Christmas Mantle Sign

So excited to finish this yesterday!  I love how easy the project was (and I didn't spend a dime!) and it makes such a statement (literally) on our mantle.  I first saw the idea on Pinterest - thank you Red Letter Words!  - and wanted to make my own version.  First thing I did was rummage around in our garage for a suitable piece of scrap wood.  I lucked out and didn't even have to cut anything as I found a perfectly sized piece of luan.  I brushed it off (ewww- it had been in there awhile) and brought it into the house.  It sat on my mantle for a week or so before I finally got to bring it up into my craft room for its makeover.  I found some acrylic paints in my stash to use - a charcoal grey, country blue, and metallic gold.  I simply squirted the grey on first and brushed away! I kept it pretty dry and thin, so the wood shows through a little, too.  I added a little blue and gold, using the same brush.  It all blended together nicely for a weathered look.  I painted the star with more acrylic - a mustard gold - again with the dry brush technique.  I added a bit of yellow and crystal stickles for a bit of glimmer.  I cut my letters using my Cricut - Sophisticated (for "love") and Lyrical Letters.  I used some pages out of an old hymnal - Christmas hymns of course.  Then I laid them out on my board and mod podged them all in place.  The manger scene can be found it the Inspired Heart Cricut cartridge.  Love this project and love that it's a big reminder of the reason to celebrate Christmas!

Linking up to: