12 Days of Creating: Day 12

It may have taken me way to finish than I originally, planned … but here it is: On the 12th Day of the 12 Days of Creating, I lovingly gave my home: a handmade house number sign.

We’ve never had our house numbers on our house, and I wanted to find a way to tie together my screen door and the forthcoming deck with this project.

Because the siding of our house wouldn’t really allow for the numbers to be placed directly on the house, I knew I wanted just a simple piece of stained wood on which to attach the numbers. Before I even considered taking this project on myself, I placed several handmade house number signs from Etsy in my shopping cart, but the price tags always kept me from being able to pull the trigger. I just always felt I could make something simple myself, and for a very reasonable price.

My husband dug out a piece of wood from the garage, and I stained it to match the screen door. Actually, it’s a shade darker than the screen door because I’m not entirely sure the stain is the same stain I used on the door. It’s close enough.

The house numbers were purchased from Lowe’s. I loved them because they created the option for a floating or flush look. I went with floating, and the three-dimensional look gives the simple sign an added pop.

At the end of 12 days of creating, here’s what I’ve learned:

• I loved having a reason to challenge myself to finish some of the unfinished projects that have been sitting around here for awhile.
• Creating is something that I’ve missed. I haven’t made nearly enough time for it since becoming a mother, and I plan to intentionally carve out time to explore new projects and methods of creating. I’m very interested in “heritage crafts/skills,” and I think 2021 would make the perfect year to explore a few. Next up: making a real go of gardening.
• I think I spend too much time focusing on big picture projects without realizing that sometimes it’s the smallest changes that bring the great reward and enjoyment.

If you played along, I’m honored that you would consider joining me. I hope, if nothing else, I’ve inspired you to intentionally create. Our homes are made to reflect our unique desires, inspirations, and capabilities. I needed to be reminded of that lesson.

Cheers from the cottage,

Colleen