Project Tenleigh...

Well, can I tell you just how excited I was to get to work on a "girlie" project. Because I don't have any girls to love on (we only have mean, stinkin' boys! LOL), I was beyond giddy to work with some pink and green paint and sweet girlie ribbon.

Here is how "Project Tenleigh" was made...

Step 1...Find a piece of scrap board (or cut your own...yes, I cut mine with a hand saw myself! You can do it too!) The length of the board will depend on the size of your letters and the length of the name. I cut this one 12(ish) inches.

Step 2...Choose your craft paint colors. Not always, but I often use several colors of paint to get a layered look.

Step 3 and 4...Begin painting your base coat on the board. My base coat for this project was green, then I layered on pink using short, quick strokes. Don't cover the base coat completely. You will want each color to show through.

You do not need much paint for each layer of color,

so be careful not to squeeze out more than you need.

Step 5...Continue painting layers of color on until you get your desired effect.

Step 6...Add final layers of paint, blending the colors as you go. Give the edges of the board an "outline" by brushing the edges softly with light strokes.

Step 7...While the paint is drying, pick out coordinating scrapbook paper to cut letters to spell out name. I use my Cricut cutter and/or stencils for lettering.

Step 8...I traced scrapbook letters and cut them out by hand because my Cricut has not been working properly. (Maybe for Mother's Day my kids will buy me a new cutter! *hint*hint*)

Step 9...Use wire cutters to cut a wire clothes hanger to be used as the hanger for the project. You may need to bend the wire to adjust it so that it hangs evenly.

Step 10...Use a staple gun to attach the hanger to the back of the board. You may need to use a hammer to make sure the staples are secure.

Step 11...Then, lay the letters on the board to get an idea of placement.

Step 12...Now you are ready for Mod Podge glue (or another brand of decoupage glue.)

Step 13...Once you have figured out the position of the letters, glue them down with the decoupage glue.

Step 14...Dig out your ribbon (or ribbon scraps) and buttons to embellish the board.

(Click here to learn more about ribbon organization.)

Step 15...Give the board a final coat of glue after the ribbons have been added. Also, tie scrap ribbon to the hanger for a cheery look. Don't forget to add a few buttons just to make it look even more interesting. I used a strong craft glue to adhere my buttons. They tend to pop off when I hot glue them...but good luck to you. =)

And...you are finished. How cute it that? Once you have made a few, you will become faster...experience is everything. Let me know if you have been inspired to make your own... =)