Friday, April 17, 2009

Checkerboard Complete well Maybe Not

Well, I made my very 1st checkerboard yesterday. I am definitely liking it, but it is too bright for me. I am looking to find out how I can darken it up a little bit. The bad thing about the piece of wood that I used is that it doesn't have a smooth finish to it so I am afraid that if I rub my gel stain on it then I will ruin it. Don't you all think it needs to be darkened up a little bit? I know that it needs something, but I am just not sure what that something is or how to get it to that point. I decided to paint it all sandstone and then I used stenciling tape and taped off the edges to give them a nice crisp finish. I then stenciled my checkerboard on it and then added the stars.

Here is the finished board. Bright - huh? Just not sure what to do with it from here. I also thought about sanding the other side and trying another one on the reverse side and then that way I have 2 checkerboards to work with. I just don't feel like it it totally complete yet. All of my other checkerboards are more prim and well this one is not. Ok, I will be quiet so you all can get to posting your comments and your thoughts and ideas as to what I can do to "FINISH" the project! Thank you ladies for all your comments and suggestions. I have only learned from the best and I really appreciate it. Hope you all have a blessed day!!


12 comments:

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

Hi Lisa!
It looks great, goor job! I agree, it does need to be 'tiqued up a bit!
Just go over it with a fine sand paper, you can even use your elec palm sander...use a 120 (or finer) grit and sand lightly over the entire piece...that will smooth the paint finish for you and you should be able to stain it then! ;)
As long as your finish is smooth and doesn't have that "chalky-rough" feel your stain should go on and wipe off fine.
Have a wonderful day, enjoy your weekend!
hugs-Kath

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

HA-That is, GOOD job...not goor job!! :)
I meant to say too, that if you are nervous about sanding over it because ya might take off too much paint...don't be...just sand lightly.... and even if a bit of the paint comes off, that just makes it look more prim!


hugs!

Anonymous said...

OH.. that turned out great. Good job!! You are just wayyy too talented girl. I love it!

Hugs,
Stella

Mandy said...

Looks great! I agree that a little sanding is in order. Looks like Kath gave some great advice!

Mandy

Anne said...

Lisa,
If you use folkart antiquing medium (sold at craft stores and Walmart) this works great..the best part is, that no matter what you use it on, you can wash with water to age just the areas you want to get that well-worn look. I use it all they time...mostly in place of stain, because if I scew up, it will wash off with a little scrubbing and water. :0)

Susannah said...

Lisa, your checker board is just teriffic! I love it. A little sanding and some stain and you are there. Nice job!

My Colonial Home said...

Lisa, very nice job on the game board and I really don't think the gel stain will hurt it...I think it will look very old.
Karen

ohiofarmgirl said...

It looks like a wonderful job to me!!! Dianntha

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Yes, I agree with Kath... some sanding and staining will do the job to make it look old:)
Rondell

Jody said...

Terrific job Lisa! I say the same as the other gals....a little sanding, some gel stain and I think you would really like it..I know I like it now....:)

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

I love it! Great job! Kath gave great advice. Also I've heard of the folk art medium Anne spoke of, but have never used it! Good luck!

Tammy

Lauralee @ The Eclectic Stitcher said...

I love it ~ it looks great! I can't wait to see it when you antique it. Did you use a stencil or did you just use a sponge to do the gameboard? If you used a stencil, I'd love to know where you got it since I've got a stack of wood and old cutting boards I'd love to work on.
Lauralee >^.^<