the bunch- handcrafted.stylishly: How I {Ombre'} & our Late Summer Mantle

Ombre' was all the hot talk for a while there {maybe it still is?!}... but the only way I ever really got into the style was through my painted signs. I've experimented with blending colors to create a Ombre' look with many colors now, and always LOVE how it turns out.
Here's what I do:

I start with 4 equal sized wood boards, sanded smooth with finished edges. You could experiment with different sizes, as well!

I pour a good sized amount of paint in a paper plate. [side note: I LOVE the paint mistake section at hardware stores!!! Have not heard of it?! Well, you need to find it! Most of the time there is a shelf behind the back side of the paint mixing counter where you will find all different sizes of "paint mistakes". They are priced amazingly and you will often find fun colors that freaked someone out and they decided not to buy. My lovely husband is such a good sport letting me buy 1 or 2 almost every time we go to the hardware store... consequently I have a pretty fun selection of paint colors in the garage! You need to check it out if you have not already.] I always start with the color as it comes out of the can for the first board.

It is important to get a really good coat on the first time, because you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THESE COLORS to paint a second coat. Make sure you don't miss any spots!

Then, I add a small amount of either a light or dark base depending on if I want a darker color or lighter. I went with a cream for this project.

Stir it around well (I use disposable foam brushes) and then paint the next board. You want it to be a subtle change in color, but enough to notice.

Now you just repeat that process 2 more times (or however many Ombre' shades you are going for).

And you end up with this...

I usually start and end with my two mixing colors so there are two MIXED colors in the middle- but there are no RIGHT ways to do Ombre'... just have fun!

Here's what my sign looked like all put together-

And here's a shot of the back so you can see how I hold them all together. I do have a KREG Jig- that I could use to pocket hole screw them together- but this was a just a quick project- (I usually make a sign for every mantle change- so it has to be quick).

I wanted to use this sign to pull together some beautiful finds from the Sequim Lavender Weekend we brought home for a Late Summer Mantle. I roughed up the edges a bit and added some vinyl. Then a tied a quick burlap bow and glued together a mini paper bunting!