Ampersand Wedding Gift

Wedding season is here, and that means chances are we all have at least one couple for whom we need to find the perfect gift! Here is something I created for some incredibly sweet friends of mine who got married a few weeks ago. I wanted to make something that was personal and useful at the same time as decor in their new home. Here’s how I did it…

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Materials:
– wooden ampersand {mine is from the craft section of Target; Michaels has them too}
– DecoArt Chalky Finish Paint
– Bic Mark-It Permanent Markers {black and grey}
– sand paper, medium grit
– Wax
– soft, lint-free cloth
– paintbrush

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Step 1: Paint the ampersand. I gave this one two coats of Chalky Finish paint, then let it dry completely.

Step 2: Use a black permanent marker to write the couple’s name and wedding date. Then, fill in the background with “pairs” in grey marker. I used just about everything I could think of…here are some ideas.

peanut butter and jelly
peaches and cream
wine and cheese
soup and salad
peanuts and popcorn
whipped cream and a cherry
rum and coke
peas and carrots
macaroni and cheese
coffee and sugar
bacon and eggs
toast and butter
pancakes and syrup
lime and coconut
bread and butter
salt and pepper
ham and cheese
meat and potatoes
needle and thread
popcorn and a movie
bees and honey
hugs and kisses
table and chairs
cup and saucer
pen and paper
love and marriage

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Step 3: Use sandpaper to lightly {or heavily} distress the ampersand. I went around the edges first, rubbing off some of the paint to show the wood underneath. Then, I lightly sanded the top surface to give a slightly faded and aged look to the written words. You can distress as much or as little as you like; it’s all a matter of personal preference.

Step 4: Apply wax using a soft lint-free cloth. I like to use an old sock for this part. Let it dry for an hour, then go back and buff it to the sheen you want.

That’s all there is to it! A personal, whimsical gift that the couple can use as decor in their home together for years to come!

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The only trouble is, now I want to make one for myself and Target was out of ampersands! What’s an artsy mama to do?
Who in your life would love one of these as a gift? Check out the other posts in the Craft Lightning wedding series for more fun and festive inspiration!

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