Craft: Mod-Podging

Art can be found in any old beaten down piece of junk you stumble across. 

A few days ago, Luke and I detoured from our road trip up north to make a stop at the Olde Plow Shoppe (an antique store) in Bonduel. A decrepit old red brick building, it was impossible for us to pass up. Inside, we met Dennis and Barbara, a lovely old couple who have run the place nearly their entire lives and wish to sell the place to some young, enthusiastic family-oriented couple. 

Dennis, like the majority of these type of shop owners, showed us into the back room, a room he claimed was full of treasures. And that it was. Rusty oil cans, run down wood signs, and big metal hooks covered every square inch of space. To the right person, these things are the biggest treasures of all. 

On my way back out, having not seen much to catch my eye, I spot an old worn vertical sign that reads "Antiques", even though it was hardly visible. I asked Dennis how much, because I saw a definite project in the making. He then proceeded to tell me, "Ah, you're one of those people that sees the art in things." He gave it to me for a mere $3. 

Today, that sign was my project. I repainted the letters on it last night, but I left the rain washed paint as it was, because it adds so much character to the piece. But after I painted on the letters, I thought they looked too new compared to the rest of the sign. So I took some large grain sandpaper and kind of wore down the letters a little bit to make them look more aged. 

Now, I am probably worlds biggest fan of Mod Podge. 

The only place I know to buy it is Hobby Lobby, but then again, I've never looked anywhere else. But man, this stuff is a miracle worker. Careful to not chip off any more paint than was already missing, I liberally coated my sign with it, hopefully sealing off any more damage to the paint and/or wood. I personally would recommend using a sponge brush to reduce the streakiness of the glaze. The Mod Podge also comes in gloss and semi-gloss I believe, but I prefer the matte. 

Honestly, I'm undecided on what I'm going to do with it yet, but my end result pleased me greatly. 

The lesson to be learned here today? Don't discount anything as art. If you keep an open heart and an open mind, you can find the beauty in just about anything, whether it be a rustic old sign or a lovely elderly couple.