On Tuesday night I finished up the end of my Mother’s Day crafts and boy did it not go as I thought it would. Everything started fine, I am someone that measures about 10 times and cuts a few more times, what can you do! The cutting went as fine as it could with still using my jig saw as I have not picked up my mitre saw yet, but when it came to using my new brad nailer, which I truly love and it saves me a big headache not having to use the hammer, I ended up not being as close to the frame as I should have and this resulted in 3 nails going through the wood and coming out into the frame. At this point I tried to correct what I had done by trying to wiggle it out, as I had to do that finishing another frame before and it worked, this time not so much. I ended up destroying the inside of the frame and then accidentally pulling the entire back off, note to self, I might need to use longer nails also! This resulted in me standing there in frustration on not knowing how to fix it but knowing I could fix it and then giving myself a pep talk that I am a newbie, practice makes perfect and I can’t learn from my mistakes if I don’t make any!
Thankfully I had another frame cut out that was a little smaller than I wanted but it would work just the same! Learning from my mistakes, I used a piece of wood as a guide for where I needed to put my nailer when nailing the back on and continued working, making sure to check I did not go through the wood, thankfully I did not! I decided to call it a night as I had to go feed my family in the field as they were busy seeding and I had a feeling I might just make another mistake if I didn’t stop.
I made the one on the right for my mom. Crooked Lake is where I grew up and it is truly all our favourite places. Nothing like going back to your roots when you can!
Although you cannot tell from the pictures, each of these frames have mistakes that as a beginner were easy to make. My mother-in-laws sign I put a nail through, I didn’t cut the backing small enough on my sisters, and my moms sign I did not have long enough nails for. But they all appreciated the fact I took the time to make them something and practice makes perfect.
I have some scrap backing that I want to play around with so hopefully, with learning from my mistakes I can continue on with not going through the wood and destroying my hard work in seconds!
Here is to learning and progressing!
Hey Sarah!
I am in aw of your projects you have done! They look like ones I would buy at Michaels. You are doing an amazing job. it looks like the process was not as you planned, but the end result is amazing. I look forward to seeing more of your work!