Pottery Barn wood art knock off
September 17, 2012
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Earlier this year I showed you how I added some family photos to a small wall in our family room:
That little wall is kind of awkward and it was hard to figure out what to put on there – it’s not big, but big enough that it needed something substantial. I couldn’t do a mirror because of the mirror on the mantel. So I ended up with a collage of family photos.
I loved having them up there, but there was something about it that drove me a little batty every time I walked by – it just seemed too busy. There was a lot going on on that side of the room.
So for months I’ve been trying to come up with something to put on that wall. I couldn't think of a THING for the longest time. The frames stayed till a couple weeks ago when I had had it and took them down. But the blank wall was almost as annoying for me as the frames…so I got started on an idea that had been growing in the noggin for awhile.
I was inspired by rustic wood art pieces at Pottery Barn that are no longer available unfortunately.
One was 50 inches square and costs $400 – yowza. I liked it but putting it together looked like I’d have to actually use some math, so I decided against that one.
I liked the one on the right even more anyway, and it looked wayyy easier to copy. I had some scrap luan plywood in the garage, and the width was perfect – I just cut the length down to about 36 inches with my jigsaw:
Then I grabbed some scrap pieces of lattice wood and started laying it out:
This wood is pretty cheap and I use it quite often, so I had a decent amount of leftover pieces. I just laid out them out, figuring out what needed to be cut down as I went:
It was like a puzzle and actually quite enjoyable to figure it all out. I did need to go buy a few more of the lattice pieces to finish it up, and I cut those down in random sizes too.
I went ahead and nailed it all on the board when I was done laying it out, and like ALWAYS, saved my painting till after it was put together. I know some of you think I’m crazy for doing that, but it’s just one of my things…I need to see it together and get that accomplished before I paint.
And I wasn’t even sure what paint colors I wanted to use – I figured that out after it was nailed together. It wasn’t a big deal to paint afterwards, I just used my Frogtape to tape off each one:
I was able to reuse the tape over and over. If I had painted beforehand I would have had to wait for each piece to dry before installing – so the time I took to tape off was the same that I would have had to wait for the paint to dry. At least that’s what I tell myself. ;)
I wanted to use paint I already had, so I used a red color, a grey blue that I used on the back of the dining room built ins called Storm Cloud, the color we had painted in our living room and stairway, called Analytical Gray, and I was trying to figure out a fourth color to use as well.
I dug through the paint stash in the basement and found the wall color for the family room, called Sisal. It still needed some more color so I also threw in the peacock color I used in the Bub’s book nook:
I know it looks random, but I had a plan for it later that I knew would help make it work. The red was bothering me though – it was just too bright. So I grabbed the Chocolate Cosmos color I used on the front door and repainted those boards:
Much better!
Like I said, I had a plan to make them a little more cohesive still, and the first part of that was to use my Annie Sloan clear wax to cover the whole thing:
It gave it more of a matte look, which is what I wanted. It took less than two minutes to wipe it on quickly and wipe off any residue. When that was dry I went over the whole thing with the AS dark wax as well, just to tone down the colors even more. If you don’t have wax, stain would work much the same way, but you need very little of it!
(Sorry I don’t have pics of the dark wax part, I did that at night. I just wiped it on, wiped it off.)
After it was dry I painted some extra lattice the Storm Cloud color and added a frame around the art:
The waxes took away the shiny look, but left the (toned down) color:
The size is PERFECT for that spot, and the colors work perfectly in our family room!:
I went out on a limb with that peacock color, but I’m so glad I did! I love the added pop it gives the whole thing! And I use a bit of that color in the kitchen, so it helps to tie the rooms together.
It has different looks based on the direction you look at it – more subdued this way:
But deep and rich from the other direction:
It matches the colors in that little bowl on the mantel perfectly!
I thought about sanding it down like the PB version, but it was rustic enough as it was, so I didn’t want to do anything more to it. I love mixing up styles like this – the rustic look of the art with the more contemporary rug makes this space interesting to look at but still cozy. (At least I think!) ;)
I love how it turned out – even better than I imagined! Although now I don’t know if I want to keep it there -- I think it would look awesome in the basement! But for now it’s staying. :)
The PB version is 22.5 inches square and $150! My version is 26 by 36 inches and cost me $15 in wood (I had most of it already):
Not bad, eh?? I love this because you can customize the colors to work for your space so easily!
This one did take me some time – figuring out the layout went pretty fast, it was the painting that took a couple hours.
Beautiful! Love this!
ReplyDeleteLOVE it! This was on my knock off to do list already and now I really can't wait to do it. great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible! I bet I could make a smaller version using some paint sticks too?!?
ReplyDeleteYou are always so creative! Looks great!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic statement piece. I like the peacock blue too...really pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! I saw that in the Pottery Barn catalog and had the same idea. Glad it worked! Beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteI really love this! The colors with the wax on top are perfect in that spot!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to tackle this project for awhile. Yours turned out great!
ReplyDeleteVery cool art piece!
ReplyDeleteIs there any thrird monday before and after party this month? I thought i read somewhere it was basement week??
Let me know! thanks!! :-)
selina@fusemail.com
So creative! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThat turned out so good! Love that little punch of color and the layout. Creative and lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat looks amazing!! And, I love that you can customize it to your decor.
ReplyDeleteLove the wood art...I too saw it in the Pottery Barn catalog and fell in love with it...anxious to try my own version in coppers and greens...Am a great fan of your blog ...very inspiring...
ReplyDeleteTinglelaneprimitives.blogspot.com
It turned out very well and looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat looks perfect. I also had been wanting to do the same project, love the look, especially since you can pick your own colors! Yours came out very nice!
ReplyDeleteyou did an amazing job! and it looks great in your living room!!
ReplyDeleteTotally love it! I have had my eye on that wood artwork too, but not can do with a price like that. You have inspired me once again!
ReplyDeleteLove it! What a frugal way to add color and texture to the room.
ReplyDeleteLove the pop of color it added. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat job as always - love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just FAB!!!! <3!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!!Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLUV seeing Dave Ramsey on your blog!!! He is our hero! Hubs facilitates Dave's FPU at our church.
ReplyDeleteHa, I saw the PB catalog and was thinking about trying this too. So glad to see how well it turned out!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how this ties in the colors from around the room perfectly, how serendipitous! It turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I have a similar wall next to my tv and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. I had thought about a collage, lol. I do see how it could be distracting. Good job!
ReplyDeleteGreat color choices.
ReplyDeleteDeb@LakeGirlPaints
Oh la la! Love this, Sarah! I think I like yours out of all of them! Great job. <3 Heidi Rew from Parties for Pennies
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to do this for my dining room wall - it is large and in charge, and I don't think I will ever find something big enough to fit that is also in my budget. Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI really, Really, REALLY Love this.... I just might have to do one for my baby girl's nursery. Maybe with her big wooden initial over the top of it???
ReplyDeletePerfect timing for some inspiration! I may try my hand at this one and knock off the knock off!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this!! Great job, I think I like yours better than the Pottery Barn version!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks lovely! I've wanted to do something like this, but I didn't think of using lattice board! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic way to use reclaimed wood of any kind. Even for an outdoor art piece using old decking or fence lumber and outdoor paint or stain it would be a great way to dress up a plain section of the back of your house. You have inspired me to take this to the next level, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great piece and I love the colours. Amazing price difference too :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! What a great way to DIY something that is probably way too expensive and overpriced at good old PB. Thanks for some awesome inspiration as always!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I wonder if I can do something similar with my leftover wood shims...
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this piece. I've been looking for something to fill the space above the buffet in my dining room. This is it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a cool art piece that I really want to try. As an artist,though, I have to point out that your picture is hung too low. When hanging art, it's better to have more space at the bottom than the top and other two sides. Just my two cents! Love this blog!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anon! I actually tried it higher and it looked weird. :) At this height the middle of it is eye level for me and I'm tall, so any taller looked off.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I have a bunch of shims I could probably do this with! Great job! I 'stumbled' it!
ReplyDeleteBarbara at Chase the Star
I like yours better than the original.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm not the only one who saw those in the catalog and immediately thought of doing my own custom knock-off! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen the PB one, but yours is beautiful and I can possibly see a monogram temporarily centered on it at Christmas! Hve to keep this in mind for pops of color I'll need!
ReplyDeleteI really love your color combination and how it pulls all of the colors in that room together.
ReplyDeleteJudy
it turned out beautiful, you did a great job on it!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! Such a great color combo!
ReplyDeleteThis is AWESOME! I like yours way better than the PB version. You are, by far, my fav blogger. I love you, but my husband now has a love/hate relationship with you due to my never ending to do list that keeps growing and growing and growing.. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your inspiration!
Wow, you nailed it perfectly. (hahah) The blues look great together, and it is very rich looking. well done.
ReplyDeletejuls
Really awesome! You did a great job - ah you inspire me so! Absolutely love the design and colors!! Thanks for sharing this idea with us less creative folk.
ReplyDeleteThat looks great!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! The colors work really well. I love the tips you have on this site!
ReplyDeleteSarah, this is really gorgeous! I love the colors and the results. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love almost everything you do, but this one is EXCEPTIONALLY loved! I only wish I had the creative eye like you do! Luckily, I know you won't mind if I ever find time ti add that fabulous piece to my house!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, Sarah, I love this! What a wonderful job! I really can't imagine paying PB prices for most anything and I LOVE figuring out ways to do their stuff on my own on the super cheap ;)
ReplyDeleteI wish my brain worked like yours....just look at something and know what to do to get the same results....amazing! You need to sign it so it will be worth billions. :) You are an artist!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool project! I love that you used items that you already had. Are you in Indy? I am moving to Greenwood soon, and live in Columbus right now.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic looking. The aqua color really is perfect! Great job and so inspiring. Makes me want to get one together.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteGreat project! I like it much better than the original red and way much better with the dark wax. Those are the kind of colours I like - muted but still with lots of life.
Cathy
Love this! I'm always excited to see wall art that I could actually make ....which means I can paint, cut sand and nail, but not actually paint a picture. This is awesome! I want to try it soon, and I'll be sure to link back to this....very inspiring! If we didn't have a tornado watch I'd be headed to Lowes for some lattice now...
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks like you could have spent a fortune on it! Thanks for the great idea...I have lots of empty walls in my house. :)
ReplyDeleteomg....I love love LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteDid you use tiny nails and sink them? I love this and wanted to incorporate some fiestaware colors I have in my kitchen without going bright orange on the walls...this could be the perfect compromise!!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! No one has mentioned the adorable pillow! Where did you find that little beauty? Are you tired of it yet? If so, I will send you my address.... ;-)
ReplyDeleteAudrey
Maureen I used short finishing nails. The nails came out the back a tiny bit but I put felt pads on the back so they wouldn't hit the wall. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job! You know, you mentioned that you might not keep your new creation where it is in your family room mentioning it would look better in your office, I believe. What do you think about putting something round in that space rather than square or rectangular? The fireplace is square, the mirror above it rectangular, and the chair under the wood art has some sharp edges. . . I think something roundish might be a nice softening contrast. Whatchya think?
ReplyDeleteYou did good! This is a great project. I think I am going to pin this and do it on a "down" day. Gonna have to buy the supplies when I hit the "Depot" today. Whoops, I mean Lowe's since I have a return there today! Making your own incorporates "your" colors making it perfect, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!! Working on the planning stages of redoing my living room, thinking of doing this when I have the colors planned. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteLOVE the colours you used! That brighter shade of blue in there was definitely the right choice. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteWow, Great Job!! I love it too, it turned out perfect. And soooo much cheaper than purchasing one!
ReplyDeleteDebbie :)
This looks awesome Sarah! Good job. BUT---I'd really like to see it in the room as a whole, like the first pic at the top of your post. Like a before/after... :) Any chance we could see that?? I think I'm going to have to copy this for that bit of wall over my piano that I couldn't figure out what to do with!! Thanks so much. LOVE your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love this art. I have been looking for a large piece for my living room forEVER and this will fill the bill nicely. Another project on my to-do list! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI did something similar only w/out the painting (saved time!) using wood a friend had lying around outside for a few years. Turned a few pieces sideways to make 'shelves'. Turned out beautifully. It's 5' x 3'. See it here: http://imageshack.us/a/img189/4616/41138410151020632691034.jpg
ReplyDeleteUsed the scraps to make picture frames as well. Just could not bring myself to paint these puppies. :)
Wonderful job! I'm a wood worker by hobby and love the PB stuff but their prices can be ridiculous and are very easy to 'knock off'. I like your pice and the colors much better than PB!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this and was wondering if you would mind sharing how you did the frame around the plywood? Did you just nail the small frame into the side of the plywood? it doesn't seem like it would be thick enough to do that. Thanks, love all your stuff.
ReplyDeletesorry forgot to add my email address (I don't have a google/blog account). its cewilson869@gmail.com
ReplyDelete