It's not everyday that I find myself on FB Marketplace searching for a surfboard! However that is exactly what I did this past week! I had full intentions of flipping an authentic surfboard....but was lucky enough to come across a handmade wood version that was a much easier for my DIY wooden surfboard decor flip!
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The Back Story
Grandkid #6 (Hutton aka HUK) is turning three.
The summer has been chaos. His momma (my daughter Hailey) was behind in planning....and chose the date, time and theme just three days before the party.
She requested a "surfboard" to be used as party decor for photos (if I had time...LOL)
I planned to ask Matt (aka Pappi of HUK) to purchase wood, draw and cut out board and then I would paint. But then decided to check FB Marketplace for an actual surfboard because how fun would that be!?!?
Instead I found this tribal painted wood cut out for $50....ready to paint.....and close proximity to my home!
WIN-WIN!!! (however now I can't get the "real surfboard flip" out of my brain and will no doubt be doing one in the future!
Looking for Quick & Easy? This is it!
This painting project took exactly 2.5 hours!
I know this because I did it from start to finish on a live video inside my private group Curiously Creative!
If you enjoy these home decor flips and you'd like to be part of our group....we'd love to include you! Click here for more info!
We meet often inside a private Facebook group for deep dives into the ins and outs of creative projects....involving every painting technique you can possibly imagine!
Painted DIY Wooden Surfboard Decor!
I realize not everyone wants painted wooden surfboard decor.
However I share this project with you to inspire you to think outside of the box!
I encourage you to see beyond what you really see with your eyes.
And I want to show you how a simple online search...a little inspiration...and a small amount of paint...can change something so drastically!
My Inspiration
My inspiration photo was a skateboard that I found online with plans to mute the overall colors to match Hutton's room should he like it so much that they decide to use it as room decor.
You can see Hutton's original nursery here. The only change is he is now in a big boy bed.
Supplies Used: DIY Wooden Surfboard Decor Project
NOTE: keep in mind this can be done in any colors and with any paints. I'm suggesting what I use for proven results
Spray Bottle of Water
Pencil
Chalk
Ruler
IOD Typesetting Decor Stamps
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Let's Get Started!
After a thorough cleaning with White Lighting per the instructions, I painted a single base coat of DB Burlap and used a heat gun to speed the drying process.
I then used a ruler to draw out my dividing line between the top and the bottom.
I then used a large round lazy susan to trace out the circle that would be the sun.
Applying Voo Doo Gel Stain
Using Voo Doo Gel stain in Tobacco Road and Black Magic, I applied to the upper section of the wooden surfboard decor piece....making sure not to pass the line of the sun or the center dividing line.
This was done with the Mini brush in a single coat which allowed it to remain quite sheer and streaky...which gives it the appearance of stained wood.
VooDoo gel stain was again applied to the lower half of the board by applying three colors at once.....brushing on White Magic, Tobacco Road and small touches of Black Magic in a horizontal stroke.
With this still wet, I used the small graining tool that comes with the Wood Graining Tool kit to drag downward making small wood grain lines and blending the colors together somewhat. This was done to give a bleached wood appearance.
I did this inside the sun as well.
PRO TIP: Voo Doo gel stain is a water based stain that is very user friendly and is a lot of fun to use. It is much thinner than paint.....applies like a stain....but can be wiped back and even removed if done while wet. It is extremely forgiving unlike oil based stains. It dries quickly and allows you to move right along with your project! You can use it on raw wood....and it also works beautifully over chalk paint as I've done here.
Time to Draw our Water!
I used a pencil and just randomly drew curvy lines across the bottom of the board.
Choosing multiple colors of blue, I filled in each waterline space. Done!
Moving Back up to the Sun
Using the inspiration skateboard photo as my guide, I drew horizontal lines across the bottom of the sun.
I chose four colors of orange/red to paint the stripes......with the final top stripe being an impulsive blend of the deepest red with bit of the brown VooDoo gel stain (oh yeah.....you can mix the paints and stains).
Using chalk I drew a freehanded #3 (because HUK is now three).....and filled this in with the mix of brown and black stain that I still had on my paint palette.
Done!
Adding the Palm Trees
Using chalk again I drew a freehand pair of palm trees and filled them in with all the colors I had on my palette.
This took just a few minutes!
Done!
Now for his Name!!
Using the IOD stamps....I rolled on the original board base coat color Burlap....and stamped each letter individually to spell HUK!
Fast and easy!
Done!
And that's it...DIY Wooden Surfboard Decor
Thank goodness for fast drying products because it was time to head to the party!!!!
And would you just look at it!
I think I have inspired myself!!! Is that possible? I'm seriously wanting to flip a real surfboard for someone to use as decor in a room or a beach house!
At the Party: The Finished Wooden Surfboard!
It really was a nice addition to the decor!
HUK AND his momma love it too....which makes it even more of a success!
And after the party, it ended up in his room. I'll keep you posted if they decide to keep it in his room permanently!
OH.....an after thought for you!
Wouldn't this make a great growth chart in a little boys room?
Huk already has a growth chart....you can see his here.
But this would REALLY be so cute used in that way!
Never underestimate the power of a good online search! Never assume you won't find what you need!
It only takes a moment....and if you do find what you are looking for....you likely will have saved yourself a lot of work, time and money!
Happy Thrifting!
More Inspiration: Growth Charts
Custom growth charts are an easy unique gift idea...and I love making them! Here are a few grow chart ideas for your family and friends:
Castle growth charts - apply for both little princes and princesses
Llama growth chart - bright fun boho vibe
Two growth charts in one blog - but of course...you need an regal flamingo AND cooky ostrich!
More (Bonus) Inspiration: Special Projects for Hutton
My family is my world and I am honored anytime I am asked to help create something special for them. Here are a few projects especially for HUK (aka Hutton).
Nursery Dresser - urban grunge (this one is so unique and definitely worth a look!)
Hutton's Nursery - modern urban feel including the urban grunge dresser
Hutton's Growth Chart - castle towers for both Hutton & Harlow
JOIN ME FOR MORE...with Curiously Creative
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