Fall vignette (plus how to make decorative block letters)

It got seriously crafty up in here earlier this week. The DIY mojo struck and I decided to create a new fall vignette for the top of the TV console. The idea I had in my head involved some decorative block letters.

I started with this dusty 2×6 board I found in the garage:

2x6-board

By the way, perhaps you’ve noticed that 2×6 boards don’t actually measure 2″ by 6″. That is because the nominal measurements for lumber are taken before the boards have been planed smooth on all four sides. Planed – or surfaced – lumber typically ends up about a half inch shorter all around.

I cut four equal-sized squares (about 5″ wide by 5 1/2″ high) out of my 2×6, then smoothed the rough edges with an orbital sander.

Sanded-letter-blocksAfter that, I painted all four blocks with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® in Barcelona Orange.

Annie-Sloan-Barcelona-OrangeI wanted to give the blocks an aged look, so I watered down some acrylic paint and used it as a glaze on top of the orange. Annie Sloan has a dark wax that will create a similar effect, but I just used what I had on hand.

Brown-paint-glaze

I applied the glaze with a sponge, then wiped off the excess.

After my blocks were prepped, I added some gold vinyl adhesive letters I printed out from my Silhouette electronic cutting machine. This is the final result:

fall-vignette-closeupI shopped the house for the rest of the decorations used in the vignette.

Fall-vignette-environmentalNow I’ve officially caught the fall decorating fever. Next up? Kitchen, mantel and porch!

I’m linking this up to Fireflies and JellybeansLove of Family & HomeCraft DictatorLive Creatively InspiredThe Lettered CottageMy Repurposed LifeCentsational GirlMad in Crafts and Kathe with an E.

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22 Responses

  1. Looks great! That candy corn would be gone in my house in about 3 seconds though : )

    • Susan says:

      Thanks, Elisha. I have to keep a huge stash of it because it does get eaten up fast … mostly by my husband. 🙂 Hope you and your family are doing well!

  2. Pam P says:

    Very simple and very pretty. Your home is still my favorite. Can’t wait to see the kitchen next! Blessings.

  3. There’s something about fall that just begs for home decoration. (I get warm, fuzzy feelings about the crock pot during the fall, too, which is nice because come late winter I’ll be pretty much bored with everything.) 🙂

    Lovely mantle!

  4. Love them! I was just looking at the ASCP Barcelona Orange yesterday at my suppliers – it’s one color in her line that I haven’t used before – very pretty. I so want one of those silhouette machines – I bet it’s so much fun to play with.

    • Susan says:

      It is fun. But I’ve also found it to be a bit complicated to use. I’m not sure if the Cricut would be easier. I would recommend checking out all your options. 😉

  5. JaneEllen says:

    I’m trying very hard not to think about the candy corn but it’s not working. No wonder people gain weight when the holidays start, even Fall, yummm. I love the autumn mix better myself but candy corn would do in a pinch, lol.
    Love your tabletop. Such a simple thing but what the blocks add is incredible. Love em, now to get hubs to cut some for me. I’m not allowed to use saws, maybe cause I’m a klutz and my eyes aren’t the best anymore, darn cataracts anyway. Getting old is not for sissies I’ve heard.

  6. I have some extra wood in the garage and it would look so much better as decorative block letters! I love this project & thanks for sharing how you did it. I’m visiting from Inspire Me Please Blog Hop (#15 $6 fall decor) Have an awesome weekend.

  7. These are beautiful!! Great job! Found you on Inspire Me Please link up! If you like to like up come over to http://www.craftdictator.com for Craft Frenzy Friday!! I hope to see you there!

  8. These are so adorable! Similar ones at Christmas would be cute, too! Thanks for sharing at WhatchamaFALLit!

  9. This is such a creative way to celebrate fall! Thanks so much for sharing this darling project with us at Live Creatively Inspired! ~Tammy

  10. Gaylene says:

    I’m catching up on your blog today. Appears I’ve been missing loads of inspiration! Love the blocks . Wish I was brave enough to use a saw! For a gal who’s not suppose to be craft, you sure do a lot of lovely crafty things:)

    • Susan says:

      Gaylene, I still get nervous when I need to use a miter saw. But I just take a deep breath, put on my safety glasses and work as slowly and safely as possible. You can do it, too. 😉 Thanks so much for the kind words.

  11. annie says:

    Oh now I love this! You did an awesome job Susan! Thanks for sharing!

  1. September 24, 2013

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