Home Hardware - Chalkboard Game Board

A simple, easy-to-make project for the home.  Pictured, is a plain frame.  Just imagine the possibilities...

Home Hardware - Chalkboard Game Board

Redecorated Magazine Rack

Awesome redecorating idea with detailed instructions from myveryeducatedmother.com.  Check it out!:

My Very Educated Mother: Redecorated Magazine Rack

Decoupage Basics for a no-wrinkle finish

I've found a nice video on the basics of decoupage.  So simple and a great amount of fun and satisfaction from this technique!

Aging Wood: Make the New Look Old | DoItYourself.com

Here are some great techniques for "aging" wood for your crafts, signs, etc.  There are lots of ideas out there and I've used some of the ones listed here.  I'll feature other techniques in time.... FREE!  Here at Cappy's Cottage!  :^)


Aging Wood: Make the New Look Old | DoItYourself.com

Are you looking to give your new wood that aging wood look? You can treat new wood and give it that vintage aging look. All you need are the right materials and this guide to help you get started. All the materials can be picked up from the local hardware store.

Step 1 – Prepare the Work

Get the wood to be treated to a place where you can work easily, something like your work room or garage.

Step 2 - Safety

Protect yourself with gloves, overalls and other protective gears.

Step 3 – Instructions for Using Tools

Make sure to read the direction before using any tools or substance.

Step 4- The Natural Technique

The easiest way to make a new piece of wood look old is to place it under direct sunlight on a slab. It should not have direct contact with the ground. If it does, the dampness will hinder the aging. This technique is extremely simple, but takes weeks to get the desired effect.

Step 5 – The Graying Effect

Here, the wood almost turns gray with traces of the original wood peeking out. Get this look by spraying the wood with an oven cleaner. Make sure it is lye based. Lye is a corrosive substance. Spray the wood with a layer of white vinegar. The result is a perfectly aged gray wood.

Step 6 – The Blow Torch Method

Some wood have either black or dark brown patches, this is achieved by using a blow torch on the surface of the wood. You can use a blow torch, but exercise caution while using it.

Step 7 – The Easy Way

Shoe polish will give the wood a natural aged look. Get a brown polish. Apply the shoe polish with the brush and polish the wood. Keep rubbing so that it seeps into the wood.

Step 8 – Petroleum Jelly

Examine and mark the areas that have to be aged. Apply petroleum jelly to the marked areas. Now, paint the wood completely. Take a towel to lightly scrub over the marked areas. As you scrub the grains of the wood will be visible. This will create the distressed look.

Step 9 – The Barn Look

Do you desire the weathered look with dents, nicks or scratches? If yes, then beat the wood surface with a hammer and sand it to get the old barn look.

Step 10 – The Good Old Coffee

Another way to age wood is to sand the wood and pour coffee over it and rub in mud. Wipe the dirt and apply several coats of Briwax.

Step 11 – The Inexpensive Method

In a  jar, mix white vinegar with fine steel wool and tea bags, close the lid and let it sit for 2 days. Sand the wood surface and scrub with the fine steel wool. Use rags to wipe the wood. You will notice the wood changing its color.

Step 12 – Effects on Different Wood

The above method has a different effect based on the type of wood you are using. Oak will show a blackening effect, light pine will turn golden red and red cedar will show gray or pink textured effect.


Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/aging-wood-make-the-new-look-old#ixzz1vEklCrPZ

Transfer Inkjet Image to Wood

Ever try this simple technique for transfering an image to wood, glass, or fabric?  The video is short and sweet and it will get your creativity flowing.  I just ordered some gel medium from Amazon.com and already have the other supplies needed.

In one of my first posts, I showed an example of a wood framed poster that I created.  The hardest part for me, and maybe it is for you too, is cutting an accurate 45 degree angle so that each side of the frame matches perfectly.  I have always used a miter saw.  However, I found a nice video on YouTube that shows a good method for creating, virtually, free picture frames using a table saw.  See below.  He mentioned that in subsequent videos he goes over other picture framing issues such as gluing and cutting backer board, etc.  It's worth watching if you are at all interested in making your own picture frames.  You can create custom frames for pennies as opposed to paying a small fortune at a frame shop.

Milescraft Router Pantograph

Ok...I just ordered a pantograph for my router.  I haven't had a chance to set it up and try it yet due to some other projects I'm working on.  I was fascinated by this tool!  Has anyone every tried one?  I got mine at  Amazon for a pretty sweet price.  I'm anxious to try it out.  Videos make it look so easy, but I must admit, I'm not real experienced with routers, outside of the basics.

Old West Wanted Posters

Wild West framed outlaw wanted poster of Billy the Kid

I created about half a dozen of these with various reproduction wanted posters.  The posters were already distressed by the manufacturer and aged using a special technique.  A similar process would be to soak the poster in tea or coffee, then dried, and after application, coated with a clear finish. 

I mounted the wanted posters on backer board and cut wood frames.  The frames were distressed and then stained--I like to use Minwax Early American which is, I think, much like a light walnut color  On some of the other framed posters, I included embellishments such as a rope, sheriff's badge, old replica coins, and stage bullets.

My first blog entry!  It's taking me awhile to get used to this system so, I'll make it a quick one today.  My name is Richard and my blog is Cappy's Cottage.  I will be featuring and talking about many things including wood working, wood crafts and my rustic framed art, pallet / crate art, chalkboards, and other projects.  I'm excited about this new beginning!