Garden sign crate entry table on a wall

There’s so much good stuff going on today, I think I’m gonna pop!

#1. First off, I LOVE a new project reveal. This garden-themed entry desk on a wall is it!

#2. Two new garden themed stencil designs have been launched today!

#3. 5 other bloggers have created new projects along me, after being sent stencils and Fusion Mineral Paint!

#4. There’s a big ‘ol fun giveaway at the end, of stencils AND paint!

Go big or go home, right?

About the stencils
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First up, meet Welcome to my Garden, and Potting Shed, two garden-themed stencils from HERE!

These are two brand new garden themed stencil additions to Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils, that are built to mix and match with each other, offering a TON of fun, summery takes!

They were inspired by those that love to create in their gardens. And I couldn’t wait to try them out for an indoor project I had in mind!

My entry was actually in pretty good shape, thanks to the entry redo I did just before Christmas.

But… it was still decorated with Christmas themed signs. Whoops.

But the even bigger issue is, it lacked an entry desk or table due to my bike needing to be inside the house.

So let’s fix that, with an old ammunition crate!

Garden-themed entry desk on a wall
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Before

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You may recognize this old relic. I had it hanging on my wall for quite some time as a wall grouping HERE.

It was the PERFECT size for what I envisioned for an entry desk on a wall.

Outside of crate
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Casement

Casement is Fusion’s version of white. It has the slightest whisper of warmth, but is a very crisp white that offered great coverage.

The outside of the crate, and the inside of the lid got it with 2-3 coats of Casement.

Tip: When transitioning from a dark to light colour, Fusion’s Transition is a must have for a first coat. It costs half the price of paint, saving the good stuff for last. I would have used it if I had it on hand.

Inside of crate
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Bedford

Bedford is suppose to be a grey with a yellow undertone, but to me it definitely has a gorgeous greyish sage green undertone, which was perfect for this garden themed project!

Find Potting Shed stencil HERE

Clay pot – copper gilding paste

Lettering – Coal Black

Flowers – Casement (white)
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For the little clay pot, I used Fusion’s gilding paste, and a little Coal Black around the edges to give it some roundness.

Find Welcome to my Garden stencil HERE

Letters – Coal Black 

Clay pot – copper Gilding Paste

Flower – Casement (white) and mixed Inglenook (mint green) & Coal Black

Black strips of wood – Coal Black edged with copper Gilding Paste.
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For the wooden branch, Chocolate was put down first, then just the tips received a little Coal Black, while more in the centre got a lighter mix of Chocolate mixed with Casement (white).

Notice the falling leaves? A couple extra leaves created a feeling of movement. 

For the black strips, the edging with gilding paste had them looking like metal strips up close, and wood from a distance. Cool and unexpected effect!

For all the green leaves, Inglenook (mint green) mixed with a tiny bit of Coal Black offered a beautifully greyed out sage green!
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How to stencil for super sharp images:
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1. Load the brush with your paint.
2. Offload the paint by tapping on a rag or something absorbent until brush feels dry.
3. Tape stencil into place with masking tape.
4. Tap up and down to transfer the paint through the stencil.

The drier your brush, the sharper your image will be! 

Learn more tips on stencilling HERE.

Installing hardware to close the crate lid
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Crate hinges – Chocolate, Coal Black, and copper Gilding Paste

The hinges on the crate were actually painted over, so I made them look metal by first painting them Chocolate, then while still wet, dabbed on a little Coal Black. Once dry, I rubbed some copper gilding paste along the edges.

Adding old hardware to any piece gives it a touch of authenticity. So old junk it is! I dug through my rusty stash and found rusty S hooks, and chunks of locks, along with some old twine.

Holes were predrilled, then the hardware was screwed into place, which would ultimately hold the lid open to form a table top.

The paint was barely dry, when I raced to the front entry to put the crate to use!

How to hang a wooden box on a wall
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1. Locate a wall stud, or be prepared to use wall anchors if your crate is heavy.
2. Insert one screw through the middle of the crate.
3. Place a level on top of the crate, and reposition until level.
4. Tighten the screw, and add others to fully support the crate.

Since I was installing this crate on top of a board and batten wall treatment, I used the wood strips as the reinforcement.

And that’s when I got giddy… because it was actually WORKING!

The finished crate!

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Then when the work is done, close the lid and it’s all cleaned up, just like that! With a pretty new design to appreciate.

I wish my real office was this easy to clean.

The entry tour

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And the most fun of all is decorating the entry to suit! A garden theme it is!

Some faux flowers were added to a rustic wicker basket, hung from an old wooden ladder.

The basket serves as a summer display, or fill it with gloves and such!



This garden-themed entry desk on a wall is officially ready for summer!

And of course… open for business!

p.s. I love photo shoots. They make me line up our shoes…

The added reclaimed wood planks attached to the wall adds rustic decorating along with loads of other hanging opportunities, such as a spot for keys and coats!

With lots of room for shoes, coats, storage and now an entry writing station, this job is now complete!

Oops… just don’t forget to close that crate lid…

Fusion Mineral Paint is an acrylic based paint that has a built in primer and topcoat, and generally requires very little prep. The coverage is amazing, and application smooth as butter.

Find a Fusion merchant near you for paint and these stencils HERE.

Visit my front door post HERE where I share many Fusion tips!

Visit Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils HERE

Find more finished STENCIL PROJECTS HERE

.TThis giveaway is now over. Winner of this giveaway is Ruffles & Relics!

 

Visit these other fabulous projects below

to see what they made with these same garden stencil designs!

Homeroad – wait till you see those legs…

Organized Clutter – cool way to hang it all up!

Grit Antiques –  (tutorial no longer online)

Garden Up Green – tutorial no longer online

Beyond the Picket Fence – I’m wheely smitten with this one!

Inspired By Charm – olde world charm to a garden filled porch!