Friday, July 12, 2013

Faux Metal Letters

You've probably seen these about a million times.  I know I have!  Now, I'm not one to follow trends just because they are, well, trendy.  I like what I like no matter how trendy or uncool something is.  But, I'm a sucker for words & letters and the cottage/rustic/industrial look, so as soon as I saw these, I planned to make my own.

I bought the cardboard letters at Joann's using coupons.
I considered using the larger letters at the top (they were $9.99 each), but I decided that this was too pricey (even with coupons) and they were just way too big, but not as chunky as I wanted.  So, I ended up going with the letters that were below it (these were $2.99 each).

The weather is good for spray painting right now, but since I did this at night, I just laid down some newspaper in the garage and propped the letters on an old, empty paint can and old paint trays (I didn't want the newspaper sticking to them).

I already had the spray paint on hand - it was Krylon's Brushed Metallic Satin Nickel.  I just sprayed 2 coats per side and made sure to get into all the nooks & crannies.

I kind of liked the letters just as they were, but had planned on distressing them and giving them an old rustic look.  The ink pads I've had forever - I got them at a local scrapbook store.  I just randomly dabbed and swiped at the letters with both colors.  The dark brown ended up being the perfect color to make it look rusted!


And here's how they looked after I was done with the ink pads.  Turns out, it's not so good to use the ink pads since the ink comes off very easily onto your hands.  But, since I had planned on putting them on top of the kitchen cabinets, they weren't going to be touched very often, so it was ok.

I actually really liked both versions.  If I end up getting tired of the distressed, rusted look, I can always give them a quick spray to cover it up.  But, for now I like it this way.

I almost changed my mind and hung them on a different kitchen wall, but I just went with my original plan and it looks good!  So, yeah, I'm late to the party on this trend, but sometimes it's good to be fashionably late.  ;)

Originally posted by Adventures in DIY


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32 comments:

  1. Ochi BernadasJuly 14, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Hey, I'm a new follower ON GFC from the weekend blog hop. I think it looks great on your kitchen! I'm thinking of oversized letters that I can use on an upcoming photoshoot! Thanks for sharing! ;)

    I'd love it if you can follow me back :)

    xoxo
    ochibernadas.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Chrissy @ Adventures in DIYJuly 14, 2013 at 10:00 PM

      Thanks, Ochi! These letters were super easy to make and they would be perfect in a photoshoot! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. Krista @thehappyhousieJuly 14, 2013 at 7:59 PM

    Love these... using the ink was such a great idea... added so much depth! What a great project!!

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  3. Jenna @ Wife in ProgressJuly 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Love these! They look really great!

    Jenna @ Wife in Progress

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  4. Selene @ Restoration BeautyJuly 15, 2013 at 10:05 PM

    Super cool!!! I need to try this project ASAP!! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. JennaJuly 16, 2013 at 4:08 AM

    Wow! These look great! I love the metal look! Pinning!

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  6. pabla en casaJuly 16, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    Great proyect! :)

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  7. Kristin @ Everyday OrganizingJuly 16, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    I love this idea! Would be great in my son's room for putting his name on the wall. Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Chrissy @ Adventures in DIYJuly 16, 2013 at 10:35 PM

      Thanks, Kristin! I hope you try it - would love to see it in a future post of yours! :)

      Delete
  8. UnknownJuly 16, 2013 at 11:42 PM

    These are so cute! I think my daughters would love their names in their rooms. I'll have to give it a try.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Ashley Rane Sparks
    www.makeitrane.com

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    Replies
    1. Chrissy @ Adventures in DIYJuly 18, 2013 at 8:36 PM

      Thanks, Ashley! These would look great in their rooms! :)

      Delete
  9. MeganJuly 18, 2013 at 8:19 PM

    These are fabulous. I am so glad you shared them at our link party. I think I am going to try my hand at these.

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  10. AnonymousJuly 18, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    It really looks like metal - great finish!

    So glad you linked up with us at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop.

    Sharon and Denise ♥
    Fashion | Food | Beauty | Antiques | DIY | and much more

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrissy @ Adventures in DIYJuly 18, 2013 at 9:08 PM

      Thanks! I was at first afraid that they wouldn't, but I'm really happy how they turned. Even my sister asked me if they were heavy. :)

      Delete
  11. RitaJuly 20, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    These look great! Thanks for the tutorial. If you get a chance, please link up to my Linky Party: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/07/sunday-linky-17.html

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  12. Susan@Organized31July 21, 2013 at 4:33 PM

    These turned out amazing! And they seem the perfect easy weekend project. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.

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  13. ingrid@nowathomemomJuly 22, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    I love your letters and how you prepared them! :-) I've been wanting to do this for a while now but never got a chance! :-)
    stopping by from Dakota Creek Chic link party! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownJuly 22, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    I love the letters :-). I bought a letter to wrap in Jute and it's been sitting in my office undone for about 6 months. Maybe this is the way to go. I love the look. Thanks for linking up to my Weekend Beautiful Blog Party!!
    Shawna

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  15. UnknownJuly 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM

    Love your faux metal letters! Stop by House on the Way tomorrow to see them featured at my Twirl & Take a Bow Party! Have a great week.
    Leslie

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  16. Katie from Sew WoodsyJuly 23, 2013 at 4:08 AM

    Super cute letters! I need to make these soon. I'll be featuring these on Sew Woodsy tomorrow! Great job and congrats.

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  17. KelseyJuly 23, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    They turned out great! Thanks for linking up with us at Life Inspired!

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  18. Brenda @ Chatting Over ChocolateJuly 26, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    L-O-V-E this AMAZING project, Chrissy!!!! The letters look fantastic in your kitchen too!! CONGRATS on the MANY well deserved features!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    Lovely words Metal Letters. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete

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