This DIY project has a special meaning for me. I have been looking for different ideas to incorporate into my new real estate office. I thought this one would be perfect since we deal with several ZIP codes. This is a creative way to showcase just some of the areas in our community that we love.
SUPPLIES:
You will need a shadow box or frame with enough room to fit your items and still close when you’re finished. You can use actual address numbers for the zip code, or any embellished numbers you can find. I used push pins to hold the numbers in place during assembly.
HERE ARE THE ITEMS I USED:
- 28-by-7 shadow box (Hobby Lobby)
- glue gun and glue sticks
- numbers for the zip code
- recycled party favor bags (for the decorative backing)
- scissors
- push pins
STEP 1
Make sure the frame is cleaned well. Once you get this put together, you don’t want to have to reopen it to remove dust or smudges.
Remove the cardboard backing from the frame so you can measure the center of it. I started with the middle number so I could space out the other ones accordingly.
I did a test run and laid everything out to ensure I was pleased with the placement.
STEP 2
Take your decorative backing (I used recycled party bags) and cut evenly to ensure a uniform look for the whole backing strip. You can then glue them down to get ready for your number placement.
STEP 3
After you have the backing prepared, you can start laying out the numbers. Remember to use your push pins to hold them in place. This will help ensure your exact measurements are correct and that they do not come apart as you are working.
STEP 4
You can glue your numbers in place. Make sure to hold the numbers down after using the glue gun. You want to make sure to have a firm attachment before you move on.
STEP 5
Once everything is secured, you can embellish extra if desired. I had little screw holes in my numbers, so I glued a small furniture tack over this — just a little decorative camouflage for a finished look. Make sure everything is dry, then close up your frame or shadow box.
I have one made so far for Bay St. Louis — 39520. I plan on creating seven others, so hopefully you will see them all in my office soon.
TIP: Before you start, always remember to turn your glue gun on to warm it up. This seems simple, but I have forgotten this step, and it seems like this takes forever when you have to wait.
Holly Lemoine-Raymond is owner/ broker with HL Raymond Properties and executive producer of Inside Out with HL Raymond Properties (TV series). She can be reached at (228) 466-6643 or lemoine.holly@gmail.com.