Our new little place of business needs a nice sign for the restroom door. I decided to make one from an old framed art piece that I got for fifty cents from some yard sale that I had stashed in my craft supply closet. I had bought the picture for the frame, because I liked the rectangular shape. I love using things I have instead of having to run out and buy something new, don't you?
I printed the French word for Restroom on an old dictionary page, in several different fonts because I wasn't sure of the look I wanted. I printed a vintage photo I had of a man and a woman, (cropped the photo in half on my computer so they could be two separate pictures) and gave them old looking photo edges in my little print program. I cut them out to add to the new sign.
Using the picture glass, I made sure they were laid out just right. I spray painted the old oak frame a glossy black.
I cleaned the picture glass all nice and clear, and put the completed new sign in the fabulous recycled frame. Total time it took to create this little gem, just under 45 minutes, including dry time for the picture frame.
Perfect for the restroom door...for ladies or gentlemen.
What a fabulous idea!
I'm so enjoying watching the transformation of your new place!
Good luck with your venture!
Posted by: Dawn | June 18, 2009 at 04:52 AM
I absolutely love it!! What a clever idea!! It looks great!! I will try to make one of this too. Looks so charming!
Posted by: Vanessa | June 18, 2009 at 05:05 AM
as a fellow shopkeeper, I know you will have 10 people ask you if that sign is for sale! get ready to start producing them!! soooo cute!! Really Tracy, you need to start doing a wholesale line of your ideas... I would place an order today!! you have FANTASTIC original creative ideas like this that is just what our trade needs right now!
Posted by: denise @ feather your nest in ohio | June 18, 2009 at 05:17 AM
I may have to borrow your idea for a similar sign here at home! Love it!
Posted by: Sue | June 18, 2009 at 06:04 AM
Too Cute! Your work is oh-so-inspiring. Now to get up and actually try to recreate something similar. Thanks!
PS - would LOVE to come out and see your new adventure ... it looks beautiful already!
Posted by: SuZeQ | June 18, 2009 at 06:08 AM
GREAT idea Tracey!!! As usual..... :)
Julie
Posted by: Julie Coppock | June 18, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Tracey, lovely sign. Question though - what size dictionary pages do you print on? They look large and was wondering how large of a paper does your printer take?
tammy
Posted by: tammy hebert | June 18, 2009 at 06:32 AM
How cool is that!! Name name can't wait. Will you and Tracey keep Junkees also or no time to go back and forth. Was thinking about that the other day when I was driving to my booth. You two are like a reality show I really need to get a life!!
Posted by: Diane | June 18, 2009 at 06:36 AM
OH how I would LOVE to live inside your head for just 24 hours! You are SO creative!
Posted by: marsha | June 18, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Love it! Just love it!
Lou Cinda :)
Posted by: Lou Cinda Munroe | June 18, 2009 at 07:29 AM
You are so very talented, Tracey! Love what you did with the old frame. I'm very happy for you and the other T. in your new adventure. I have relatives in Dayton ... so hope to see your new place when I visit them later this summer!
Don't forget ... we still want to see your garden space!!!! :-)
MJ
Posted by: Mary Jane Smith | June 18, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Soooo Creative! Love this!
Sherrie
Posted by: sherrie | June 18, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Love it, I am so enjoying your new project "Cottage 41" makeover!
Posted by: Jen | June 18, 2009 at 08:22 AM
How creative! You have just given me an idea.I'm going to do that with a verse for my daughter and give it to her for her birthday:) She will love it!
blessings,
aimee
Posted by: aimee | June 18, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Love it, love it, LOVE it!
I recently re-did my bathroom with vintage photos on a shelf (I posted pics on my blog the other day if you're interested) and a sign like that would be perfect in this one empty spot I have.
Thanks so much for the great idea!
Posted by: Janelle | June 18, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Luv it, luv it!!! Me too was wondering, how do you print on the dictionary page or do you make a copy of it first?
;0)Helene
Posted by: Helene | June 18, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Very clever.
Posted by: Embellish | June 18, 2009 at 12:02 PM
What a smart idea, and how clever to use an old dictionary page! Awesome look!
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | June 18, 2009 at 02:01 PM
Love it! Does the dictionary page in the background with the definition? Only kidding.
Posted by: Wagonwife | June 18, 2009 at 03:33 PM
It's amazing! What kind of printer do you use? I always am at a lost with our old one..I have so many things I want to copy.
Posted by: becky up the hill | June 18, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Oh, you are so creative! What a wonderful sign...and so much better than anything you could have bought. Can't wait to see more pics of your sweet shop.
Posted by: debi @ life in my studio | June 18, 2009 at 08:17 PM
As always Tracey I so enjoy reading your blog and getting inspiring ideas. I love the toilette sign. Makes me want to do my bath in all things french. Mark my words one day I will make it to your new shop you guys are opening!
God Bless!
Lisa
Posted by: LISA | June 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM
oh my word, that is adorable!
Posted by: Lynn | June 19, 2009 at 02:39 PM
Such a clever idea. I love it. Thank you for sharing. I'll definitely be keeping my eye on your blog. It is full of beautiful pictures and awesome ideas. I'm happy I came across it.
~Ana
A Petite Cottage
Posted by: Ana | June 20, 2009 at 07:14 AM
WOW! That turned out so darn cute. What a clever idea....I LOVE clever! :-) What program do you use that has the cute little photo edges? I spent hours one day searching for one and couldn't find anything!
Hugs,
Spencer
Posted by: spencer | June 20, 2009 at 05:41 PM