Cute Kitchen Plaque Tutorial

I made a small wooden plaque to hang up in my kitchen.   I created my image using a vintage photo, some sheet music, and a few other "frenchie" bits.  I found most of these at The Graphic Fairy.  She shares tons of beautiful vintage clip art and photos for free.   I ♥ her!   This is how I did it & total cost was $1.  Could be a little more if I didn't already have some of these basic supplies.

          Materials used:

• $1 wooden plaque from Walmart
• Tape Measure (on hand)
• School Glue (on hand)
• Paint Brush (on hand)
• Paint (on hand)
• Computer/Printer/Paper (on hand)
• Clear Sealer (on hand)
• Sandpaper (on hand)
• Soda Can Tab or Ribbon or whatever you would like to hang it with 
• Hot Glue Gun (on hand)

I started by painting the edges of my plaque white with a free sample of paint I received a while back from Glidden.  I didn't worry about getting it perfect because only the edges would show. 

 After it was dry, I measured the sides to get the proper length and width for my image.  I probably should've done that first but I kinda did this on a whim.  I set my image to the size I needed or at least pretty close. 

I printed my image then sprayed all over it with clear sealer  so the colors wouldn't run.  I waited patiently for that to dry and then got out my glue. 



 I mixed glue and water to make my own Mod Podge. 

I painted the glue mixture onto the face of my plaque and carefully laid down my image, smoothing away any bubbles.  (It is ok if you still have a little bit of bubbles, they will go down.)   

Then, I painted the glue onto the front of the image.   
After that dried, I sprayed another coat of sealer over that.  You could do a few layers of the glue but I think mine is adhered pretty well.  Once the sealer has dried, I just sanded lightly around the edges to distress it a bit.  Then, I hotglued a can tab to the back to hang it with.  You could also use ribbon or whatever you have on hand.   

Ready to hang!





I am pretty satisfied with the way this turned out!  I love the image of the woman in the kitchen.  She just seems so happy with her work-I need that kind of inspiration! 

I made another to go in my laundry room.  This one is not on a plaque but an old picture frame backing.  I added some vintage buttons and a clotheshanger to it and hung it with some jute.  I enjoy these with the maids but you could use this same method with any sort of image-maybe in a child's room with their favorite character or their name or something cute for your bathroom.  The possibilities are endless and it's cheap and fun decorating!

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