Upcycled Floor Boards

I recently visited The Upcycle Exchange here in St Louis and came across these left over floorboards. {The Upcycle Exchange is exactly what it sounds like, you bring any leftover materials and purchase someone else's leftovers.} I wasn't sure what I would do with them but I thought they were interesting. The idea finally came to me. You can do something similar or even just a wood transfer if you don't feel like painting.

Materials:
Leftover floorboards ~ $5 from The Upcycle Exchange
Picture frame ~ $10 from a thrift shop {38.5" x 26.5"}
1" x 4" ~ leftover from another project
1" screws ~ on hand
Picture hanger
Paint or Image Transfer

Start with any leftover floorboards. My pieces measure 3.25" {3.5" with the tongue} wide and each piece was between 13.5" and 14" long. This is why I staggered the look a little.

I arranged the pieces based on their length, their tones {they varied slightly from piece to piece} and decided which side should face front.

I wanted a little extra strength so I lined the tongue of the boards with wood glue before placing them in the grooves. To make sure there was a snug fit I tapped the boards with a rubber mallet.

All the boards are ready to go! Final measurement was 28" x 15"

On the backside you'll attached the 1" x 4" board. Even though you've used some wood glue you'll want something a little more secure holding the pieces together. I didn't want this board to show on the edge so I took off about 2" on each side. The length of my 1" x 4" board was 24".

I countersunk my screws so they wouldn't rub against the wall. If you don't have a countersinking drill bit {I don't} then drill a hole that will fit your screw as you normally would. Then grab a bigger bit, one closer to the size of your screw head and drill a hole no more than a 1/4" into the hole. Hmmm.... may need to do a tutorial on that one.

Finally attached picture hangers. I went with some I already had on hand.

Now the REALLY fun part! Designing! First I designed an image on the computer. This step is up to you whether you want to paint, stencil or use an image transfer {see step-by-step directions on my Transfer Images to Wood Tutorial}. I wanted something custom.... a way to start celebrating my new name! {Down to 120 days until the BIG DAY!}

Scribble in pencil on the backside of your image and use a pencil to trace the words onto the boards.

The graphite will transfer onto the woods and you'll see a light outline.

Next I started painting within my lines.

While your image is drying grab your other frame. I just wanted the frame so I removed the picture and glass piece that were in the frame when I purchased it from the thrift store. Center both pieces on your wall and you're done!

Thanks for stopping by!
Becca

Linking up with: I Should Be Mopping the Floors, Craft-O-Maniac, Salt Tree, Knick of Time, Coastal Charm, Not JUST a Housewife, Tip Junkie, Savvy Southern Style, Faded Charm Cottage, Restore Interiors, DIY Showoff, Primp Junktion, The Thrifty Home, My Girlish Whims, Embracing Change, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The Brambleberry Cottage, Beyond The Picket Fence, The 36th Avenue, French Country Cottage, Common Ground, Redoux, Shabby Art Boutique, Funky Junk Interiors.