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The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

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‘House Divided’ Broken Bracket Sign

September 5, 2013 by Bethany Sy

As you know… football season is UPON us. I enjoy a good football game when the *cough* FOOD is right. And if the Chicago Bears are playing, I might even get into it! But you won’t ever see me jump off the couch or anything. I’m a passive football fan. But I will say I enjoy football a lot more now that I understand it (for the most part).

My main point here… is that I whipped up a little football themed project and thought it necessary to share!

My special middle-child-brother Caleb is obsessed with the Chicago Bears. I’ve never known a more hard-core fan EVER. He plans his life around football seasons, and completely decorates the tv room on game day with Bears memorabilia to the max. It’s frightening.

Caleb's Obsession with the Chicago Bears {Sawdust and Embryos}

When he fell head-over-heels for a Green Bay Packer fan, we all thought he done lost his mind. But then we met Laura, and discovered how delightful she is, and it all made sense. (Ready? …collective ‘AWWWWW’)

DSC00589

We’ve all seen those signs that people put in their garden that say ‘house divided’…or bumper stickers or welcome mats or whathaveyou.Bears vs Packers {Sawdust and Embryos}source

But I wanted to take that idea and put my own spin on it! And in a way that it could be displayed indoors and appreciated for the entirety of the football season. Because I’m getting in the spirit of nachos football.

After hauling home some 1×4’s, I decided to start by cutting a bunch of 1×4’s into the shape of a bracket design (similar to this project) with the scroll saw.

Bracket-shaped Barn Board Sign {Sawdust and Embryos}

Next is where things get FUN… I drew a jagged line diagonally across the boards.

Creating a 'broken' Bracket Shaped Sign {Sawdust and Embryos}

Then I drilled tiny holes on the points so that I could easily cut the jagged line with a scroll saw (otherwise I would have had very rounded corners and it wouldn’t have looked BROKEN!). Then I went at it with my scroll saw! This is the scroll saw I use and it’s A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. But if you’re looking for a more mid-range (read: less expensive) then this one is also great quality and handles well! Whatever you do, don’t buy a scroll saw in the $100-$200 range. You’ll regret it for sure.

Creating a broken 'bracket' shaped plaque {Sawdust and Embryos}

Next, Nick glued between each 1×4, and glued on a piece of 1/4” plywood that he had cut to size. Then, for extra stability (cause that thing ain’t going NOWHERE), he stapled for good measure.

Creating a Broken Bracket Plaque 'House Divided' {Sawdust and Embryos}

Next step? SANDING all those delicate edges while watching Big Brother… can we talk about how Amanda is FINALLY going home (I hope?).

Then it was time to slap on some bears-blue and packers-green paint! Since I’m creating ‘faux’ aged barn-wood, I used my same techniques from here to create a weathered effect. It’s so simple! PAINT, SAND, STAIN!! I didn’t want a deep stain, because I was LOVING the bright woodgrain that was popping, so I went with a more neutral shade… Golden Oak by Rustoleum.

Faux 'barn boards' {Sawdust and Embryos}

Broken Bracket Sign 'House Divided' {Sawdust and Embryos}

Next, I did an image search for Bears and Packers Logos and came up with the following.

Chicago Bears Logo Green_Bay_Packers

Please note that it’s illegal to reproduce a team logo (or any other licensed design that doesn’t belong to you) and sell items for profit. Since I’m making this as a gift, it’s not an issue.

ANYWHO… I printed each logo onto a transparency and projected them onto each board individually and traced with a white colored pencil.

House Divided Sign {Sawdust and Embryos}

Then I got comfortable and started painting. I know this seems tedious to many… but it’s therapeutic for me. When my life feels chaotic, I need to find something to paint asap.

phonepics 285

I just used simple acrylic craft paint for this. I did two coats on everything… except the orange (for some reason took several coats)… and called this project DONE!

'House Divided' Broken Bracket-Shaped Sign {Sawdust and Embryos}

Nick put some comb hooks on the back of each half, and we slapped those suckers on the wall for pics!

DIY Bracket-Shaped 'House Divided' Sign {Sawdust and Embryos}

DIY 'Broken' bracket-shaped sign HOUSE DIVIDED {Sawdust and Embryos}

Laura’s Birthday is a couple weeks away, so I’m sure she’ll be overjoyed for at least HALF of her gift… (You’re WELCOME Laura!).

DIY Bracket-shaped 'broken' HOUSE DIVIDED sign! {Sawdust and Embryos}

Do you have a ‘house divided’? Or do you look forward to football season for the food (WHO DOES THAT… psh)?Bethany {Sawdust and Embryos}

Make your own 'House Divided' wall art that appears to be BROKEN! {Reality Daydream}

 

*this post contains affiliate links

Related:

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    Hello hello friends! Things have been wild as we've been navigating the holiday season, schedules,…

About Bethany Sy

Nick and Bethany Sy are the creative free-spirits behind DIY/Lifestyle blog, Reality Daydream. They recently purchased a historic mansion and have been documenting the ups and downs of renovation and making this home their own... all while sharing tips and tutorials along the way! When they found themselves in the trenches of infertility, they started a journey that would prove to be their most important DIY project ever, and have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. <3

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Comments

  1. 31

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    I'm so sad that Elissa went home. Took all the glory after Amanda finally getting the boot. I don't even know who to root for anymore! But Andy is my nemesis… I know that for sure. Can't stand him!

    Reply
  2. 32

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    You should TOTALLY make one of these signs with Star Wars/Star Trek. That would be epic-ly awesome.

    Reply
  3. 33

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    Love that! Way to put your foot down. 🙂

    Reply
  4. 34

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:23 pm

    OH.MY.GOSH… they're kindred spirits! Caleb would have totally done something like that if he hadn't married a Packers fan. HA!

    Reply
  5. 35

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 10, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Thanks Kristen! The jagged edge is my favorite part. 🙂

    Reply
  6. 36

    Melissa says

    September 10, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    Your brother and my husband would be best friends. Instead of table numbers at our wedding, the tables were named after Chicago Bears players and included a little bio.

    Reply
  7. 37

    Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke says

    September 7, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    That sign is so amazing! Seriously, when I first saw it on IG, I just wanted to stare at the jagged edge–it's perfection!!!

    Reply
  8. 38

    Anonymous says

    September 6, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    Very cool and unique project – very creative. (I don't normally comment but this project was so awesome). Love your blog and projects.

    Reply
  9. 39

    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says

    September 6, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    Oh my gosh that is so fun! My husband had to vow to be a fan of all New England teams at our wedding. That's how I roll. 🙂

    Reply
  10. 40

    Kenz @ Interiors by Kenz says

    September 6, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    What a fun way to celebrate differences. We aren't really sports people out here. But our "house divided" sign would probably be something along the lines of Star Wars/Star Trek. Obviously much more nerdy and far less cute. haha!

    Reply
  11. 41

    Kodi Jensen says

    September 5, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    Both my Bears fan husband and his brother married Wisconsin Packer girls — I'm not nearly competitive enough about football for a house divided sign in our home, but my sister-in-law and brother-in-law would totally love it!

    Reply
  12. 42

    Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says

    September 5, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I don't watch Big Brother, so don't get the references, but you did an amazing job on the sign(s)!

    Reply
  13. 43

    Meagan B. says

    September 5, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    I don't like the foos-ball, it's the debil (name that movie). Thankfully, my husband is not that into it either. He's only a fair-weather/big game watcher, so I make out okay.

    He, however, does NOT make out okay during BIG BROTHER season. My all-time favorite reality show!!!! I cannot stand Amanda. I don't know how McCrae got involved with her. She drives me crazy being "the victim" when she is the antagonizer all the time! I think her deep hatred for Elissa stems from that time she was prancing around in lingerie and Elissa called her disgusting. That was pretty mean, but Elissa has done nothing to her since then! I LOVED when she said last night that "America will love that I tortured (Elissa) last week" and i was thinking Hmmmmmm! Wait til you see all the hate mail when you get out!

    I could go on and on… But now is not the time nor place. LOL

    Reply
  14. 44

    Katelin Wellman says

    September 5, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    this is wonderful! and if i had a house divided i would try (and probably fail) at making this 🙂 ……i think the smarter move would have been to but Andy up instead of Spencer (just to cover all basis) but i can not wait for her to go home!!!!

    Reply
  15. 45

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    HA! Don't wish your house was divided! You can totally make this with ONE TEAM and no division!

    Reply
  16. 46

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    awww Christina you're so sweet! It TAKES one to KNOW one! 🙂

    Reply
  17. 47

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    BAHAHA! Love the 'Big Brother HOUSE DIVIDED' reference… so perfect. 🙂 I can't wait for tonight!!!

    Reply
  18. 48

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    You could totally 'break' the bracket sign 5 ways… that would be SO AWESOME!

    Reply
  19. 49

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    Glad you like it… you crazy kids!

    Reply
  20. 50

    Laura & Caleb says

    September 5, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Woot Carrie… we love it. It shall look fantastic over the TV. We were looking for something to fill that space. Thank you, Beth (and Nick). Please send it soon, games start tonight!

    Reply
  21. 51

    Anonymous says

    September 5, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    LOVE IT!!!!!!
    not necessarily the teams..hehehe I dont watch much football myself.. unless it's the superbowl & thats to see the commercials…

    can't wait to see MCCRANDA as a house divided after tonight…& hopefully both go to the jury house with the double eviction!!!

    Dana S
    dashoop@hotmail.com

    Reply
  22. 52

    christina @ homemade ocean says

    September 5, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    SOOOO CUTE! You are so creative and talented 🙂

    Reply
  23. 53

    Kala M. says

    September 5, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    I kind of wish our house was divided just so I could make something like this. But we are all New England/Boston Fans – Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins. I might just have to come up with something similar just without the divided part.

    Reply
  24. 54

    Shardae Collins says

    September 5, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    We are a house divided into five teams…..any ideas? The food is awesome but I am in it for the football….quite like your brother.

    Reply
  25. 55

    Carrie says

    September 5, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    It's perfect Beth!! I'm sure they will love it 🙂

    Reply
  26. 56

    Tyra says

    September 5, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Watching the veto was a little sad but she has been so mean!

    Reply
  27. 57

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 11:14 am

    HEHE! so true…

    Reply
  28. 58

    Beth @ Sawdust and Embryos says

    September 5, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Awww thanks for commenting!! And I always love discussing BB! I have to admit that Amanda and McCrae had me feeling a little sad last night, because I realized that they really do love each other. Why does Amanda have to be SO MEAN?

    Reply
  29. 59

    Nurse Kate says

    September 5, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Sporting events are really all about the food…

    Reply
  30. 60

    Tyra says

    September 5, 2013 at 10:59 am

    oh and btw I love football season but don't necessarily like watching it unless I'm at the game. Love the food and fun! 😉

    Reply
  31. 61

    Tyra says

    September 5, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Hi Beth, I read your blog but have never commented. First of all I think your project turned out awesome! and Also I had to comment because I finally "know" someone else who watches BB (I only know a couple) and I'm so glad Amanda is going home tonight (at least she better) 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fall / Autumn Related DIY Projects and Recipes - Sawdust and Embryos says:
    September 30, 2015 at 9:47 am

    […] And you wouldn’t believe how many emails we get from people asking us to make one of these Broken Bracket Rivalry Signs… so I’ll save you the hassle: WE DON’T SELL THESE (licensing and trademerking issues)! […]

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  2. Palm Branch Inspired Art Panels - Sawdust and Embryos says:
    July 24, 2015 at 7:26 am

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    February 27, 2015 at 6:07 am

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  4. Vincent says:
    February 19, 2015 at 12:43 am

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    ‘House Divided’ Broken Bracket Sign – Sawdust and Embryos

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  5. Friday Finds 8.8 | BHG Style Spotters says:
    August 8, 2014 at 10:24 am

    […] season is nearly upon us! As an honorary Midwesterner, I can appreciate the rivalry shown with this broken bracket sign DIY from Sawdust & Embryos. Specify your team hostility as much or as little as you want with this […]

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We are Nick and Bethany! Welcome to our blog, Reality Daydream where we share our DIY adventures!
Click here for lots of art projects using only wood stain on furniture!!
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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.

 

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