The Chop Shop

A couple of weeks ago, we got to talking to a next-door neighbor who has lived here since the 1950s.

Mr. B. proceeded to share some stories of our house, one of which included the little-known fact that during that time, our garage was raided periodically by the police. Seems the occupant ran an illegal “chop shop” here -- cars would mysteriously vanish and the pieces would turn up for sale.

Mr. VJIMT decided he needed a sign (you know how he loves his signs) to honor that garage’s history, and his own predilection for cutting things into pieces.

So this time I was the one commissioned with a project. Oh, and it had to be “vintage” in appearance, of course.

Mr. VJIMT had saved the wide baseboards from a room before our addition a few years ago. He painted this one red and distressed it.

Then I loosely sketched out the letters and started to paint. 

I thought about using a projector for the lettering like Korrie at Red Hen Home did -- check out her fabulous french chocolate table -- it is pretty amazing!

But I am a little too impatient, and we don't have a projector. I was also going for a folk-arty feel, so the letters didn't have to be perfect (good thing).

It only took me about an hour -- I used three layers of acrylic craft paint that I had on hand.

Mr. VJIMT put a couple of coats of tinted varnish over top for protection and an antique-y look. 

Here it is hanging on our “barn”. 

I suggested some rusty nuts and bolts as accents.

He is going to hang some rusty wrenches and other tools from it -- as soon as we find them at yard sales!

Comments

[Shabby Vintage Junk]

Gina it's GORGEOUS....I would LOVE a sign hand made by your clever self: Shabby Vintage Junk for my space at The Vintage Shed....It would look AWESOME....Lucky....LUCKY....L-U-C-K-Y Mr VJIMT....!!!!!

Cheers,
Tamarah :o)

[Nelly]

That is ever so well done and I just peaked at the choc table LOVELY!!

[karen]

That is so fun! Love the history. I think it would have been even funnier if maybe the garage used to be like say...."Pedicure Palace"? Hmmmm, would hubby then want the HUGE sign honoring it's past usage? Sign looks so fun. Adding that to my list of stuff I want to copy......

[Barbara]

Good looking sign - just hope the cops don't get wind of this!

[Tamara @ A Treasured Past]

Wow, that looks fantastic!!! I bet you have few people ask where you found that vintage sign.

[Linda]

That looks so wonderful, Gina...and perfect for your place! Great job!