DIY Golden Acorns "GATHER" Sign

When my mom had tree trimming done in her yard, I asked her to collect some acorns for me. I had no idea what I wanted to use them for, but I just had to have some. She brought me a bag and I immediately got to work fancying them up with gold Rub 'n Buff so that they would have a new, gilded look!

I wasn't exactly sure what to do with my golden acorns so I slept on it for a few days. (Not on the acorns. That would be painful.) After rummaging around in my craft supplies, I came up with a great idea for a fall decor piece. I immediately got to work painting a wooden plaque that I had on hand.

Then I used my cutting machine to make a stencil that reads "GATHER," with the "A" replaced by a squirrel. You know those guys are crazy for acorns.

I applied the vinyl stencil and painted over it in a color different from the base color I'd already painted on the plaque.

After the paint dried, I removed the vinyl letters to reveal the words on the plaque. I then gave the finish a distressed look with wax.

Finally, I glued my acorns to leather cording and attached it to the plaque.

And that's it!

If you're interested in making a sign like this but don't have a cutting machine, check out my blog for ideas on how you can replicate the look without! You'll also find a full supply list and instructions for preserving natural acorns. Thanks for visiting!

Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/10710213/diy-golden-acorns-gather-sign site