint to make them black.





Next, I secured the shutters with hot glue. Then, before adding the final elements, I came up with a cheater hanging solution. I was out of picture hooks, so I just screwed in a tiny screw and pulled out my handy picture wire. It hangs very well this way!




To make my shutters semi functional, I added scrap booking clothes pins to the bottom of the front to make it into a memo board. They now hold mail, notes, grocery lists, or whatever else.



The final elements I added were a silhouette and a monogram. I painted both on teal polka dot scrapbook paper that fits into almost every color theme in the house since I am already extremely non committal about where it should hang. I then mounted them behind glass and hot glued them into place. I can't figure out what to call this look, but I kind of like it. Also, it was my first attempt at a silhouette, so don't laugh at me. My sweet little girl looks cute even in black and white though, that's for sure!



So, in the end, old shutters+hot glue= kitchen memo board (for the moment, could possibly also = future craft room memo board, future kids room memo board, well you get the picture!)





Here it is in the kitchen entry way. Sorry about the picture quality, my kitchen is incurably dark. Well, at least until I knock out the entire back wall and make it completely glass... oh Matt...



I'll be linking to these parties this week. Hope to see you there!


41 comments:

  1. I LOVE this Patrice! The silhouette looks perfect with her little curly hair in the back! So sweet! Awesome idea with the shutters!

    Okay, I number everything as well. I mean everything in my house is numbered, practically every chair, etc. I have got to see your house sometime! : ) I am quite sure I would love it!

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  2. Patrice, the shutters turned out perfect. What a great find and I too love the numbers!

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  3. That is very, very cute! I'm helpless, can you tell me how you transferred the numbers? I love numbered things as well. Love it!

    Nancy

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  4. That is really great - very unique! Love the way it turned out!

    Jeanine

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  5. They turned out so good! Next time I spot these in a Thrift Store I won't be passing them up!
    Thanx!

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  6. I guess I'll play devil's advocate...the only thing I'd change is that I would have put the clothespins at random places on the actual shutter part so the look would be "organized chaos" so to speak. I don't like the look of them at the bottom as much.

    To end on a high note though, that silhouette is just adorable! Nice job...especially for your first attempt! :)

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  7. Thanks for the feedback. However, I am way to a type for chaos. I definitely need to keep it neat and orderly! Nancy, if you search in our blog for the $1 Welcome Sign you will find the transfer technique detailed by the wonderful Erin there!

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  8. Oh, I just had to add that I wouldn't change a thing! I love the clothespins at the bottom and the numbers at the top! I think it's perfect as is!

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  9. I love these. The profile is great too, esp for your first attempt! I am a sucker for shutters projects too, I would have been shifting these into every room of the house looking for the perfect spot and inspiration. Perfect!

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  10. This is so GREAT! I love shutters! So many options with them. I'm keeping my eye out for some.

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  11. Great idea! The silhouette is a nice touch.

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  12. Oh how I love shutters! This is so beautiful! :)

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  13. I now have shutters left from redoing my kitchen and dining room. They are waiting in the basement for me to come up with an idea. This is a cute idea but I don't have kids anymore so it has to be something grown up : ))

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  14. Very nice! And I love Habitat Restore!

    love,kelee

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  15. So fun! I love shutters and this is a great idea to use them!

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  16. i love shutters, I got a pair that I bought last year which I bought from Elyse. She had the shutters painted in Aqua and decoupaged it with some roses on it..

    Your latest project looks unique and fun! have a good weekend!

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  17. I'm with Patrice, on the clips being all neat in a row. Teachers need their things a lined up! Patrice, thanks for linking up to Home and Family Friday. I love the projects you guys come up with. I'm so inspired each week!

    On my way to work I pass by a house that has shutters leaning up against their fence. They have been there for about 3 years. I think I'm finally going to muster the nerve to stop and ask them if they are waiting for some nice person to offer to take them off their hands!

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  18. I love this! My style isn't very shabby chic, but I've always been drawn to shutter projects. This one is clean and functional, with really great accents. Fabulous! :)

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  19. I love this idea!! too cute!

    Thanks for linking up to I'm Lovin' It!! Have a GREAT weekend!

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  20. Wonderful use for the shutters! Great job!
    Hugs, Lana

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  21. How cute! I love numbers, rather in vogue at the moment isn't it? Excellent makeover!

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  22. LOVE this!! My shopping list just expanded to include shutters LOL :)

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  23. Awesome!! I've never seen this before, great job!

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  24. Great idea for old shutters! Love it! I'm new to the blogging world and just became a follower of your blog! I hope you'll visit my blog, too!

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  25. Wow! You are unbelievably creative! I love this!

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  26. This is so precious! I love the idea :)

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  27. Great idea! Love the numbers added to everything. If you get a minute check out my memo catch-all. Looking forward to exploring your blog more.

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  28. I love , Love, LOVE it! Thanks for sharing and getting my creative juices flowing.
    God's blessings,
    Sarah :D

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  29. Fun idea! Love the little touches you added to it.

    Kendra "Domestic Princess in Training"

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  30. I love this! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing at 'Look at me, I'm SO Crafty!' at Fun to Craft.

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  31. New follower via My Backyard Eden. I would love you to show off this project on Modern Craftswoman Mondays. Rory

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  32. That is so great. I've got this pair of shutters in my barn that I've been wondering what to do with.....if I do something like this I will be **sure** to link back!! Thanks for sharing!!

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  33. Always love a shutter & I love the personalization. Thanks for sharing it with us at the POPP.

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  34. Great idea! I featured it on my blog today!

    http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/2010/05/showcase-saturday_08.html

    Come grab a featured button!

    Thanks for linking up!

    Sumo

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  35. I have some shutters that were on our windows upstairs when we moved in. I didn't like the look of them on the windows and they have just been sitting around our house! I'm super excited to have found this craft! I think I am going to make mine work for my in-home daycare as a message board to each parent! Thanks for sharing the idea!

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  36. Love the artwork displayed. That is adorable! Very pretty room addition the way you've done this!

    Donna

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  37. really cute~ the numbers are a sweet touch! Lezlee

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