Altered Wall Plaque

Supply list:

• item to alter (I used an unfinished plaque from a major discount store.)
• sandpaper
• acrylic paint
• patterned paper (I used a line by Imagination Project.)
• adhesive of choice (I used Memory Mount.)
• unfinished letters for personalization
• clear sealer
• exacto knife

In making this project, using an unfinished wood plaque simplifies the process. However items from flea markets and thrift stores can also be recycled for this purpose. Those items will take a bit longer to prepare for the paint but the process is exactly the same.

The first step is to remove all tags from the item. Next use sandpaper to smooth the surfaces. If a recycled wall plaque is being used, the sanding process may take longer. The original surface does not have to be completely removed but it should be roughened enough to take the slick finish away so the paint will adhere in the next step. Emery boards are wonderful to get into tight areas. They worked perfectly to smooth the edges of the letters.

Choose acrylic paint in colors that match the patterned paper, and paint the back of the wall plaque and also the edges that will not be covered by the paper. I apply two coats with a sponge brush and allow the paint to dry thoroughly in between layers.

Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of adhesive using an old gift card (these along with the promotional credit cards from junk mail work really well). Attach the patterned paper. I generally weight the item down with a couple of big books and allow it to dry completely before using an exacto knife to trim around the edges. Occasionally, I take small nicks out of the paint but they can be touched up with a small paintbrush. The same process is used to attach the paper to the wooden letters and to attach the letters to the plaque itself.

The final step is to apply a clear sealer over the surfaces of the wall plaque to protect the papers used. I used a matte spray by Liquitex for this project. Now all I have to do is hang it inside the door to my classroom. I made it to hang my student hall pass and school keys. They are the two things that most often get buried on my desk. I need to make another one now for home to put my car keys on. This project would also be perfect in a girl's room. It could be personalized with her name and used to hang her favorite jewelry.

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