Halloween Decoupage Wood Numbers

I can't wait to show you just how easy it is to turn this...

into this!

So cute, right!?  I always loved the idea of using the date of the holiday within your home decor.  And when I saw this paper at Hobby Lobby, I knew it'd be perfect for this project.

Now it's your turn!  First, start by tracing your numbers onto your paper.  Then take those numbers out to get a quick coat of paint.  Make sure you paint the back and the sides.

While your letters are drying, cut out the numbers you traced.

 Now it's time for some modge podge!

I put a layer on the wood and then place the paper on top, smoothing out all the wrinkles/bubbles that might appear.  Make sure your paper covers the wood, but don't be too worried if some of your paper hangs over - we'll be taking care of that very professionally.

Once your paper has dried, get out a nail file - see, very professional. :)  At a downward angle, file the edges of the wood.  It may take a few tries in one spot, but soon you'll see the excess paper start to tear away, leaving you with a nice smooth edge.

Once you have your numbers just the way you like it, give the whole thing another layer of modge podge.  That's it!!  I told you it was easy and really adds to any holiday decor.

 

I think the next holiday I'll do this for is Valentine's Day!!
-Ashley

Halloween Home Tour

I typically decorate in a more general manner at this time of year where my decorations will carry me through Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving.  This year, however, the moment it was officially Fall, I dove head first into Halloween. :)  I started with items I already had and quickly discovered I needed more!  So I did what any girl would do, I went shopping!!  I scored a couple things from Goodwill and of course, Home Goods and Hobby Lobby.

Let's start with the kitchen.  Look familiar?  You can see how I made the wreath here and the sign here.

Here is my table's centerpiece. 

I found the black pedestal at Goodwill and it was in such perfect condition that after a quick clean, I was able to plop it right down onto my table and add apples.  It might just be me, but having just the apples provides a spooky element - like any one of them could be poisoned!  Like I said, might just be me. :)

Moving on to the living room...

 

 

I also found the BOO votive holders at Goodwill - so cute, right!? 

And here is my buffet and my bookshelf.

 

I scored this wreath at Home Goods for $2.00 on clearance.  It was a natural color, but I knew with a quick coat of black spray paint, it would make the perfect spooky addition to my bookshelf.

I also practiced my decoupage skills on these wood numbers - 31 for the date of Halloween.  Love that paper!!

Not done yet!  Here is our powder room.

And finally the ledge at the top of the stairs.  It's the line where decorations end in our home. :)

And there you have it!  I hope you enjoyed the tour!!
-Ashley

Eat, Drink and Be Scary - Halloween Sign

I love when September rolls around!  Not only is it my birthday month (whoop, whoop!) but it's time to start thinking about decorating for Fall and Halloween.  Last year, I started making Halloween signs and received such positive feedback that I decided to do it again this year!

Today, I want to share how I made this sign...

Cute, right?  It all started out with a sheet of bead board from Lowe's.  I had them cut me three 12x12 squares - one for each of my frames that I had on hand at home.

Then I layered my paint.  I started with two coats of orange paint, then dry brushed with white and finally finished up with a semi-dry brush of a deeper orange.  I love the look of layered paint.

Then it was time to transfer my design.  I spread yellow chalk on the back of my printout, flipped it over to lay the chalk side down and traced over each letter with a pencil.

See the yellow chalk outline?  I then used a pencil to trace over the chalk.  Once I had each letter in pencil, I wiped away all the chalk.  Now I was ready to paint!

I have to apologize because I didn't capture any pics of the type of paint I used or the brush, but any acrylic paint will do.  As for the brush, I used a small liner brush.  Once I had each letter filled in, I gave the whole thing a quick sanding.

The last step is to add your finished piece to a frame and enjoy!  Perfect! :)

This is the only part of my house currently decorated, but I have big plans to take out the rest of my decor tonight - after all, Fall is officially a couple days away!

-Ashley