When my daughter was about 5, there was a moment that is etched in my brain forever. I'd taken her to rent a block buster movie and get a McDonalds Happy Meal. As I drove home I heard her say from the back seat "THIS is the life!" It struck me because the innocense of a little child can sometimes remind us to see the little things.
Fast forward about 20 years.....I saw this sign somewhere on the internet. When I clicked on the link It was over $100.00.
I decided to try and make the sign myself. I went to our local Habitat Store where the cabinet doors are around $2.00 - $5.00. I liked this one in particular because it had the raised detail aroun the edges to "frame" the words. I spray painted the sign in Heriloom While, as this is the color I wanted the text to be.
I printed out the words to see if they would fit. Then I taped my words to a piece of contact paper and CUT OUT the individual letters. I know this sounds incredibly time consuming but honestly for these 4 words it took about 30 min. max. You are also probably thinking "use a cricut machine" ....well I personally do not like how perfect those machines cut letters. To me, it makes the sign look like it was something purchased new in a store.....made in China type thing. I wanted slight imperfections in the lettering.
I adhered each letter to the White Cabinet door, then I spraypainted it in black. The paint bubbled up in a lot of places. After about 20 minutes I peeled the contact letters off and this is what I had.
I felt like it was an EPIC FAIL and decided this would be going straight into the trash. I was so bummed because I had this in my head forever and it looked awful.
I finally went back to it, and with a lot of sanding, adding some black paint wash overtop of everything, and finally a coat of wax, it looked a little better.
On Christmas morning I still didn't know if I would give it to her. My younger daughter convinced me it was PERFECTLY imperfect (like I wanted) and convinced me to give it to "baby mama".
Here it is...hanging in her house.....
And she too has never forgot that time in the car...when all it took to make your life complete was a rented movie and a Happy Meal.
- inspiration for old distressed signs started a long time ago when I first discovered Donna at Funky Junk Interiors!
Hi Robin! Oh, your grandaughter is just the cutest ever! And your sweet sign turned out perfectly! The sanding really made it look much older, too. Love it!
xx
Posted by: Sweet Cottage Dreams | January 24, 2012 at 11:23 AM
Not only is that sign a wonderful gift, but the story just makes feel warm. I'm sure that your daughter was so touched by your gift & that you remembered.
Posted by: Kim | January 20, 2012 at 02:47 PM
DYI is always better! That look sweet, and what a sweet story behind it. We have some phrases like that, the kind of moments you remember forever in a family.
Posted by: Karla | January 15, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Wow, girl! You never cease to amaze me. Sweet story, sweet sign, sweetest granddaughter, EV-ER! Awwwwww!
Posted by: Rosa | January 14, 2012 at 05:38 PM
The sign came out great! And I have to laugh because my daughter is 6 and she says "THIS is the LIFE!" every time things are good too! Like when her and I are all curled up in bed with a big pile of books and some snacks! Too cute! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year to you too, xo natalea
Posted by: natalea | January 14, 2012 at 05:25 PM
It's perfectly wonderful, Robin! I'm sure your daughter will treasure it always.
xo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | January 14, 2012 at 03:40 PM
Darling sign~ love Donna's party too!! I host a decorating party at my blog on the weekends if you would like to come share sometime too! Its going on right now.:)
Posted by: Courtney | January 14, 2012 at 10:41 AM