Guests are welcomed with these Snow Family Planks.
In August I searched for a project to paint on two 1 x 10 x 4’ long pine planks that had been primed and set aside for a year. I can’t remember what the original plan was for these planks but the time had come to do something with them. They had been sitting in a corner of the unfinished part of the basement for far too long!
Summer 2024 project - work in progress - snow planks.
Criteria for the painted snow planks.
I found several possibilities on Pinterest but none met all my requirements.
The first criteria I kept in mind: something simple enough so that I could get this project done quickly. I had too many other projects waiting in the wings so this had to be completed within a few weeks at the most.
Secondly, I knew I wanted bright colours so that this snow family would be seen from the road. I did see a snow family similar to the one I painted so I used that as inspiration to create my own design. Finally, I wanted to use up some almost empty tubes of cheap paint and cans of sample paint.
Once the design was sketched onto the primed and gessoed board using chalk, I started painting. However, cheap paint does have its drawbacks - one and two coats are never enough. I was fine with painting many coats, again, with the idea of ridding myself of some paint.
Second Christmas Snow Plank.
The second snow plank has only one snowman. It was designed and painted by my granddaughter who was also inspired by something she saw on Pinterest. She was so anxious to display it that for a few days in September, it was left just outside their front door, sitting atop their Welcome plank.
Finishing Christmas Outdoor Snow Planks.
Both planks were given two coats of Minwax Outdoor Urethane. They are protected to some degree by the porch in which they sit during the holiday season.
Other projects on different substrates...
- in 2017 I painted a prop surfboard for my granddaughter's dance competition.
- in 2017 a discarded deck board was painted with a "wild girl from the sea".
- in 2020 a blue footed booby of Galapagos found itself on a reclaimed cedar deck board and gifted to my sister.
- in 2022, Chewy, a mini Golden Doodle was painted on a flat oval glass ornament.
- in 2023, Gary and Stella, two inseparable Cornish Rex cats were painted on paper.
Acrylics certainly lend themselves to several substrates as long as they are properly prepared before applying the paint.
Such a great idea Louise. At least you have somewhere where they are protected from the elements. Even though we have a cover over our front door it is only sheltered on one side.
Yes, snow should not reach the plank at least not unless we have a pretty severe blizzard. The entrance to our door is usually clear of snow but we do sometimes have to sweep our front porch. Thanks for stopping by Sally!
Dear Louise, I would like to knock on your door with this snowfamily plank. Every snowman has such a funny face. This will bring a smile in all guests faces. Also a praise for your granddaughters work. You both are a top creative team. Thank you for sharing and a good pre-Christmas period.
It would be lovely to see you Birgit at my door! Too bad you live across the pond! Thank you for your positive and kind words. I will be sure to let my granddaughter know you have appreciated her snowman. Enjoy the rest of the week…we are having our first somewhat significant snowfall today.