Friday, October 7, 2011

Fish Scale Wall Art

Don't worry...I don't have any aquariums in my house. I have just been OBSESSED with this idea since I first saw a picture of it, and haven't been able to forget it. I knew I wanted to something similar, just not actually attach it to the wall like Kara did. I wanted it to look like a piece of finished art, because 1.we move quite often, 2.didn't think the Mister would like the idea of 687 holes in the wall, he can tend to be a bit whacko... and 3.Our entry is super tall so I really needed height and not drop our mortgage payment on something I will get tired of in 38 days....not literally, but kind of....

anyshwayzzzz.... moving on

I am digging how Kara's lighting really reflects on her art, and I am getting there, I am planning on replacing the entry light, just ran out of time. Also, I noticed she traced and cut her circles, which is hawwwesome that she has stick-tuitivness, but I don't....and I have a circle cutter I use for banners, party on wayne...party on garth. I HIGHLY recommend this, got mine at hobby hell, er..uh, Hobby Lobby. I think it runs around $20 buckaroos, but with the 40% off coupon, it's umm, less than that.

I knocked these babies out in about three days of NOT consistently cutting. I used 19 sheets of posterboard. I figured it up, by now you know how well my math is, and knew I needed 687 circles.

Here is less than half, a tad depressing...

Layed out about 1/16th to paint. FYI they fly around like little gnats with spray paint...

So on to attaching them first. I opted for mdf board, thicker, heavier, mayyyybe won't start to bend? Whatevs...

Drew out my lines so I would stay straight and even. SO glad I took the time to do this!

All stapled on, NOW I can start to paint, again...sheesh...

Wanted trim to make it look 'finished', and it was to thick for glue, mixed with running out of time and being impatient equals a girl using the staple gun...


Wanted more 'texture' and a tad bit of greenery...

Garnish anyone?














LOVING all the textures here together...

Should I say it looks like waves with the scales? Nah... I'm not that deep..

I HEART this console from IKEA. Definitely one of my fav's in the house.

Love the shape...


To many more,
A
Posted by TwoThirtyFiveDesigns at 7:25 AM
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119 comments:

  1. um freaking GENIUS! that is awesome! I LOVE IT! It looks absolutely amazing! nice work! seriously...I love the fish scales...so cool.

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  2. Wow, did your hands get all crampy from all the stapling? The finished piece is beautiful, and is a wonderful scale with the console below.

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  3. this turned out amazing! so glam and unique.

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  4. ok, that must have been so tedious, but oh so worth it! LOVE it!

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  5. Thanks for the love guys!!
    Yes it was tedious, but I did get caught up on the recent season of Weeds, major plus! And the Mister helped about halfway through on the stapling, I was running out of time! Literally painted this and moved it inside on the same afternoon!

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  6. Awesome!!!Love this so much!
    Great texture without the tizz!! You are one patient person, be very proud!!

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  7. Funny, I think my family thinks otherwise on the patience! Thanks for reading!!

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  8. Wow I had no idea it would turn out that spectacular! A lot of work but so worth it!

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  9. It was quite a bit, but definitely worth it!! I couldn't even imagine what I would of paid for something this big! Thanks for the kind words and for reading!!

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  10. Oh my gosh this is a labour of love but so worth it. Very Cool

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  11. Love this idea-this would look great behind my TV-the great blank wall.

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  13. Thanks to you all!! Yes it was a tad time consuming, but I love it!! And it would look awesome behind a tele!!

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  14. Wow! I love this! Thanks for linking to Wicked Awesome Wednesday!

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  15. Shut UP! I love this!!! My living room has taken a "funky" curve, so this would look pretty cool with some metallic paint. Awesome!

    Gabby
    The...Late, Young Family

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  16. INCREDILBE! I am in awe...and absolutely want to do this.
    I will need to get my hands on a 40% off Coupon for HLobby because there is no way I would be able to cut out that many circles!
    Found your awesome project and blog on Handy Man Crafty Woman!
    -Maureen
    www.releasemecreations.com

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  17. Your wall is swimming with texture! yuk, yuk, yuk...

    Super, cool, awesome, totally rad and incredibly genius...

    Love it on top of loving it!!

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  18. WOW!!! Your patience with this project definitely paid off. The texture is amazing and looks great. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. Will you come decorte my house?? Love It!
    New follower via Blue Cricket
    Come by for a visit - we know you'll find something declious - hope you follow back!

    Kyra @ http://www.caramelpotatoes.com

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  20. That is just too cool - you've done an amazing job!

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  21. this just looks so awesome!!! Way to not give up on cutting your circles, i probably would have. :)

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  22. This is AMAZING! I absolutely love how it turned out! Thanks so much for linking up with us at Show & Share! Can't wait to see you again on Wednesday!

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

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  23. Holy Crap!! Seriously, this is amazing!!! While I was reading I was very intrigued, and thinking, "this should be pretty cool..." then I got to the finished pictures and my mouth dropped open. Gorgeous!!! I'm a new follower AND a new fan! you're awesome!!! {I have to say I love your writing too, btw...I love reading blogs where the authors can not just craft, they can also WRITE.}

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  24. OMG i love love love this project it looks so good, you did a fantastic job xxx

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  25. WOW Super cute.. Love it..Officially following ya with smiles.. So much creativity here.. ..Found ya while blog hopping around on Nifty Linky..
    PS: I am hoping you could join in and hopefully participate in "Project Pink Blog Day" Please check out this post of mine, I would LOVE to have you be a part of my Project Pink Blog Day if it fits your schedule.. "All blogger's going pink a day for "breast cancer" -- Wishing you a lovely weekend..http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/10/paint-your-blog-pink-awareness-faith.html

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  26. Just wanted to let you know I featured your project! Come grab a featured button and join in this weeks party! http://mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com/

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

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  29. I'm featuring this on my blog later this evening. Love the texture!

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  30. Found you from Saved By Suzy and had to come over to give you big props for this project - it's FANTASTIC!!!!

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  31. Very time consuming but well worth it! It's so beautiful. Love that Ikea sideboard too!

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  32. So 'simple' yet such an impact! Great idea.

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  33. this is gorgeous! what a stunning affect!! :)

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  34. LOVE LOVE LOVE, just pinned so that when I have the space I can remember the instructions. Which Ikea sideboard is that? Love it!

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  35. I found you through my friend Christine (I typed "fiend" first, what does THAT mean???) from Viva Full House. I am totally doing this and putting it in my bathroom. I have a 70's tiled soaker tub and a HUGE wall that is begging for some not-too-expensive art that could handle a little moisture in the air. Jackpot!

    Bonus points for continuation of "aquatic" theme.

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  36. Oh my gosh! THis is my favorite DIY ever! I am going to need to do one too! I am wondering which Ikea console that is, I love it too!!

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  37. Love this!!
    What color paint did you use for the circles? It looks awesome!!

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  38. that must have taken you forever. well worth it thought! Great job!

    Coley @
    whatyoumakeit-coley.blogspot.com

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  39. absolutely stunning! I love how you stuck with it and saw it to the end....gotta say I'd have to have someone pushing me all the way thru to complete it!

    Great job!

    Hugs,
    Natalie

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  40. Just wanted to let you know that I featured your project yesterday on "You Sew Rock Me Fridays!" Awesome job, I can't wait to see what you come up with next! :)

    Here's the Link

    Jamie @ sewrockin.com

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  41. This is seriously amazing! I've got lots of extra posterboard lying around at my house...so I'm going to have to give this a try! Well done!!! XO, Katie

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  42. I love this so much!!! Would you mind telling me which spray paint you used?

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  43. What a great project! Can't wait to try my own.

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  44. I'm pinning this! This is incredible!!

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  45. awesome idea!!! i'm stopping by from the lovely poppy and would love for you to come by and checkout the huge giveaway going on that ends thursday- http://thelovelypoppy.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-follower-giveaway.html xoxo nicole

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  46. I'm just wondering what paint you used. It looks so iridescent and shiny. Maybe it's jut the lighting, but I love it!!

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  47. Ok, I have been overwhelmed with comments on this project, which totally knocked me off my feet!! So, I have fallen behind on responding.
    It's spray paint from the Rustoleum Universal Line, the color is Pure Gold, and it's from the metallic line, paint and primer in one.
    The circles are 4inch. I measured my board out, width wise, and and divided it so that each circle, every other row, would overlap off of the side, so they would stagger over each other.
    Does this make sense???

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  48. Oh!! and to all of the sideboard questions, so sorry it's taken for forever!!
    It's from Ikea, I actually got it back in April. When I bought it, it was actually marked down and the lady told me it was being discontinued. Why on earth? I dunno, such a pretty piece, it also came in yellow.
    I just went on there and cannot find it anywhere, and cannot for the life of me remember what it is called, I want to say Trollsta.
    Hope this helps!

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  49. Absolutely gorgeous! Such a simple idea, yet so intricate, and must have taken you a long time to do! Very chic looking.

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  50. Thanks maria, it wasn't So bad, but it was So worth it!

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  51. A truly fabulous idea....A great piece of Art...Just love it. I am your newest fan. Please stop by my blog for a great driftwood sailboat give-a-way. Look forward to hearing from you. Sherron
    http://smallholdings.blogspot.com

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  52. sweet! I'v never seen anything like that before.

    It might work as siding on a little kids play house, as well. The close up pictures make me think of Hansel and Gretel. But far away it looks like a sophisticated piece of art. Very cool.

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  53. Found you over at the nester - this is beautiful! Following you now!

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  54. Oh. My. Gosh. This is SOOOOO cool! I'm so glad you linked up to the Head to Head Showdown at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com! ~Jen

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  55. oh my gosh this is an amazing piece of art definitely in my to do list.
    Would luv for my readers to discover your blog, will you please join our weekly party at
    http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-showcase-tutorial-with.html
    have a great crafting week!
    Maggie
    http://passionatelyartistic.com

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  56. Wow...that is seriously cool. I haven't seen anything like this before...it is really awesome. Thanks so much for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

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  57. This looks amazing and I may try doing the same thing with fabric! Swing by our linky party at inspiredhoneybee.blogspot xoxo Debbie

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  58. that's super cool! :) i'd love to be able to work my art on my walls one day!! xx

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  60. You are awesome so I featured you at my Hookin Up with HoH Party!

    Feel free to stop by for a button if you'd like. :)

    xoxo

    Allison @ House of Hepworths

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  61. WOW!! This is UMMM-Mazing!! I love the texture and glam it adds to your space!! Awesome job!!

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  62. Oh my gosh- love love love! Will you please come and make one for my house?

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  64. Just stumbled on your blog, this piece is AMAZING!! I'm dying to try it now! Though I don't know if I have the patience to punch out all those circles!

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  66. WOW! It turned out amazing! I would never have guessed that it's MDF, posterboard and spray paint. What a conversation piece!

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  68. This is GORGEOUS...Absolutely love it

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  69. This is quite amazing! Love it. I'm your newest follower!

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  70. Now I'm obsessed with this :) It looks awesome! Visiting from Coastal Charm - Jill

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  74. This project is AMAZING!! I've seen it pinned on pinterest, and every time I run across an image of it I want to make it!! Great Tutorial too!
    Thanks for linking up!!

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  75. You inspired me. I was looking for something to go over the headboard. After seeing this on BetterAfter, I feel in love. I just finised it this afternoon and it's now hanging up over the bed. Mine is a 2"x4". Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring :)

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  76. Also would love to know where you go those beautiful lamps!

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  78. Wow! You are very talented. I just love it and the other things that you put with it. I might have missed something because I thought you cut the circles from the poster board, but someone else wrote they wanted to get what you got at Hobby Lobby because they did not want to have to cut the circles. Can you straighten me out on this please. My email address is lbprich@bellsouth.net. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

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  79. Beautiful artwork! I think I need those lamps, too. Where did you find them?

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  80. Simply stunning artwork. Who would imagine? You are a genius...
    This reminds me of a tv ad I saw of a corporate office meeting, which totally captivated me. I can not remember the product(opps, this is not what they intended),but the art work in the background facinated me. On the wall an amazing metal wall graphic. Woven metal sheets of gun metal gray (each strip about 6 inches wide ) total graphic about 6 feet wide by 9 feet tall. Visually stunning in its simplistic structure. Now that I see what you have accomplished, I am inspired....
    Now I need all the other postee(s) contained here to help show me how to decorate my house,the actual look, so sadly has not caught up with my desires. But oh what a beautiful world I have stumbled upon, with so many to show the way ! Thanks for sharing.

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  81. Many, many questions on the lamps, who knew, I would of never of guessed ;)!!
    They are actually from Target (gasp), along with the shades. I think I got them back in the late spring/early summer 2011. I had no clue they would get a good response!!

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  82. Thanks so much for the reply! I jusst looked at Target's site and I couldn't find the lamps. I guess we're out of luck. Thanks again for the info. I'm trying out a much smaller version of your fish scale art tomorrow. I can't wait!

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  83. Love it! Thanks for linking up! Check out my giveaway....


    XO, Aimee

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  84. Oh My goodness... The final outcome of this scale art pieces is so amazing. Great job! Definitely worth the hard, tedious work :) I am popping over from the Miss Mustart Seed linky party!

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  85. Where did you get the trim for the edges? Love this project!

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  86. Love this! Question, how far apart did you measure your lines on the cardboard?

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  87. What were the dimensions of the mdf board? Love this! It's just what I need in my dining room!

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  89. I think other web-site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and fantastic user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
    Lady Bug Rug

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  90. You really make it appear so easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be really something that I think I might never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely extensive for me. I am having a look forward on your next put up, I'll attempt to get the hold of it!
    !#: Sorel Women's Helen Of Tundra Boot... The Cheapest

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  91. I'm soooo doing this! It looks like something out of ZGallery! Its classy and cutesy and I'm sure cheaper than ZGallery! Question... What kind of board did you use to staple the circles on? Is it like thin plywood? Hope you get to respond... 'Just realized this was posted about 4 months ago....eek!

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  92. wow, the wall is looking so pretty and it's very innovative. I like it.

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  94. Love the texture of this. I saw a photographer use somehting as a back drop - way cool project!

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  95. Ok..So I was surfing the net for instructions on how to set up stuff on blog (I'm a newbie Blogger - smile) and ran across your guest post at Salvage Saavy. Can I just say OMG!!!! This is a project I am doing at my craft meet up on the 17th! Must be fate! I absolutely love what you did and commend you on cutting out 600 plus circles. You go girl :-) Love your blog!!

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  97. perfectly amused me! really genius! Im your new linky follower and GFC follower.
    Would you mind if I repost this article to my blog? I wanna share it to my friends how genius you are :) Thanks!

    Blair of blair_pleasure@yahoo.com

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  98. cute project...not sure if I could pull off the scales in my living room, but the boys room would be perfect!!

    stopping by from April Showers!
    xoxo
    Paula (RealhousewifeofSingapore)

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  99. Thanks for this...I'm making one of these for my boyfriends condo.

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  100. Very clever - with a great result! Thanks for linking up this week - so glad you did!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  101. I love the fish scale idea, looks so professionally done. I would love to do this piece of art but what color would I choose? So many colors...so little time.
    Looks like it belongs in an art gallery. Great job

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  102. I am absolutely going to HAVE to do this!! I think my girls need a project next week ;)

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  103. Thanks for this amazing post!! I created my own version of your project and have photos of it on my new blog ( http://byallmeanspaint.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-fish-scale-wall-art-i-dont-know.html#more) aong with a link to this post. Thanks again!

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  104. Hello! I really like this project, and I am just itching to try it out for myself. What did you use for the trim, and did you just staple the trim to the MDF as well? Thank you!!

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  105. just love it can i just buy the rounds..and do it silver..but you are great don't think i would have the patience

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  106. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  107. Love this! What size of mdf board did you use?

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  108. Love your blog! Love the circle project!! I do have a couple of questions though. You lay the circles on the garage floor for painting....but they still appear white as you are stapling them in a later pic. I'm confused! Also, what type of circle cutter did you use? It seems they are being discontinued faster than I can keep track. I bought a clearance one and wondering if 4 blades will cut 3 pieces of poster board worth of the circles?? No refills available grrr. I hope someone can clear this up for me.

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  109. More awesome than I can possibly tell you. Love this :D

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  110. Could you tell me which tool it was that you used? I went to Hobby today and they have 2 types, one that is a 3" hole puncher and the other looks like a compass which is made by fisker. I am planning on doing this and on a very large scale like yours and I am not about to use plain ole scissors!

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  111. What a great idea! You are very talented (and patient)!

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  112. luv it :) , but would like to know about the paint .. Spray tybe or acrylic paints or else ?

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  113. What size did you get in mdf? and where did you get the trim? I am planning on attempting this DIY project but I am nervous about having to cut wood pieces as I do not have a manly garage with tools in it ;) You did an amazing job BTW!!!

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  114. LOVE THIS!!! I just started doing my own, such an inspiration! What did you do to hang it up?

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  115. just loving it, I am surprised that it was so simple to make and how it became attractive and eye catching. I am definitely gonna try it but I love silver colour so I hope It will not lose its attraction in that colour.
    cheap canvas prints online

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  116. it's really looking attractive, you have done great job,after golden light reflection this print get amazing look, i want to try it shortly, i hope that i can make same wall art, so i just want to say thanks for sharing this easy tutorial.

    http://.canvasdesign.co.uk

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  117. This is very good idea! I will put a fish scale design on a frame in our room. Looks entertaining and awesome. Thumbs up!:)

    Hidden Television


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  118. Where can I find some awesome circle metal wall art? I really think it would look great with my design!

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  119. What a fantastic project! I'll be linking to it on our Living Rooms pinboard. Check it out at pinterest.com/homedepot next week!

    - Chante

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