Apt. 913

Happy Labor Day Weekend Ya'll!  I hope you have more exciting plans than me....staying at home with the cats.  Perhaps perusing the Chicago Jazz Festival.

So many of my friends are out of town or on vacation this weekend....good for you.  I'm jealous.  Since I can't leave my tiny little apartment, I'll just reminisce on previous vacations.

Have you ever been to Sweden?  I have!  My grandparents took me on a Scandinavian vacation 3 years ago...Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia.  It was amazing.  Did you know IKEA originated in Sweden?

I <3 Sweden

I had a complex the whole time.  Swedish people are ridiculously good looking. Tall, thin, and blonde.  All of them.

So, a few months ago when my wooden IKEA bed slats cracked in half, I wasn't surprised ( I guess I was a little surprised- I know I'm a weight watchers drop out...but cracked bed slats...come on!).  I attributed the destruction to fat America- Swedes just aren't used to having to accommodate all that extra poundage.  The slats were eventually replaced, and since I plan on being on Hoarders 20 years from now, I couldn't bear to part with the old wooden slats.  So on to the balcony they went.  I just knew someday they would come in handy.

A few months ago I saw DIY Nail House Numbers via curbly

I adored the look.  A couple problems:  I don't own a home, I rent +  I have nowhere to nail numbers outside of my apartment.  I mean, I guess I could...if I wanted to lose my security deposit.  No thanks I'm poor enough as it is.  I was determined to bring the nail/industrial vibe to my apartment, so I thought I could turn the house numbers into art!

  

Step 1: Gather wood and cut to size.  The ikea slats were perfect for this project, they just needed to be cut down, since they were a little long.  I was uber excited to finally be able to use my jig saw.  Some girls get excited over nail polish....I get excited over saw dust.  Don't judge me.

This is my sad work area. Thanks for the drill dad :)

Step 2:  Sand and stain wood.  Affix 4 wood planks together.

I used ebony stain I had on hand. My finger nails were stained for the next 48 hours.  My patients probably thought I never wash my hands.

Cut and sanded, ready to be stained

Post ebony stain

3.  Print Template.  I decided I wanted to nail "913" (my apartment number) onto the planks.  It wouldnt be too hard to do initials, or short words either.  I used the font "Gunshot" in size 850 via Microsoft Word

4.  Start screwing/hammering in nails or screws around the template.  I used black drywall screws purchased for $5.95 box/350 screws.  Once done with the outline, remove the paper

**I initially purchased 3 boxes of black Mason Nails.  Rookie mistake. Maybe they would have worked if I was Paul Bunyan....

Start by screwing in around the borders

Remove the paper when done with the borders

5.  Fill in the gaps with remaining screws

6.  All done.  I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm in love.