Homemade Bride Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 39

39 This was the first design I completed for the magazine and I fell Price: $58 (use coupons!) Time: 4–6 hours in love with how it turned out! With just a few hours and some elbow grease, these customized table numbers were made on a budget in just a few easy steps. (Project is based on a wedding of 10 tables) 1 Staining the Blocks • Determine the total amount of blocks 3 needed and include extra pieces for any Cutting the Stands • Measure the mantle trim to an appropriate size based on the letters in each number. mistakes along the way. Length and spacing depends on personal • Open and stir the stain of your choice and preference. begin staining all sides of the blocks with • Mark the stand where they will need to be cut the tip of a rag. Always stain with the grain. • Using either a handsaw or miter saw (1/8 inch • Allow the stain to dry per manufacturers 2 blade) cut down the stands to their allotted size. instructions. Burning the Letters • Prepare the wood burning tool with the first letter stencil. • Once the burner is heated, test the results on an extra block to verify how hard you need to press down to get the best results. • Once you have the feel for the tool, start burning the first letter. • Use a small pair of pliers to unscrew the hot letter stencil and place in a metal dish to cool. With the same pliers, screw on the • Smooth out any rough edges using low 4 grit sandpaper. Complete the Look! • Stain the stands using a stain of your choice —remember people will want to pick up and admire your work so stain all edges and sides. • Glue the numbers onto their appropriate stands with wood glue on the back of each number. • Let dry over night for a secure hold and keep in a safe place to protect during the day of preparations! next letter of the sequence. The wood burning tool will reach very hot temperatures and should be kept on a safe surface away from children. homemade-bride.blogspot.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2014