Pennies & Letters

I created this idea by combining a number of different pins. I wanted to create an easy project to teach our customers, but I wasn't sure what to do. I looked around and saw PAINT STICKS! Then my brain began to search for ideas I had seen. While I was concocting a plan, I stopped at Hobby Lobby on my way home where I found a giant hard cardboard letter "L" on sale for less than two dollars! I bought it and then I spray painted it with spray paint I had at home (Rustoleum's Universal Oil Rubbed Bronze). I then glued copper pennies to cover the letter. At first I used a hot glue gun, but there was so much gluing to be done! I then used Liquid Nails Multi-Projects Glue, and found it worked perfectly! Once the "L" was covered I set a heavy object of them and turned to the paint sticks. I measured the sticks so they were all the same size and used a utlity knife to score them, then cracked them. I used heavy duty scissors to tidy them up and a sanding sponge to smooth out the edges. I then stained the sticks, using various colors of Minwax. Again, I pulled out my new favorite glue, and glued the sticks together, and then the letter to the sticks. Once they were dry, I attached a picture hanger and viola! It was done and not only did I have any easy project to teach my customers, but I had a great addition to my family's home!