Last month I found a trio of wooden placemats during our 100 mile yardsale trip. They’re the kind made from little round wooden sticks. I paid a whole $2 for them and everyone kept asking what on earth I was going to do with them. I didn’t know at the moment, but I knew they would be good for something! Eventually an idea formed and they became a long winter sign. I like the idea of a winter sign instead of just for Christmas. This way I can keep it up until the flowers start blooming again! Anyway, here’s how I did it!
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Supplies and Clean Up
The first thing I had to do was clean the placemats. They were kind of grimy and smelly like they had been in someone’s barn for years. I just sprayed them down with all purpose cleaner and let them soak. Then I washed them off with water.
It’s amazing what a little soap and water can do! The rest of my supplies are listed below.
- American Decor Chalky Finish in Vintage
- Acrylic paint in
- white
- ocean blue
- fresh foliage
- leaf green
- Sharpie Oil Based paint markers in
- Hemp cord in black
- 12 gauge wire in black
- Wire cutters
- Old newspaper
- paint brushes
Joining Placemats and Adding Hanger
I decided to join the placemats lengthwise to have a long narrow sign. I used the hemp cord to tie them together. The picture below shows how I looped it to have a secure knot. I think it’s fairly self explanatory. If it’s not, please let me know in the comments!
Next I used the black wire to make a hanger. Cut off about double what you need and bend it slightly in the center.
I inserted it a few rows down to allow the top to fold over a little. Then I just twisted it around itself.
Repeat on the opposite side and you have a hanger!
Painting the Sign
I laid out old newspaper to protect my work surface and gave the whole thing a once over with the chalk paint.
Once that was dry, I painted some snowy hills and a tree using the acrylic paints. I was going for a whimsical, wonky kind of tree!
I let the tree dry, then it was time to add some snow. Since snow is a rare thing where I live, this will have to do! I dipped my brush in paint then wiped most of it off for the snow on the tree. The snow flakes were created by flicking the paint brush. I also added “Let it Snow!” at the top with the paint markers. That giant black paint marker is great for this because I could get between the slats better. I used the silver paint marker to highlight the words.
This would be great for someone with limited space. I think the folded top makes it look a little like a sled.
There you have it, a winter sign! It makes me want to find some snow to play in! Y’all have a wonderful Wednesday and I’ll see you back here on Friday for some holiday prepping tips.
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