Saturday, May 22, 2010

That's the way the bus rolls.....


Being a fan of graphic black and white, I love the bus rolls, tram rolls, destination rolls or whatever they may be called. I know the vintage ones can be really expensive, $300, $400, $500 give or take, but I was surprised that the replicas were so pricey as well. Restoration Hardware carries a replica subway sign that is similar for $800. Of course, me being me, just like many of you, I decided I could paint my own. So I did just that. I chose my own cities in England because I have always felt somewhat of a kinship with England, don't know why (could it possibly be my name?) and I have always wanted to visit that region. I painted a 22" x 50" piece of watercolor canvas black and then used white paint for the letters. It's not perfect. I may even distress it a little to make it look a little more vintagey. I have not decided if I want to frame it or not. But I will probably attach the top and bottom to some dowels or something similar.





I hung it (with my favorite little temporary trick---needles, so that they leave no noticeable holes in the wall) as you go out my back door into the garage. That way I am reminded that the way to these places is just through that door. Maybe I'll paint one for another region I would like to visit. Or maybe I'll make the names up. But one thing I do know is that this was a monster to paint! Hmmm, maybe that is why they are so pricey!

Today I am linking up with Funky Junk Interiors and Tools are for Women Too, so please go check out all the wonderful ideas there.





14 comments:

Diann said...

That turned out so cute! Great job!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

You did a great job. Maybe you should make some and sell them in Bloom and Bee Swanky.

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Your sign looks great!! Did you free hand all the lettering or use stencils?

Carol said...

So, so cool! i love it. I'm ready to try my own. Thanks for sharing.

Smiles,

Carol

Anne Lorys said...

This is just fantastic!
I love it when we bloggers outsmart the high-priced retailers!

Have a wonderful week!
Anne

vignette design said...

Wow! This looks great!

FILIGREE MOON said...

Such a grand idea! And I love that it is not ultra manufactured looking, but that it is personalized and handmade! Thank you for joining my blog so that I could find my way to yours! ~ Angela

Cyndi said...

wow this turned out great I love the way it looks hung on the wall!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

It looks really good! Did you free hand the letters? You have a steadier hand than I do!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a great project~ you did a fabulous job!

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Thanks again for linking up another fun project to Modern Craftswoman Monday! Hope you'll join next week, too! Rory

red.neck chic said...

Oh! I LOVE IT!!! I'm with T - get some of those in to Bloom and Bee!!! What a hit! Waco street names maybe? haha!

:-) SOOOOOOOOOO cool!!!
robelyn

*The Beautiful Life* said...

Oh my word. I love this!!!! Do you know how many people are going to be hitting up Michael's for water color canvas now? :)

And your post on making the address sign out of a piece of tin ceiling -- BRILLIANT!

You are amazing!!!

Love your blog and can't wait to see what else you come up with! :)

Ruth

the old white house said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm so glad you did because now I've found yours! This sign turned out wonderfully, I've been reading some of your old posts, on to read some more of them. You are quite talented! Theresa