2×4 Artwork
This month it is my turn to share a project for The Home Depot Gift Challenge. As you may remember, a group of bloggers, including us, purchase a selected item from The Home Depot and then use it to create a gift (which is also wrapped with a product from THD.) A few of our past projects were an Industrial Book Rack, a Wood Box Caddy, and a Pegboard Luminary. I found this month’s item extremely inspiring. So, I decided to take a plain wood board to a new level with this 2×4 artwork.
First, I cut slices off of this month’s chosen item, a 2×4, with a miter saw. Ah, power tools! Gotta love them.
Next, I used my mouse sander to smooth out the edges of every single wood piece.
I arranged each slice on the backing of an Ikea Ribba picture frame, measured and marked the outline of where the framing would land with a pencil. This way I knew where to make additional cuts so my design would fit in the frame.
Then, each slice was attached to the backing with Loctite 375 Pro Line Heavy Duty Adhesive.
After that, getting the color just right was a bit more work than anticipated. I stained the wood, sanded it, sanded it some more, gray washed it, sanded it, sanded it again and rubbed stain on it one more time. A lot, right?
But, it was all worth it in the end.
Finally, I printed out a mirror image of the word “hello” on white card stock and used an x-acto knife to carefully cut it out. I attached the letters with tape to the wood slice design. This way it can be easily changed is desired.
I love how this turned out. Who knew you could make such fun artwork from a 2×4?
Be sure to check out the other wonderful projects a part of The Home Depot Gift Challenge this month!
16 Comments
Roxanne
Very creative idea, love it!!
Emily
Thanks Roxanne! So glad you like it!
Kat@Home. Made. Interest.
I can’t tell you how much I like this. I want to go home tonight and make my own (I know, wild and crazy Friday night right?). Great idea!
Emily
Thanks so much Kat. (Hey, it’s exactly what I did last Friday night. Haha.)
Jen @ Fresh Crush
This is so creative!! Great work!
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness
Ok, this is my new favorite art. Who knew 2×4’s could look SO cool?! I love it!! You are seriously so creative. I want one in my house!! (And I do have some leftover 2×4…) :)
Lindi
I LOVE this!!! What a creative way to use that lumber!! Never ever would’ve thought to do this but it’s amazing! Also, that staining and sanding seemed like a lot of work! Lol
Shannon Churchill
What? This is such an awesome idea and I love, love, love how it turned out! It’s on my project list.:)
Shelly
This is sooo creative Emily! I never would have thought to use the ends like that! I love the brick pattern too!
Amy@HomeRemedies
So clever, Emily! I love the texture you created by using the ends of the 2×4 – such a fun piece of artwork! Now I know what to do with those leftover pieces from my project… :)
Carmody of Paper & Fox
I really love the texture you created with the 2 x 4”s. I would love to steal this idea and create an entire wall using the same idea. Love it!
Wanda
Ooooh an entire wall. That would be incredible to say the very least!
Cat @ therusticwillow
This is such a clever way to use a 2×4!! It turned out gorgeous.
Emily @ Table & Hearth
Not once did I even think of using the wood in slices! Smart girl :) Oh, and can you mail me one of these?!?
Sandra Allen
I love anything with wood. This however, was very impressive as your slices came out so perfect. Say what they will about plywood and 2 by 4’s, they have wonderful patterns.
When I burn wood, I see the rich tones and swirls. Your work is just amazing!!
Wanda
You definitely were thinking outside of the box. It’s gorgeous!