French County Altered Washboard

When I came across a collection of old washboards at an estate sale, I just knew I had to have one to alter.  Ever since I became a part of the Graphic 45 design team, I have been on the hunt for vintage items with flat surfaces to alter with their scrumptious paper.

You will be surprised at what you can find at thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets and estate sales if you pay attention.  Estate sales are my favorite.  

Supplies: 

Old washboard from an estate sale

French Country 12x12

French Country Patterns and Solids

French Country Sticker Sheet

French Country Flowers

Staples Stamped Brads

Distress Ink Brushed Corduroy

Modge Podge, matte finish

May Arts Ribbon (burlap and printed)

Since this was a very well used washboard, the surfaces were quite warped.  This caused me to have to embrace imperfection a little bit and also use a very wet glue application to get the paper to adhere.

 The flowers were placed strategically to also cover imperfections in the piece.

I absolutely loved using the flowers that Graphic 45 now releases with their collections.  They are really easy to make and they add great texture and interest.

I thought that the pins added to the bows were a nice addition.  I tried to make two similar bows, but failed. As I often try to do, I embraced the imperfection and used the two miss matched bows.

With just a little bit of creative thinking you can alter just about anything to create a simple home décor piece.  

Cheers, 

Rhea