Beauty Hidden in a Scrap Pile

Ideas for painting on wood are endless!

One of my favorite places to "shop" doesn't cost me a penny.

My son is building a house, and every so often he brings me pieces of leftover wood that would otherwise be thrown away, even though it's of good quality. To most people, they're just scraps, but to me they are blank canvases waiting for a purpose.

Blank canvases!

Before I every pick up a paintbrush, I spend a few minutes looking at each piece of wood. I turn it this way and that, studying its shape and size. As I do this, ideas begin to form in my mind. A tall, narrow board might be a sunflower. A wide board might become an old barn, a patriotic flag, or a winter scene. A small square could hold a cheerful snowman, a pumpkin, or a favorite Bible verse. It's amazing how one simple scrap piece of wood can spark so many possibilities.

Once I have an idea, my husband cuts the board to the size I want, and sands the edges until they're smooth. Sometimes all he has to do is sand, because it's already the perfect size.

After the wood piece has been sanded, I then decide to stain it or give it the look of a stain. For easy clean up, I use either a water based stain, or I make my own "stain" by mixing acrylic paint with water. The pieces in the above picture have burnt umber acrylic paint "stain" applied to them. I apply with a brush or rag, which allows the beautiful wood grain to show through, giving it a warm, rustic look.

When the stain has dried, I am ready to add my design using acrylic paint. Sometimes I have a stencil to use, which involves a dabbing technique with a sponge or stencil brush. (I will explain this in a future blog.) Sometimes I just sketch my own design with a pencil. Another idea is to transfer a design using graphite paper. There are no rules here, it's whatever works at the time. Flowers, barns, pumpkins, Christmas scenes, inspirational words, the possibilities are endless!

One thing I've noticed is that wood is very thirsty. It absorbs the paint more quickly than a canvas, so the paint dries faster. This is fine with me, because I don't have to wait long before adding another color or layer.

When I have finished painting, I let the piece dry for at least 24 hours. Then I spray it with a matt or satin clear coat I buy from Walmart.

I have become addicted to painting on wood, maybe because it is so available lately! These pieces look wonderful displayed on a shelf, mantel, table top, or tucked into a seasonal display. They make charming decorations and thoughtful handmade gifts.

One of the things I most enjoy about painting on wood is that every project has its own personality. The shape of the board often inspires the painting instead of the other way around. Rather than forcing an idea on wood, I let the wood suggest what it wants to become.

I think our lives are a little like that. God has a way of seeing possibilities where everyone else sees leftovers. We may look at ourselves and see our mistakes and failures. But God sees a masterpiece in progress. He doesn't throw away the wood scraps. He sands, smooths, and creates something beautiful. And that's you.

The next time you have a chance to rescue an old piece of wood, don't overlook it. With a little sanding, a little paint and a little imagination, it might become your favorite project yet. It's very easy, and I hope you give it a try!

From my easel to yours,

Happy painting!

Vicky

PS Have you ever painted on wood instead of canvas? I would love to hear what you have created! Share in the comments!