Did you get the latest Ballard Designs catalog? You do get that right? Oh my gosh…it is chock full of inspiration. If you don’t get it and you would like to click here to sign up. Of course I would never purchase anything from the catalog because I am too cheap. However, I use it to get ideas of color combinations, tablescapes, wall decor and furniture arrangement.
For those of you who get the magazine go to page 5 of the current issue (the one with the 13 favorite things from House Beautiful). In the far right corner what do you see? Not the Wellington Bench. No, not the Planter Beligique. All though those are both stunning also. Look at letter E. Yep, that is it… the Acanthus Cut-Out Plaque. Isn’t is gorgeous? I looooove it. Did you see the price tag? I haaaaate it. So what does one do?
Recreate it of course for 3.54% of the price (yes I am a math nerd)!
For those of you who don’t get the catalog…here is a picture.
This one is made out of tole metal. Unfortunately I am not a metal fabricator, nor do I have the supplies to be one. However, I do have some wood and a scroll saw. So here is what I did…
1. I got a piece of 1/4″ luan plywood cut to the size of 24″ x 36″. Note: The one in the catalog is 27″x40″ but I needed it a tad smaller to go with my decor.
2. Then using a pencil and my catalog for inspiration I drew the design on the wood.
3. Next I got out my electric drill and using a large bit I cut holes into each of the scrolling vines as a starting point for my drill.
4. Then I took a jigsaw and using a scroll blade I followed the lines and cut out my pattern. There were a few pieces that broke off that I had to use wood glue and wood putty to fix. Then I sanded them down smooth.
5. Then I got my Dremel tool with a sanding bit and sanded down the cuts to make them smooth.
6. I wanted to cover some of the blemishes give the piece some texture. So I thought and thought about how to give it a little texture with the supplies I had on hand. Hmmmm….how about Mod Podge? So I went and got a test piece of wood and a sponge and pounced Mod Podge all over it.
I liked it…
8. Then I cut molding to frame it out, painting that also.
And now my family room is complete…stay tuned for the reveal tomorrow.
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That turned out great! I love the results and can't wait to see the big reveal! 🙂
Wowza! I love it! It looks great! So how long did it take you to do that? Not to mention that you did great on "copying" the design free-hand.
I get Ballard Designs and love their stuff/hate their prices too. About 10 years ago I wanted 2 big canvases with pears on them (but was not willing to pay the $550 for both.) I still have my "versions" to this day. I bet you'll have these for a long time. They are beautiful and I can't wait to see the reveal.
(Holy Pajamas? Really?)
🙂
I really like this. I am thinking that I want three LOL. Do you live near TN 😉
I really like this. I am thinking that I want three LOL. Do you live near TN 😉
wowza! That looks amazing. You did a great job free=handing that scrolly design. Love it. Love it. Love it. I might possibly be scared of our jig saw, but if you can do it…… I'll think about it.
You are SO amazing ! It's such a pleasure to read it and see how things turn so beautiful ! You have magical hands and I wish I could be that talented 😉
Is there any thing you CAN"T do, holy cow ! You are amazing!
That is WONDERFUL! The 2 Ballard outlets stores are near me but I've never been to them. Even at 40% – 70% off, it's too expensive for my budget or DIY nature. I however don't have much of a decorating eye. I can't wait until tomorrow!
I can see where your cute lamp shade is working into this room decor… amazing! You have such patience with crafting dilemmas – I would have scrapped the whole thing when the wood broke, but you pain-stakenly mended it with wood putty and sanding – noone would ever know it wasn't purchased at a world-flair store. I'm going to have to order that catalogue to get me some decorating ideas and "inspiration" – ha! By the way, Chris announced at church that Q and Laura K. are stepping out of kids ministries at SVC – just thought you'd be interested… Q and Annie are starting their own church in Vancouver…
Holy shmokes I Love those! And you're good with a scroll saw! I think mine would have to have big circles 🙂 I'm not that good!
Ok. If I could give an award for most talented, you would have it! That is amazing! You know, you could sell those? I would totally buy one!
Holy pajamas is right! Wow, Beckie, you outdid yourself on this one. Really, really nice. I'm gonna have to get that magazine for sure.
Macey
who rocks the house? bekcie rocks the house and when beckie rocks the house she rocks it ALL THE WAY DOWN!
Love this!! You have me inspired to do something like this too! I love a good bargain and you definetly did just that!!
Hugs,
~Victoria~
Wait a minute… how many hours and hours did it take you to draw that? And how many more hours and hours did it take to cut it out? *giggle* Do I sound ADD? I am not, really. I just canNOT imagine setting myself up to do THAT. You are amazing! You did a great job!
Awesome.
You never cease to amaze me.
BTW, I'm still waiting for some art to appear on your site.
I can't wait to see the big reveal!
xo
Chrissie
Very well done!
Beautiful! I want one too! Guess I need a scroll saw…oh hubby! =) You did such a wonderful job, little broken pieces and all!
Fabulous! YOU are a power tool diva!! I love it!! 🙂
Fabulous! YOU are a power tool diva!! I love it!! 🙂
Fabulous! YOU are a power tool diva!! I love it!! 🙂
BECKIE!! AMAZING!! I'm linking to this fo sho!! WOW!!
You have impressed me many times…this still shocks me though! I would never have thought I could do something like that! Love it! Maybe because I just bought a couple similar to that at Hobby Lobby! Great job! Looks great over your couch with the others!!
How much can I pay you to make me one? 🙂 I am so un-crafty. I try to be, I really do, but I can't even sew on a button or draw a stick person. Tear.I'm so impressed…
You did it! It turned out great! Looking forward to the full reveal!
~Sherrie
I think I've told you this before, but you never cease to amaze me!
love it, can't wait to see the rest.
Ok now! THAT is snazzy!! Looks great in the middle of the other matching wall hangings!
Good job!! Wowzer!
Mom
That is amazing and beautiful. You are so talented!
I'm so impressed…I wish I had some of your talent!
Beckie,
I expect nothing less from you. Great idea! So when are you opening your decorating shop? You'll put Ballards out of business. LOL
Cheri
Holy cow…that is amazing girl. I love the fabric too. Where did you get it?
Great job as usual,
Brandy 🙂
Oh dear. I absolutely LOVE this. You are the first I've ever seen to use the MP to texture. Will you please let me post this one too. You rock!
I beg you. 😀
WOW! You are so creative and resourceful…I'm so, so impressed! I'll be linking.
LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Looks so much better than covering the canvas. I can't wait to see it in person when I come steal veggies!! Hehe
Incredible, Beckie! Have you done a post on the tools and accessories you own? I would love a list. You never cease to amaze me with your creativity!
very cool! Love it! Jen
Had to come back and say congratulations for making the daily DIY at One Pretty Thing!
so great! Once again, Beckie is queen project girl!
Wow, you are awesome!! New to your blog. I'll be back for sure!!
Ahhh! I said I was going to bed! But I love it! Always love it when I look thru the catalog but holy pajamas you scored big with you design on a dime!
Wow! I am VERY impressed! You just might have inspired me to pick up my husbands tools and make something for myself!
They are outstanding. Excellent job. I am in awe.
Girlfriend! I'm speechless! LUV it!
This is quite fabulous! And you are very talented! Way to turn inspiration into reality. 🙂
Sigh…
don't ever come to my house and hate…
Because half our stuff is from Ballard's.
You know I don't do crafty. I do "get out my credit card and purchase."
I stimulate the economy. Amen.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Off to Home Depot to get a few supplies. You just saved me a bunch of money & some squabbling with the DH over what to put over the new fireplace mantel. He was set to spend $500. I wanted to spend $10. You are saving marriages, one Acanthus Plaque at a time!
This is the first time on your site & I think you & I are long-lost twins. 🙂
Mental note: must move jigsaw up on my list of tools to buy.
Fabulous!
wow!
Wow that is awesome! I wish I had the patience for something like that! That is amazing!
It looks fantastic! Great job!
Man, girl you got it going on – creative as I will get !
Hugs ~ Kammy
You are amazing! Tell me more about the wood. Where did you get it? I am trying to find a wooden surface for my art – instead of canvas. I thought I could maybe make a large wooden 'tray type' thing and paint on the back to hang on a wall with some depth. Any ideas, "Idea Lady?" Thanks!
Gorgeous! Great idea.
I don't know if track-backs automatically show up for you, but I wanted to let you know I included this project in a musing about Ballard Designs today.
http://stylestruggler.blogspot.com/2009/07/flirting-with-ballard.html
Thanks for the inspiration!
so very cute!!!!I love ballards design!!
This is one of the most brilliant ideas I've ever seen. I too have drooled over the exact scroll artwork out of Ballard Designs but not been able to afford them. Thank you for your inspiration! Love it!
thanks for entering my party!
what a great idea!
One thing though, make sure you LINK BACK.
Wow! That turned out amazing! That's my kind of project – one that looks like a million bucks but costs just a few! Great job!
Wow, nice! You should make and sell, as that would be quite the profit margin!
-Robin
http://www.robingillis.blogspot.com
Wow! Outstanding! You are a talented woman!
Happy SITS Day!!
Wow! I am totally in awe!!
Happy SITS day!!
I Looooooove it! Great job and congrats on being the featured SITS.
Wow! That's awesome!
I like to look at catalogs for my interior design ideas too. Then I go to the dollar store and buy all the pieces to put things together!
Gorgeous! Love it. Happy SITS day and I have to say taht "holy pajamas" may be one of the funniest quotes I have heard in a while. Thanks for the laugh!
Brilliant! That turned out great.
Gaw-geous!
I've been lusting for those panels since I got the summer catalog. But 1) I have no talent, and 2) I have no tools. Maybe I can get my BIL to make it for me. Or lend me his workspace….
I love how you hung it with the other panels on either side.
Wow, you're very talented! I don't know if I'd have the patience but then, with that amount of saving, I'd be willing to give it a go! x
Wow, that is so impressive!! I haven't seen the Ballard catalog before, but I am so signing up. I've seen their magazine ads, and their stuff is pretty, and I always love flipping through a good design magazine/catalog. Too bad I don't have your skills to make some killer faux creations!
Really enjoyed this. I just love people as talented and industrious as you. REally nice work!
Mathy,Techy Artsy Fartsy
HOLY PAJAMAS IS RIGHT!!! Great JOB!
I may just have to follow you now…
HOLY PAJAMAS IS RIGHT!!! Great JOB!
I may just have to follow you now…
Wow! That is pretty impressive. Looks fabulous. I'm enjoying my visit on your SITS Day.
I so love it!! Great step by step too!
Thank you for sharing your creativity!
Infarrantly PATIENT!
And well worth it.
I LOVE it when SITS recognizes a blogger I already know/read.
It's like affirmation of my good taste.
Then YOUR FB day becomes a little bit about ME.
Ahh…me.
JK
Congrats today. Your blog rocks. I already knew that. =)
Happy SITS Day! I love Ballards too but I love that you made your own thing just from looking at the catalog! Awesome! I will be back I have the interior design bug and I am always looking for new ideas. Oh and I and I love Modge Podge too!lol
Cara
Cara&Jenn
forwardmom.blogspot.com
LOVE this! And it turned out fantabulously.
I love looking through catalogs then trying to do copy what I cannot afford. Plus, they are just seriously inspirational when you're remodeling.
Handy! Also, I think that holy pajamas shall become my new exclamation of choice.
You are magical. That's all there is to it.
Congrats on your SITS day!
Wow once again (sorry I read your three blog posts in reverse ;)!! I am now following you to see what other amazing things you come up with (and go back into your archives as well). Thanks for sharing your amazing talent and once again, Happy SITS day 🙂
Ok. Now this is my favorite. My blackberry is going nuts loading all of the pics. Could it be that I keep pushing buttons impatiently? Honestly this is wonderful. You are truly gifted. Either you need a show on HGTV or I just gotta visit daily. Addicted already. Congrats on your SITS day! Going to read the next fav post!
Cristina
Wow! you reign supreme!!!! Great job!
sweetjeanette.blogspot.com
I just love saving $200+ on projects! You have amazing patience to cut out that intricate design 🙂 Beautiful!
WOW what more can I say??!!
Happy SITS day!
Seriously Girl!!!
You got a gift…Go on with your bad self!!!
Truly, Mrs gifted
So, how did you do that? No, I know that you have instructions for the lamp – I mean, become my hero in a morning!!
This is AWESOME! I love the lamp. I WANT ONE!!!!
Happy SITS day. On to read other posts of yours because I am addicted!
Cristina
So…yea, this IS beautiful, this IS inspiring, this IS a money saver … but I would never be able to pull it off lol. Kudos to you though.
You are amazing! Very creative.
Happy SITS day Sitsta!
I love when you can recreate something from a catalog!
Great job!
Awesome project! And so good for someone on a budget.
You've got real talent.
Looks great!
Stopping in from SITS!
Wow, that looks fabulous!
WOW that looks pretty darn amazing
stopping by from SITS
This is awesome! Love it!!!
Stopping by from SITS to say hello.
http://talkinwithteenie.blogspot.com
WOWZERS. That is absolutely amazing! Why can't my brain think out of the box like this??
WOW! That's amazing! You are so talented. I wish I were anything like you! 🙂
Congrats on your SITS day. I can see why you were picked. You're witty, creative, sooo talented! You're my kind o' crafter. Love your philosophy! This project turned out way better than the costly one at Ballard. Can't wait to read your next post…
Jenn @ Rook No. 17
Wow..came out great…but I dont have tools like that or a place to use them. Wish I did… Cant wait for the next project..Im going back for more!!
Laura
mybde.blogspot.com
You are amazing with all your tools and know-how! My dad could do things like that too. He'd see something in a catalog and then would make something just as good or better. He would have loved your blog!
That looks just like the metal one, wow! I love how creative you are. Maybe you'll inspire me. Happy Sits day!
SARAH JESSICA PARKER! That is way cool.
Holy Pajamas! LOL! You are too funny:)
I'm the same way…I'm inspired by what I see, and yet not inspired to open up my wallet and dish out the big bucks for something I can re-create!
Keep on keeping on…You rule!
You are my hero. This is beautiful. Who doesn't love a woman with a saw?
I'm completely impressed. You have skills, baby!
I love it!
AMAZING, I am so impressed I can't stand it. I would of looked at that and said, that is nice and turned the page. Can't wait to read more of what you can do!!
That's amazing! You freehanded that? I can't draw stick figures. Well done!
Happy SITS day!
Congrats on being the FB today! Loved the plaque, but I would have been out right when you said, 'I DREW the design…" I couldn't have managed even that much creativity, but I envy you immensely! Your stuff is gorgeous! Oh, and super cute blog, too!
wow that's amazing – I never thought of that!
I love this! Great DIY!
Love a gal who's not afraid to break out the power tools!
Blessings,
LMM
wow great job. its gorgeous but looks hard to do
Wow! Great job. Very nicely done!
Happy SITS Day!
Boy you ARE crafty! Happy SITS FB day!
Nice. love the tutorials. I learn but never do.
I was thinking that you could copy the page then blow it up or use an old overhead projector for the pattern. My drawing skills aren't that great.
Happy SITS day.
I love that! Awesome job! come to my house next.
Wow, that's amazing! I don't have the tools or the skills… but it's inspiring just the same. I'm now trying to picture in my mind what I COULD do to my own space…
Happy SITS day!
wow that is cool. I am amazed you can just draw out a pattern like that. It turned out lovely!
Great job.
Happy SITS day!
OK it cost you nine dollars… for me it would be $9 plus a jigsaw, plus those other tools, plus a trip to the ER for injuring myself with the tools, plus the multiple holes in the wall when I tried to hang it on a non-stud and…
Oh golly.
Looks good on YOU though!! 😉
That is awesome! Do you love the smell of possibility in Home Depot as well? Where do you find the best deals on your supplies – the Mod Podge and frilly things?
Happy SITS day and love your blog. I.Must.Follow.Now
My best, Lynn :o)
What a wonderful idea! And so beautiful too!
Holy pajamas, indeed. That is absolutely gorgeous and you are so deserving of your SITS Day. Congratulations. I am a brand new follower and super excited to see more good stuff. Super excited!
I'm hangin' on to my PJ's and telling you, that looks fantastic!
Just gorgeous! I will admit, however, that I AM a "metal person," so I would probably end up doing this much, much smaller, and in copper!
Holy Pajamas (love it) that is stunning!
How exciting. 🙂 gotta love when being crafty saves money. 🙂
have a great day!
Visiting from SITS! Great job! I love your enthusiasim!
Hope you are having a great SITS day! That project is FANTASTIC!!!!! I love cool design and despise big price tags too.
Holly @ 504 Main
It looks great!….
And I'm with you on the whole Ballard's thing…….as far as the knick knacks go……way too over priced. But I do shop their furniture because I am oh so cheep. I have bought some well built great pieces from them way cheaper that Eathen Allen (and the other big names). I just bought an indoor/outdoor area rug (7×10), 2 door mats and a (2×8) runner for my mudroom, all for 168.00 🙂
But you know their fancy framed fabric bulletin boards? I made my own saving myself well over 200 a piece. Just the shipping alone would have been too much for them.
🙂
Hi, happy SITS day! You are amazing. I inherited my dad's jigsaw, but is still at my mom's house. It looks like I'll be making a trip over there. I'm pretty sure I'll need to do a practice (or two)! Wonderful work!
Those turned out great! Ballard Designs is one of my favorite catalogs!! Enjoy your SITS day!
Amazing stuff!! You are so talented and creative!! Love your stuff. Hi From SiTS.
http://shaunellshair.blogspot.com
Holy cow. Now that's talent. Simply amazing! Thanks for letting me come by from SITS and drool!
All I can say is wow. Of course, I don't own a drill nor a one of those saw thingys but you did an awesome job. Enjoy your SITS days.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Ok…I am so impressed. You might inspire me lots.
Wow! You've done some amazing artwork here!
Amazing! That would look so awesome in my bedroom! I love it! I wish I were that talented.
That is so amazing! I love when women use power tools! I can't wait to see all the awesome stuff you give tutorials on!!
ok ok I am going to spill the real truth! I have had little to zero interest in crafting, creating, or saving in a loooong time- I KNOW~ bad me. I expected to come here and be bored and compliant with posting blog support… but WOW you really sparked my imagination and creativity. Thanks 🙂
That's gorgeous!
I love DIY stuff!!! This is amazing.
I am going to follow you now…as Im inspired!
Hope you had a great SITS day!!
http://thelittlegoat.com
Wow! I am always complaining that I don't have the money to buy the fancy things I see in catalogs and I certainly don't have the creativity to come up with something myself.
I will definitely become a follower so I can "borrow" your ideas.
Happy SITS day!
I do get Ballard Designs and love many things. The prices on the other hand, not so much. I have to say, you did an AMAZING job on that piece. I am new to the DIY world and always looking for ideas and inspirations. You have definitely cught my attention.
Wow, this looks so great! Do you mind telling me what a faux medium is? Ha ha
Thanks!
This is ridiculously impressive! Nice job! And it looks perfect on your wall! :]
That is amazing. I love your power tool skills, they are mad!!!
I am ohsoexcited! I saw this when you posted it back iN JUNE! bookmarked it then and keep coming back to dream about it. Today I was at Orange & I checked their mark down rack. What did I find but a 4 X 4 sheet of luan plywood for $2.01. It had about 8" of water damage on one side. I got them to cut that off and cut the piece to 24 X 38. Now to work it with tools
I love this. I have seen these in the Ballards catalog and really like them. You have inspired me to make them now. You did a beautiful job –
Beckie that is amazing!! Feel free to bring that talent of yours (and tools of course) to spruce up my home any time! 🙂
Where does one find a scroll blade for a jig saw? That opens up so many possiblities!
Love how it turned out and so impressed with the idea of trying out a jigsaw! But thinking since it’s textured and painted, what about trying foam core board and a super sharp fine point xacto knife? I’m so trying this! Thank you for the inspiration!
That might work too. If you try it let me know.