"L" is for Little Elk

A handpainted sign: Little Elk Ranch

or more affectionately referred to as 'horse camp'.

I made this sign for my sister, a gift for Christmas.

We have fond memories of Little Elk Ranch (horse camp) made during our summers as young girls, sadly I don't think the camp is still around.

This sign not only fills the space on the wall in my sister's Family Room, it serves as a little reminder of those fond days gone by.

Here's how I made the sign:

1. Sand wood piece:

2. Paint two coats Behr cozy cottage.

Print out lettering to fit space, using a ballpoint pen trace letters to leave indent in wood:

3. Paint on and inside the indent, first coat dark red:

4. Paint second layer - brown:

5. Repeat process for bottom row of lettering:

6. Paint first layer brown, second layer black:

7. Use the same process for the stars:

8. Paint stars brown:

9. Paint on rope design lightly at first:

10. Then start filling in basic rope color and use darker brown to highlight twisting motion:

11. Ready to be sanded:

12. After sanding to distress, use black to highlight lettering:

13. Stain using Minwax Early American then seal with clear satin poly:

A fun keepsake and perfect decor for her wall.

I'm linking up to:

Whatcha Got Weekend @ Lolly Jane

SAS @ Funky Junk

Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots & Jello

Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime

Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

DIY Project Parade @ The DIY Showoff

Made by You Mondays @ Skip to My Lou

Making the World Cuter @ Making the World Cuter

Nifty Thrifty @ Coastal Charm

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

Good Life @ A Beach Cottage

Delightfully Inspiring @ Delightful Order

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Tickled Pink @ 504 Main

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

SAS @ Just a Girl

Feathered Nest @ French Country Cottage

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework