https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/frogging • Posted by Mod Podge Amy
I love all sorts of woodland creatures right now, including frogs. I decided recently that I wanted to find a way to fit them into home décor, especially as it applies to children. What resulted was this wood name plaque celebrating cute amphibians and in bright colors. I made it with my own name for this round, but I have a friend that’s having a baby and I’m going to make one for her new little one.
I love all sorts of woodland creatures right now, including frogs. I decided recently that I wanted to find a way to fit them into home décor, especially as it applies to children. What resulted was this wood name plaque celebrating cute amphibians and in bright colors. I made it with my own name for this round, but I have a friend that’s having a baby and I’m going to make one for her new little one.
The first thing I did was make a template for the plaque background. I just took a piece of computer paper (old and printed on one side) and pressed it around the edges. I know it seems very rudimentary, but it really works! Grab a sheet of scrapbook paper you want to use and some tape - tape this down and then cut around the edge of your template with the scissors. There’s your background! Set it aside.
Paint your plaque with white paint. Completely coat the front and the back. Allow to dry.
Paint the letters of your name with several coats of the metallic green paint. Allow to dry. Use the end of your paint brush to make yellow citron dots on the letters. Allow to dry.
Paint your wood froggie piece with yellow citron paint. You are going to use several coats. Allow to dry. Go back with a smaller brush to paint the spots metallic green and then the eyes black. Let the entire piece dry. Tip: Use a medium flat brush to paint the frog piece and don’t worry about getting paint on the spots. When you paint the spots, use a smaller detail flat brush and this time take great care painting.
I went back to my white plaque and decided to dress it up a little bit. I first painted one layer of metallic green on the top edges - this was for when I put my paper down - in case the edges of the paper didn’t exactly meet the edges of the plaque, there would be some green there. The next step was to use a medium flat brush to add the stripes around the edge of the plaque. I did this freeform - no planning, no taping. That’s the look I wanted! I did one pass first and then went back to tidy up the edges. It was really easy. Just go for it! Allow the plaque to dry.
When it’s time to Mod Podge is when I get really excited! Use your flat brush to apply a medium layer of Mod Podge to the top of the plaque.
Place the paper piece that has been sitting around for awhile down on the plaque and SMOOTH, SMOOTH, SMOOTH! I use a brayer, but you can use your fingers or even an old gift card. Smooth until the paper is flat, and if Mod Podge comes out the side, wipe it away with a brush. Allow to dry for 15 - 20 minutes.
You’re almost done! Mod Podge everything to seal it - the entire plaque, the letters and the frog. Give it all at least two coats and then let it dry.
Finally, use your Beacon glue to attach the wood pieces to the plaque. You’ll see I glued my letters down a little funky - choose smaller letters and make them “dance” for large names. Now you’ve got a name plaque for yourself or someone as a gift.