May Adventures: Decorating with Nature

You don't have to look far to find incredibly beautiful touches for your home.

          Display the natural art 

•  atop candle holders

• inside overturned vases

• under a cheese dome!

Transfer Words on Doors

In the spirit of labels and doors, here is a project you can do at home that requires a few tools and a steady hand. This project was inspired by the inviting "Welcome" sign I saw painted on the door of a shop.

• Choose a door to label. You might like to do this for your laundry, pantry, or linen closet door. The laundry seemed a good place for me to start. It's not too visible a door if I mess up, and because I do seem to spend a lot of time there. Why not fancy it up a bit?

• Use your computer to make a label. Print it, and tape the label to your door to be sure you like how it looks. Once you are satisfied, attach the sign to your door with a piece of scotch tape. Use a level to verify the sign is straight.                               

 

• Purchase graphite paper from a craft store to use to transfer the pattern to the door. Cut a piece to fit your sign. Slip it under the label so that the black side is facing the door and the grey side faces the back of the label. Tape the transfer paper to the door.

• Using a ballpoint pen, firmly trace the first letter of the word you chose. Peek under the transfer paper to ensure that the letter is dark enough. 

• After you complete the word, remove the papers. With a steady hand and felt tip pen, retrace and fill in the word. I used a bit of black acrylic paint and a small paint brush (round, size 1) to fill in the heavier parts of the letters. After the paint dries, use the pen to smooth out any lines.

Paint a Growth Chart on Your Door

Use a door to record and celebrate growth spurts!

• Search the internet and peruse catalogs to find a design you wish to replicate.
• Add a quote if you'd like.
• Use a pencil and long ruler to mark each foot of growth.
• Use pencil to lightly sketch the design on your door.
• With a paintbrush and craft paint, fill in your design. Keep a wet cloth handy for any mess-ups.

Be prepared to take the door with you if ever you move...

A New Old Door

Give a modern metal door an old door look.

• Paint the door and allow it to dry.
• Use a piece of sandpaper and gently rub paint off in areas that show wear - around the edges and hardware.
• Enhance the feeling of age by attaching an antique garden tool.

Opportunity's at the Door

Family and friends pass through doorways as they enter and move about your home. You can use the doors to communicate personality, whimsy, and warmth! In the next few posts, we'll look at a few ways to do this.

White paint ushers in spring!

Whether it's a coat of white semi-gloss latex or a simple bouquet, you've sent a welcoming message to your guests.

Use a glue gun to attach a dried bouquet and ribbon to a guestroom door.