My Summer Project: Wooden State Signs and Coasters

As summer comes to an end, and we start to get ready to go back to school, I thought I would share a project I have been working on this summer. Your Home State

This summer I decided to work on another project that would make use of the tools I have in my shop.  My garage houses a fairly decent wood shop so I figured I would make something using wood (Yes dear, I will clear out your parking spot before the snow flies). 

Here in Michigan we are pretty proud of our state.  It doesn’t hurt that it is a pretty cool shape!  I decided to go with coasters and signs that had the shape of Michigan on them.

As I started this new project it quickly dawned on me that state pride is not a Purely Michigan thing, and that I should branch out and offer my items with any state.  So, that’s what I did.  *See what I did there- Purely Michigan, PureMichigan. 

I’m not sure if you realize this or not, but stencils are expensive!  Luckily my mom had a Cricut machine just laying around that she let me “borrow” until I get my own.  After I figured about how to use that and found a stencil medium that worked well I was good to go.  I cut, sand, stain, paint, and apply a satin clear coat to all of my items by hand.  It would be easier to use some kind of spray system, but I think the brush strokes add something to the pieces.  In the end these are what I have so far.  All items are custom orders so you can choose your state and colors.  Take a look and let me know what you think.   The next item I am going to work on will be wooden state magnets.

Don't forget to  for more ideas and posts!