July 24, 2011

Bus Roll/Subway Sign Project - Check

The Young Family Bus Roll

Step 1: My mom adding another gesso layer to large canvas.

Step 2: Layering cream, yellow and white on the canvas with a whisk brush for a linen affect.

Hard to see in photo, but the layered colors add more dimension
than the plain white background of an unfinished canvas.

Step 3: Carefully transfer vinyl graphics to canvas. (Vinyl Graphics were professionally made by a local graphics shop. Jody from JJ Graphics did a perfect job with the requested fonts, spacing and sizing that I had outlined)!

Note:  I did not photograph the platform built behind the canvas to provide support, preventing the canvas from "sagging" when pressing the letters down with squeegie.

Step 4: Painted over canvas with Daniel Smith's Ultimate Acrylic: Lamp Black. This is a thick, slow drying paint with great brushing properties. I really wanted an unpolished visible brush stroke look.

I didn't finish all of the edges. Wanted an aged, torn look.

Step 5: The fun part, carefully removing the vinyl letters. Use an exacto knife. Notoriously impatient, I didn't even wait for the paint to dry. This made my work twice as hard as I had to be very careful to not get wet paint on the white space.
Aggressive squeegie technique paid off with crisp white lettering, just had I had hoped!

It feels like it has been months for me to get to and complete this project. It was so worth the wait.  I probably skipped many of important steps but I didn't want to bore you with too many details. If you need more information on how to complete your own family bus roll/sub way sign, please email me directly:
heather.runners@gmail.com. I would love to answer any questions you may have.

Just to recap, the gorgeous bus roll signs in this size (30" x 48) at Restoration Hardware would have set me back $750.00. My personalized version cost just over $100.

Canvas: used a 50% off coupon from Aaron Bros. and purchased for $34
Graphics: $50, purchased from local graphic shop
Paint: $18 from Daniel Smith

7 comments:

simply brookes: said...

this is so fantastic. i want to put my order in now. love it so much i can't stand it.

Pat Brookes said...

It turned out terrific. Good job!
Mom

Kristy said...

You did it! It looks great! This has been on my to do list for quite sometime; I still want to do one of my own. Great job!

Mrs. Jones said...

Great job! That looks really nice. It's a project I've been wanting to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.

~Heather

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

Wow- this came out beautiful! I love the entire gallery wall around the tv! Such an amazing idea. So happy to find your blog! happy New Year! :)

design girl said...

LOVE it! :)

Unknown said...

I grew up in Hayden Lake! This is an awesome idea :)