Stunning Swan
For about a year, I have kept a picture in my phone of a wooden sign with a painted swan. I found it at Coastal Living magazine’s website and have been intending to make my own version one day.
Well, today’s the day! I am so excited about my new completed project! I’m actually pretty giddy!
Having bought a piece of plywood at Restore for $1, I knew that it would be the perfect canvas for my sign. The plywood measured 36″x22″ and I left it that size.
I knew that I wanted my swan to be white with a black background. First, I painted the entire board white. Then I created a stencil using my trusty contact paper. I drew my swan by hand.
I basically used the swan as a reverse stencil. That way, the area around the stencil would be painted black. Once the stencil was on, I spray painted the entire board again using black spray paint.
I removed the contact paper and here’s the result…
Since plywood is such a plain wood and lets face it…unattractive, I decided to add a frame. I purchased some basic trim, mitered the pieces and nailed them onto the board. The corners and nail holes needed some wood filler to smooth out the lines and edges.
Finally, I had to paint the frame with a little more black paint…and she was perfect! I did use a sanding block on the entire surface to give it a worn, weathered look.
My sign is gorgeous above my fireplace. I have absolutely fallen in love with it!
I think it is a gorgeous combination of a primitive yet elegant piece of art. Now I’m just trying to figure out why I waited so long!
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Oh that is beyond stunning! I love it and yes…..why did you wait so long??!!
I know, right! Thanks for the compliment!
Leslie, that is gorgeous!!! It really turned out great. I do the same thing with projects I wait so long to do, but it’s great when you love the outcome no matter how long you waited to do the project.
Thank you so much! I totally agree!
I love the swan picture! You did a great job!
Thank you so much!
Leslie, this is gorgeous. With all the painted signs out there, I’ve never seen a swan and I’m loving it. Would like to invite you to share it at the All Star Block Party.
Thank you so much! I visited your blog and I’m all linked up to the party. Thanks for the invite!
SWOOOOOOOOOON! WOW girl you went over and above the call of copy here!~ It is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing with the copy cat party.
Thank you…and thanks for the invite!
OH my gosh that turned out amazing!! I LOVE IT! I don’t know why you waited so long either
I’m so glad you stopped by for a visit so I could find you. Love your blog! And looking forward to following along 
Oh and I’ve got a little party I’d like to invite you to while I’m at it, if you’d like to link up at another one
I’d love to have you! http://www.hubbymademe.com/throwback-thursday-no-12/
Thanks! I’ll have to stop by!
Love the swan with your autumn vignette….such a clever copycat!
Linking from Debbiedoos,
Ricki Jill
Thanks! I appreciate you stopping by!
Very impressed! It turned out great! I love your fireplace too!
Thank you so much! I really love it. My fireplace is one of my favorite things in the house.
Beautiful copy! Your painting looks fantastic above your fireplace. I love your fall decor too.
Thank you! I really like it there too. Glad you stopped by!
Truly awesome! Your version is wonderful and it looks great above the fireplace! You really did a great job! Isn’t it funny how we have ideas that can sit on the back burner and once we do them we are amazed and wonder why we didn’t get to it sooner!
So true! Thank you for the compliment and for visiting!
Love your Swan, it looks great! Visiting you from Debbiedoo’s Copy Cat Challenge. Great copy!!
Thank you so much! I’ll have to stop by and pay you a visit!
OMGOSH, GIRL…this just takes my breath away. I just HAVE to have one…..I am IN LOVE…you sure did a fabulous job on it.
What a fun party this is…:))
Thank you! I really appreciate that!
Gorgeous and it looks awesome over the fireplace!
Thank you! I really like it above the fireplace too. Glad you stopped by!
Great job. The perfect touch for your mantel. Thanks for sharing the reverse stencil. Need to try that. Blessings,
Audrey Z. http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
Great job Leslie … The perfect touch for your Fall mantel. So pretty. Thanks for sharing how to reverse stencil. I need to try that.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
Timeless Treasures
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words.
I’m so glad that I found you on DIY Dreamer! I absolutely love the swan over the fireplace. Awesome job!
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
Thanks! I have really fallen in love with it! Glad you stopped by for a peek!
How fabulous! The swan is absolutely gorgeous…great job!
Thanks Jessica! I really appreciate that! Glad you stopped by!
WOW! that is awesome!!! i love the shape, the style…. it’s just awesome. hopping over from vintage farmhouse.
Thank you Cassie!
Hi Leslie…you did a terrific job! I love swans and somehow to me they represent calmness and faithfulness which is a beautiful thing to have in a home…beautiful…thank you so much for sharing…xo Lucy
Thank you so much! I love them too. I have absolutely fallen in love with it!
This turned out so beautifully! Thanks for linking up at Create & Inspire!
Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
I love the contrast and it ties your entire mantle all together with the darker pots and light fixtures and white trim. Stunning!
Thank you! I thought the same thing.
Your swan looks great! Nicely done. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party.
Thank you and thanks for hosting!
WOW!!!!! This is AMAZING!!!! I LOVE the scale! Im obsessed with large scale art right now!! Thanks for linking up over at Design Thoughts
Thanks Kim!
Really beautiful! I’m impressed too that you drew it by hand!
Linda
Thank you Linda. I’ve always loved to draw.
And thank you so much for sharing at our spray paint link party!
Thank you for hosting! It was great fun!
It’s gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing!! Have a great week!
((Hugs))
Heather
Hi Leslie – I loved this sign so much I featured it as a favourite on the All Star Block Party! Head on over and grab your button!
I love love love your sign. It looks fab over the fireplace. Thanks for sharing on Tout It Tuesday! Hope to see you tomorrow.
Thank you so much! I will be there!
It looks beautiful! Great job.
Saw you linking at Fall in Love With Spray Paint Party.
Debbie
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!
Girl – you have been busy! Such a great project and I can’t believe you drew that swan freehand – gorgeous! And your technique is great also. Take care, Laura
Thank you Laura! I really love my swan!
You did a gorgeous job on this! You are so creative. I found you on the It All Started with Paint Linky Party. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Carrie! I’m so glad you stopped by!
It’s absolutely beautiful – definitely the perfect combo of rustic elegance!
Pinning – because you know I want one of my own!
Kelly
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage recently posted…How to Make the World’s Easiest Bird’s Nest (and Vintage Eggs)
Thank you Kelly! I love it. It’s one of my favorite pieces! Have a great week.
Leslie