Reclaimed wood #cre8time Photo sign

Merry Christmas

 I've been making signs out of reclaimed or scrap wood for awhile and I was asked to make a photo sign as a custom order.  This will be a Christmas gift of his beloved dog that passed away recently.  I wasn't sure if this was something I could do, but I'll try anything!  So after doing a bit of research I attempted it.

I had some scrap wood laying around.  Hard to imagine right?   I had a friend's husband cut it for me.  I wanted to build a slatted board.  The pieces measured 5.5 x 17.  Then I nailed 2 pieces to the back.  The entire piece now measures 17 x 17.

Next I went to Kinkos and had them blow up the picture to 12 x 12.  I actually wanted it a bit bigger but this was the best they could do??? 

I gessoed the boards with black acrylic paint and a tiny hint of brown.  I love playing with color.  It turned grayish and I love it.

I then cut the blown up picture into 3 pieces and used Mod Podge to adhere it to the boards.  

After it was completely dry, I sponged black, gray and brown acrylic paint around the outsides of the picture to soften it a bit.  I also stippled some more black around the edges!

I then sealed it with a spray varnish!

After it was completely dry I added a picture hanger to the back.

I am usually a harsh critic when it comes to my own work but I am extremely happy with this piece.   

The customer is also very pleased.  That is most important!

Thanks for looking and as always have a great day and God Bless!