I have wanted the large initial from Anthro ever since I first laid eyes on it over a year ago. Every time I would go online to buy it I would give myself a million reasons not to, and end up exiting out of the site. Then a couple of months ago I saw a replica on another site and actually did buy it, but then called to cancel the order 15 minutes later when I snapped out of my impulsiveness.
Why couldn’t I just bite the bullet and buy it? Probably because somewhere deep down inside my self conscience I knew I could make it.
When I saw this post from GARDNERS 2 BERGERS I knew I had to give it a shot. Using tinfoil, modpodge, some paint, and a large cardboard initial from Joann’s I created my very own Anthro Initial for 1/5 of the price.
Using my ModPodge and a foam brush I smeared the glue all over the ‘P’ and then laid a sheet of tinfoil on top (shiny side down in the glue). Then I used a credit card to smooth the tinfoil out. The key to making this look like real zinc is to have the least amount of wrinkles as possible, but lets face it, it’s tinfoil, that’s near impossible.
Once all the sides were covered in tinfoil, I again took the ModPodge and painted all over the tinfoil. This worked GREAT at smoothing out the rest of the wrinkles and really giving it a metal look and feel.
Once it was dry I then used my craft paint to begin giving it texture and more depth. You can see how the silver paint added more to it. It didn’t look like tinfoil anymore. Don’t skip this step! I also used black paint to give imperfections and shadows around the edges and sides.
Once everything was dry I gave it another light coat of ModPodge to set everything, and give it a finished look, and finished IT DOES, LOOK…
It looks and even feels just like metal! The ModPodge is really what made this project work! I’m thrilled with how it turned out (much better then I expected)! Y’Know…low expectations, just in case this project crashed and burned…
But it didn’t!
I finally have my ‘zinc’ initial and didn’t have pay a small fortune for it. That make’s me one happy lady! YAY!
Thanks for taking a peek!
Here’s where I’m linking up to…
www.abowlfulloflemons.com
www.marvelouslymessy.com
www.pollywantacrafter.com
www.twiggstudios.com
www.diyshowoff.com
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/
www.tipjunkie.com
www.sugarbeecrafts.com
http://www.homesteadsimple.com
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com
www.vintagegwen.com
This looks awesome. I’ve been obsessed with zinc for a while, and actually want to cover a coffee table with it. I’m assuming the foil/mod podge wouldn’t quite hold up to that project, but this is great for accent pieces. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, I don’t think that will work for a tabletop unless you put glass on top to protect it! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Love your carpet!
Me too! Homegoods 🙂
Love it! What a neat idea, I may just have to get me some letters and try this out!
Clever girl! It turned out great. ~ Maureen
Very nice and the final presentation just flows, love that rug too by the way. 🙂 We’d love to have you link it up at our “Home is Where the Heart is” Link Party!
http://www.homesteadsimple.com/home-is-where-the-heart-is-link-it-up-wednesdays-2/
I love that letter. I have been wanting to do something similar. You have inspired me. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.
Oh my heck. SO CUTE! I just found you from Tip Junkie and I LOVE this tutorial!! Thanks girl. New follower! 🙂
Christine this is GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely LOVE IT!!
You are planning on sharing this over at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality.. right? 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Your blog is GREAT! I just stumbled onto it and read your post on growing your blog so decided to peruse a little more. The foods are making me hungry and your DIY ideas are AWESOME!! I am your newest follower! Please stop by my blog too if you have a second, I’d love to have you!
Love the letters! I made some that say DINE and people have no idea they are the card board letters. I however did not use foil. I want to make some more for another area of my house so I will have to try the foil this time around.
Oh, I’m so impressed! It’s fantastic! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
This project is so awesome that I will be featuring it tonight at my Sizzle into Summer party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks.
Hi Christine!
That really turned out great! No one would know that it is not the Anthropology letter. I also like that wonderful rug!
Thanks for sharing at last weeks Bunny Hop Party!
xoxo Bunny Jean
I apologize if I missed it in the above post but is that just regular glossy modge podge? Or one of the other varieties?
Brianna @ Craft Thyme recently posted…Liquid Leaf
Hey friend! Your version looks totally amazing! So glad it worked out for you!
Xoxo Becca