Last week I was so happy when I found the exact (well almost) size board that I was looking for the gallery wall in the office. I started with this pin board and then this painting, but the scale was bugging me – I needed something big!
So I found a large piece of MDF and trim at Habitat Restore for $15 total. Which was an amazing price, trim is sooo expensive!
We cut the board down a little so it was straight and cut the trim on 45s to make a frame, primed and painted.
Then we designed a stencil, cut it out and got to work! If you follow me on Instagram @sarahmdorseydesigns you may have seen this photo.
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Stenciling can be an affordable way to add pattern to a surface without fabric. Since this stencil was a little more detailed, I had to go a little slower … it took about 2 hours.
Then last night, we cut a greek key stencil out for the corners and once dry, taped the straight parts in between the corners with painter’s tape to connect the lines.
We attached the trim with screws from the back, and here is what it looks like this morning.
I love the idea of using bulldog clips instead of pins (which wouldn’t work with my board anyways) via The Hunted Interior. A great way to keep holes out of pictures and organize categories!
At office stores the cheapest I found was 2 for $3.49. Really, over a dollar for a clip?? I found 4 for $1.88 at Wal-Mart, so I think I’ll go back for those.
Statement pieces can be so expensive, so I was thrilled when I only had to spend $15!! (will be about $20 with clips)
Finished pics soon!
I have been following your stenciling progress on instagram and I love it. I'm a huge fan of greek key patterns.
Hi Julia! I've been thinking a lot about greek key recently, pillows next!
I love the greek key design! Are you going to add the stencil to your etsy shop?
Hi Dani! Thank you! I am planning on adding it to my shop 🙂
Looking good already! I love that shade of pink with white in that pattern. I can't wait to see your finished product!
Judy
PS: Using that stencil looks a bit confusing… Do you have any tips to keeping the pattern connecting easily when painting block by block?
Thanks Judy! It wasn't too bad, when moving the stencil I line up one row of the top/bottom and one side when possible. This helps keep the stencil straight 🙂
It looks really cool Sarah. I like the white large scale Greek key over the busy pattern. Your fearlessness with pattern is inspirational. Waiting for the bigger pictures now.
Love,
Shalagh
Looks great- I love the thought of using bulldog clips!
Amazing!! Question: how do you make or create a stencil? I have been wanting to do this for a while.
We design our stencils in adobe illustrator and then cut on our silhouette. We were cutting by hand, but that takes so long with detailed stencils!
Love how this came out Sarah! Just getting into Instagram lately, signed up to follow you tonight 🙂
I love Instagram! Following you too!
Beautiful! I love a Greek key design! I'm pinning!
Leslie
House on the Way
Thanks so much Leslie! 🙂
Love the large Greek key over the tiny Greek key print. Looks great! Can't wait to see it up.