Simple Craft: Repurpose a Sign

This is a sign that used to hang in my kitchen. I liked the look, and yes it was funny--but not very motivating. I thought it might have served its time, till I had an idea.






I popped the board out of the frame and flipped it over. Painted the frame white and the board pale blue. Penciled "Simplicity" on the board and painted it in a darker blue. Popped the board back in the frame and hung it up!




I've always wanted a sign in my kitchen that said Simplicity. But here's the thing. I didn't have a sign, didn't know how to stencil, didn't have the proper supplies. This was a time to ask, "What do I have in my hand?"

As mentioned, I repurposed the sign I already had. I had an assortment of kids paint, but nothing the right color--so I mixed my own on a paper plate. (While I was stirring, I kept hearing Julia Roberts say, as she did in Ocean's 12, "That's too oxblood.") Tempera white and Crayola washable kids mystery paint in royal blue--would it work? Didn't know till I tried!

The only brushes I had were a couple kids plastic brushes, you know, the kind that come in the little watercolor kits. But hey--it was what I had.

And I freehanded the lettering. All this meant that I had to let go of perfectionism and having it come out just right. But how fulfilling to have a pretty new piece of art, expressing the sentiment I've always wanted, for free! It's not perfect, but I like it. You don't have to spend a lot of money to be creative!