Everywhere I look, I’ve been seeing these gorgeous metal rusted letters and have been dying for some of my own. But I wasn’t about to spend $20 a pop or more on one letter!
So I hopped over to my favorite craft store (I’m biased because my mom gets a good employee discount 😉 ) Joann Fabrics and ran to their wood letter section to snatch up 3 letters at $6 a piece!
To get the right look for the rustic galvanized metal, I purchased 2 bottles (but only used 1) of Martha Stewart paint in Brushed Pewter.
Now you may be asking, Kristina, why is there cinnamon in that picture with your painting supplies? Well young Padawan, that is for the rust!
Saw whaaaaa?! I know, bear with me here.
To create the least amount of mess in your kitchen (and to prevent everyone in your house from thinking you are baking something delicious) I’d suggest taking this outside.
The process for this couldn’t be simpler (you know me, I like easy DIYs!) paint on a layer of the paint onto your letters, and while they’re still wet, sprinkle on the cinnamon! I kept the bottle super close to the letter and only did it around the edges.
I used a second smaller brush to brush the cinnamon around more evenly. Some cinnamon got onto areas that I didn’t like, so I just painted over that area, which resulted in giving the paint a textured look, too!
Once the paint is all dry, I flipped the letters up and tapped them onto the cardboard box I was working on to remove all of the extra cinnamon.
Add more or paint over more as needed.
Once I loved the look, I sprayed a light layer of Polyurethane onto the letters, which sealed them and gave the cinnamon a dark rust look.
Last but not least, add some tap on hanging hooks to the back, and hang them up!
I am mad crushing on these letters, and love the look they give my blank kitchen wall! Now I just need to find something else to go along with them, they look so lonely all by themselves.
Linking Up With:
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Be sure to link up with me at the Talented Tuesday Link Party every Tuesday @ 9am Central here on the blog!
These looks awesome! Great job! I am pinning this one for sure.
JEn recently posted…Framed maps mark where we used to live
Thanks so much, Jen!
I had trouble with the directions. Did you spray paint the letters or did you brush on? I like the finished product. When the weather gets a little nicer here, I am going to do numerals to make a clock that we are putting on a tree trunk. Only one part of the tree was dying so we took that part off, and now we have a trunk that is sloped enough we can simulate a clock, it will be visible from the street. Would love to be able to follow your directions.
I used a brush and painted on the Martha Stewart paint, then while it was wet I sprinkled on the cinnamon.
You could always spray paint the letters if you find the right color paint.
That sounds like a great idea! We are cutting a tree down in our backyard soon, so I may borrow that idea 😉
Love your letters, what could be easier to do for fantastic finish. My kind of project. Lucky you getting discounts with Mom working at JoAnn’s. Gotta get some of these babies real soon. Will go look. Not too bad for each letter. I’ll have to go back up to find out what size letters you bought. Love this and process you used. Smart gal. Enjoy those great letters.
Happy week
I think the size were 12″, but you could do any size you like, I’ve even seen them done with the paper mache letters (although they are smaller than the wood ones).
Thanks for stopping by!
These are sooo good! Seriously, so darn clever!
Thanks so much, Karen!
Stopping by to show the love from the http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/ linky party!
I love these letters! I’ve been wanting to make some for our Youth Group room! Thanks for sharing!
Creatively Homespun recently posted…LOVE
Thanks for stopping by!
Amazing!!! who coulda woulda thought that Cinnamon was part of the mix! L~O~V~E them…Smiles.Cindy
Cindy Trobaugh recently posted…My Valentines Day Decor = Simple and Thrifty
Thanks so much, Cindy! I saw the idea for it forever ago somewhere on Google, and it has been on my mind ever since!
These are amazing! So creative with the cinnamon! Love it. Pinned!
Amanda recently posted…Merry Monday Link Party #40
Thanks for the pin, Amanda!
Hello! Found you via Motivational Monday! I love this rustic feel to the letters. You did a great DIY job, so very different.
Tania recently posted…Real Wedding: Anne-Renée + Lee | An Intimate & Fabulous Country Wedding in Pendleton, ON
Thank you, Tania!
I just love this Kristina! I totally want to make it for my kitchen!!
Sydney @Tastefully Frugal recently posted…Teacher Gift Idea with FREE Printables
Thanks so much, Sydney! Post pics if you do make them!
These are fabulous, I love how they turned out. Great tutorial too. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life recently posted…255th Inspire Me Tuesday
Thank you, Marty! I absolutely love them
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing this fabulous tutorial. You made it so easy to follow and understand. I’m amazed that these started out as wood letters…..would have never guessed
Pinned…thanks for sharing!!
Thanks so much, Mel! It is amazing what the right paint and techniques can do to transform something, isn’t it?
VERY cool!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!!!
Thanks, Gina!
I just wanted to let you know that you are my nominee for the MEGA Rockstar from Creativity Unleashed Week 55! I am in love with your creative genius that led you to use cinnamon of all things to create the rusted effect on your letters! Bravo!
Be sure to come vote for yourself {and tell all your friends!} at http://www.thediyvillage.com/2015/02/creativity-unleashed-linky-party-no-56.html
If you win, all the host(s) will be sharing your project and loving you hard on Pinterest!
Jacque @ The DIY Village recently posted…Creativity Unleashed Linky Party No. 56
Oh my gosh, Thank you SO much Jacque!
I will be sure to stop by and let my friends know to vote, too.
These are awesome!! Love them- thanks for sharing them at Work it Wednesday. Featuring you this week!!
~Krista from the happy housie
Krista @ the happy housie recently posted…20 Fabulous Neutral Decor Ideas & Projects {DIY Challenge Features}
Ah! Thanks for the feature, Krista! 😀
These letters turned out awesome and that cinnamon trick is genius! Thanks for sharing at The Makers!
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures recently posted…The Makers Link Party #52
Thanks for stopping by, Katie!
These look so fabulous! The cinnamon trick is just genius and something I would never have thought of, but wow the finish is so realistic! Great job
Jesica recently posted…Date Night At Home: Cornish Game Hen Recipe
Thanks so much, Jesica!
May I just say, that this is brilliant? Would never have thought of cinnamon! LOVE THEM!!
Lynn @ Riggstown Road recently posted…It’s-a-Girl Pink Pom Pom Wreath Tutorial
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AHH You are my hero! I’m so with you on wanting some metal letters, but totally not willing to pay. These look so cool!
Rebekah // Charming Imperfections recently posted…Super Handy Picmonkey Tricks I Use Every Time
Thanks so much, Rebekah! I totally agree about not wanting to pay the price for real metal letters.