Reality Daydream

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Palm Branch Inspired Art Panels

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If you guys take anything away from my blog posts each week, I hope it’s that YOU CAN GLEEN INSPIRATION FROM ANYWHERRRRE! When I post a project… even if it’s not your style, skill-level, or you don’t have the tools, I hope at least it gets your creative wheels turning and you start having ideas and noticing things in your everyday life that that trigger project ideas, little crafts, furniture transformations… ETC!

For me, part of the fun of composing a blog post is sharing how I came up with an idea or what inspired me. There’s always a story… and that makes if fun! Right? RIGHT?

The other day I was scrolling through my Instagram feed during nap time, and I saw this photo:

Fullscreen capture 7232015 92121 PMsource: aww.sam on Instagram

It’s kinda hard to see, but I completely fell in love with those palm branch cut out panels on the left and right sides of the pic. Do you see them? They’re like a pale mint color?

So after doing some digging (because why not?!) I found that it’s a super fun Palm Beach hotel called The Saguaro with a mid-century vibe. I pretty much want to stay in this hotel asap.

But anyway!

I’ve been wanting to come up with some tall/narrow art pieces to flank the vintage schoolhouse world map that hangs over our credenza currently. And this seemed soooo so so so perfect. Even though we live in Iowa which is about as far as you can possibly get away from the nearest palm tree. Lol?

Per my usual strategy, I printed my inspiration pic and traced the design onto a transparency.

palm branch wall art

Then, using my old school overhead projector (more projector projects here), I projected my image onto two slabs of plywood that I had cut to size (in this case 4’ x 1.5), and traced with a pencil.

Using an overhead projector to make your own large-scale artwork {Sawdust and Embryos}

Using an overhead projector to make your own large-scale artwork {Sawdust & Embryos}

I wanted a border of sorts where I set a boundary for my wild jigging… heh! So I traced the perimeter using the width of a yardstick.

Large scale palm branch artwork {Sawdust and Embryos}

At this point, I could see a yearning in Nick’s eyes. It was like my board was just calling to him to air-guitar.

Nick air-guitaring with my wall art project {Sawdust and Embryos}

Let’s move past this now, shall we?

Next, I drew an ‘X’ on all the parts of the boards that need to be cut OUT, so I wouldn’t get confused later, and jig-happy. Then I drilled holes on all the X’s using a drill bit large enough to fit my jigsaw blade in.

palm branch wall art1

Then, using my Ryobi jigsaw, I started jigging out each piece! I just worked on this here and there when I was in the garage with Nick. In all, it probably took me about 3 hours to cut both panels.

Use a jigsaw to create awesome large-scale wall art {Sawdust & Embryos}

It took me awhile to find just the right speed, so some of my cutouts had some fraying edges (this is also because it’s super cheap 1/2” plywood)… but I just hit ‘em with sandpaper and they smoothed out real easy-like.

sanding {Sawdust and Embryos}

There were a couple small places where the wood split out a bit, so I filled those with wood putty. Once dry, I took an orbital sander to the face of each panel to smooth everything out and get rid of that ‘fuzzy’ plywood feel.

Then paint! I just used a small roller and this perfect charcoal color and rolled it on… being careful not to press too hard because I didn’t want paint to seep down into the cutouts. I just wanted the surface to be painted.

Make your own large-scale wall art using a jigsaw {Sawdust and Embryos}

 

Nick popped on some comb hooks for me, and I tossed ‘em up on the wall… lickety-split!

DIY large-scale panel wall art... palm branches cut out with a jigsaw! {Sawdust and Embryos}

I love the texture that it adds to this space, and that offer some contrast to an otherwise light-colored space. The vintage schoolhouse map we found at an estate auction, and the fabric scrap bunting I made with leftover fabric from Cypress’ Quilt that many of you sent fabric for. Do you spot your fabric up there?

DIY large-scale panel wall art... palm branches cut out with a jigsaw! {Sawdust & Embryos}

I love this space in our dining room, and the way that the charcoal coordinates with the curtains. This room is really starting to feel pulled together!

Dining Room {Sawdust and Embryos}

DIY large-scale panel wall art... palm branches cut out with a jigsaw! {Sawdust & Embryos)

 

Be sure to check out all the Wall Art posts I’ve done to reeeally get your creative juices flowing!

TONS of wall art tutorials by Sawdust and Embryos

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16

Hope you’re feeling inspired, and go do something creative this weekend! Sawdust-Embryos_thumb2

*this post contains affiliate links

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Comments

  1. 151

    Hi,
    Can I ask why is the first/left panel upside down? Any special reasons?
    Anyway great inspiration, I would love to do it myself someday.

    Reply
  2. 153

    Yeah, you definitely need a multimedia projector. It would eliminate the need to make a transparency. You get the pic on your laptop, it projects on a wall (or a piece of wood, a dresser, fabric, etc.) and you trace it!
    Ain’t nobody got time for alla dat cuttin’! ?

    Reply
  4. 155

    These turned out amazing! What is really amazing is that you got the idea from that picture. My untrained eye only sees the yellow doors. Great job!

    Reply
  12. 163

    Great idea using overhead projector! Would love to own a Ryobi 6.1 amp variable-speed orbital jigsaw!

    Reply
  14. 165

    I love your creativity and ability to think outside the box. I would love to win the jigsaw to push me forward with my projects!

    Reply
  16. 167

    Wow! Your projects never stop amazing me! And how you find the time with 3 littles? We have 2 and can’t find time! Would love more tools for our growing list of projects 🙂

    Reply
  18. 169

    If I had this jigsaw, my husband would have NO reason to put the kibosh on my projects!! Great work!

    Reply
  22. 173

    I have so many ideas floating around in my head. Winning would allow them to stop floating and actually be. Love your projects, thank you for the inspiration.

    Reply
  26. 177

    The Disqus works! (Thank you for getting back to me, Beth). At any rate, getting a jigsaw is sort of the natural next step for those who work with wood and paint. Not sure if my husband would trust me since I am naturally a klutz but my insurance is paid up! Would love to win this baby!

    Reply
  28. 179

    I so SERIOUSLY want one of these. I just bought an orbital sander so hubby says no more power tools. But if I were to win one………….lol

    Reply
  30. 181

    I have always wanted to cut our silhouettes of my family and paint them black and then mount them to a 16×16 stained piece of wood for my gallerywall, I think it would look amazing. I absolutely love your projects❤️

    Reply
  35. 186

    I love how your got your inspiration from something completely unrelated! Wish I had some of that creative juices flowing in my brain!

    Reply
  37. 188

    I love all of your projects! We just bought our first house and I’m quickly falling in love with making everything ourselves…a new jigsaw would come in so handy!

    Reply
  38. 189

    Such a creative idea! I just bought my first saw and could definitely up my game with a jig saw!

    Reply
  39. 190

    I would love to have this Ryobi jigsaw it would give me to push I need to try it ! I have several Ryobi tools but have been afraid to buy any type jigsaw because I wasn’t sure if I could learn it.

    Reply
  42. 193

    So cooool! My inspiration is at an all time low, but I love you sharing yours. Crossing my fingers! A jigsaw would be great. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  43. 194

    I agree, the house is looking great! I would love to win this awesome tool!!! Thanks Beth and Nick!

    Reply
  44. 195

    I’m going to have to work on my creativity if I win that saw!! But I do have a nursery to decorate! 😀

    Reply
  45. 196

    This would be a gift for the hubby, he’s the woodworker in the family. I have so many screenshots saved on my phone that I’ve saved for inspiration, glad I’m not the only one who gets inspired by Instagram. 🙂

    Reply
  52. 203

    Your blog often gives me the umph i need to get a project going! Your ideas also add to my “must do at some point” list!

    Reply
  55. 206

    a comment…. lol (my funny for the day)
    You really do inspire me to think and wish, your stain work is awesome!

    Reply
  56. 207

    I love your flowers on furniture idea’s, I’m working on that also, soon I’ll post what I have learned from a most inspiring young couple! I guess your Never to old to learn:) at 61.

    Reply
  57. 208

    Hello guys, I just love all your idea’s, they inspire me so much. The problem is I’m starting to run out of space, so guess what my huby is doing for me??? Building me my very own studio YEA! So now I could get really organized (that’s scary lol) I can’t wait, I can now show all my work an art , most of all the beautiful furniture I have done! Oh and a new ‘tool’ would be soooo used. hint! Thanks for all your sharing. And your giveaway opertunity.

    Reply
  61. 213

    Glad I stumbled upon your staining projects. You have great ideas. Never thought I’d be searching for a overhead projector.

    Reply
  66. 218

    Wow love the palm leaves and the jigsaw. I’m also on the look out for a projector. I’m no good at drawing so it sure would be great to fine a used one. I’ve been looking around at thrift stores and everywhere I see older stuff for sale. Wish me luck on finding one lol. Thanks for the chance to win the saw. Have a blessed day.

    Reply
  73. 225

    Ok, I’m not entering the contest (can’t, I’m from Canada) but something’s bugging me, is the panel of the left upside down?

    Reply
  75. 227

    My orbital just went kaput and by kaput, I mean overheated and smoked up my kitchen, while using it to prep my cabinets for paint. Oh and while palms aren’t my fav, love LOVE these panels…oh and I’m getting ready to paint my very first backsplash…thanks for all your inspiration! And did I mention, I have my very own daughter, Paisley. She’s 15 and was convinced she was the only Paisley in the world! 🙂

    Reply
    • 228

      No way!!! I had never heard the name Paisley before my girl, but I just read an article on ‘up and coming baby names’ the other day, and Paisley is the #1 fastest growing in popularity and expected to be the most popular baby name in the next few years. I could JUST CRY! Hopefully people won’t start naming their baby’s Cypress now. 🙂

      Reply
      • 229

        Ironic because I happened along your blog on a Google search for painted backsplashes. Later on, I was reading throughout your blog and saw Paisley and couldn’t believe it!

        Reply
  82. 236

    You are so talented and creative! I did see my fabric in your bunting! It’s crazy how excited I got. Thanks for a chance at the give away!!

    Reply
  83. 237

    i just fell in love with my scroll saw and would love to add to my small collection of tools!
    ps you are just so inspiring! i love your work! 🙂

    Reply
  87. 241

    I am trying to build my own arsenal of tools, so hubby can have his and I will have mine. Be a feather in my hat if I won this. ; )

    Reply
  89. 243

    Ahh! I could so use that jig saw! I am constantly borrowing my dads & while he loves me very much & lets me borrow it every time, I think deep down he is thinking “Why doesn’t she just buy one for herself already!”

    Reply
  90. 244

    Thanks for the chance to win! Always love reading about your artsy endeavors! They do often inspire my own! Currently staining our bathroom vanity a darker shade. Wish me luck!

    Reply
  92. 246

    This would make a lovely screen for indoors or a beaurtiful outdoor privacy screen for a deck or patio. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  93. 247

    You spy beauty in the most mundane things and somehow manage to turn the best parts into other things that are not only pretty, but also functional for you and your family. And you do it all while minding 3 sweet girls? I’m in awe of your creativity, talent, and stamina. Thanks for sharing your work! A joyful summer to you and the family.

    Reply
  95. 249

    Beth! Those look awesome! I would love a Jigsaw ! Because, yes, I’m inspired! The whole room is amazing!

    Reply
  96. 250

    This is what we tell our boses at work when we want or need something and i think it applies here as well: you are so smart and pretty. 😉
    And if i could i would be handing you a some chocolate as well

    Reply
  97. 251

    Eeeeek. This is so exciting I was JUST researching renting a jigsaw for some projects I have in mind. . . .this would solve EVERYTHING and I would make ALL THE THINGS. We shall see. Oh also I love the palm guys.

    Reply
  98. 252

    Already figuring out the best way to do this on a handmade card. Would look fabulous! Excellent job, love getting to see peeks into your home. Thank so much for sharing it with us!

    Reply
  102. 256

    I would LOVE to get one of these and finally tackle some of my “mind” projects I keep thinking about!

    Reply
  103. 257

    Love , love the panels! I need that jigsaw to make some for my guest bedroom re-do. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Reply
  105. 259

    *sigh…I LOVE these and have a perfect spot for them. I hope you’re happy…yet another “make it so” project for me to do!!! My husband and I were just talking about how much I NEED a jigsaw for the wood projects I want to work on. Well, I was telling him I need it…he just was in the garage working on something else. Dang, I hope I get this one!!

    Reply
  107. 261

    Beautiful job. I have been wanting to get into more woodworking projects. A jigsaw would come in handy for lots of things.

    Reply
  110. 264

    Need to create some unique & creative wall art for our home. A jigsaw would GREATLY help with that task.

    Reply
  112. 266

    Ok this is gorgeous! I live in Florida so it would be pretty fitting in my house!! A jigsaw would help make this dream a reality, as well as many other ideas catalogued in my brain. Thanks for the opportunity and inspiration!!

    Reply
  113. 267

    Bethany, I really enjoy the variety of your posts! What a great way to showcase your talents and gifts. ?

    Reply
  114. 268

    This is awesome! I love that you didn’t paint the sides, it adds a lot of depth. I’ve been looking to add a jigsaw to my arsenal, thanks for doing this!

    Reply
  116. 270

    While I am a senior, what I could do with the jig saw!! Just tried your staining a flower….lots of touch ups needed…I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as you but not bad for my first try! Maybe if I throw some Unicorn Spit stain on it???? Hmmmm

    Reply
  117. 271

    I’d LOVE to make some wall art! I want to start woodworking but now live very far away from my relative’s wonderful, borrow-able tools.

    Reply
  120. 274

    Wow how awesome would this to be win! I love crafting to my hearts content especially when you can get cheap qood pieces of wood at menards in their bargain bin section(thick board pcs under a $1!). Thanks for this drawing and your creative posts!

    Reply
  122. 276

    This Jig Saw would be perfect for the projects my granddaughter and I have wanted to do for her 4H projects!!

    Reply
  128. 282

    Love the things you do! Would love to have that saw to use for projects we have in our shop Fleur-de-lis in Tama.

    Reply
  129. 283

    You are not going to believe this; I just called the school in town because they are doing an addition and knew they were getting rid of some old stuff. (Hubbie is retired teacher) Anyway, I asked if they had any old wall maps that they were getting rid of. THEY HAD DUMPED THEM ALL RIGHT BEFORE I CALLED AND THEY WERE GONE!!!! I was sooooo bummed!!! I wanted to frame them out as wall art in my basement. I now covet yours and anyone else that has them. Anyway, I love your Kilim Art that you did. I think the colors are just beautiful and the shapes as so interesting; not boring!!! The jigsaw that I am currently using is my father’s who probably got it in the 60’s. So you know, we both could use a new one to share!

    Reply
  130. 284

    With ya on being FAR from Palms here in SD…we bring what we can to us, right? I LOVE this installation! Well done!!

    Reply
  132. 286

    My husband and I just bought our first home last week, and it has a garage! *squee!* We’re both dying to start adding some tools to our arsenal to bring all the projects we have in our heads to life and the jigsaw would be a perfect addition! I love both your and Nick’s blog, they’re so inspiring! I’m really enjoying Nick’s series on joints, I’m a total newbie to woodworking whereas my hubby has some experience, so I’m trying to educate myself on the sly so I can impress him with my knowledge of rabbets and dovetails 🙂

    Reply
  134. 288

    They look great on your wall! Very cool. Why did you choose to not paint the sides, to create more depth? I would have defaulted to painting the whole thing without thinking about it – curious about your thought process!

    Reply
  136. 290

    I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of the inspiration pic, but you made it look SO GOOD! It looks great!

    Reply
  138. 292

    Love this new project! You never cease to amaze me with your creations and decoration. I’m always borrowing my Dad’s jigsaw, having one of my own would be AwEsOmE

    Reply
  142. 296

    Would love to win! The hubby and I have been dreaming up some projects lately that would be much easier with a jigsaw!

    Reply
  144. 298

    Those look great! I have a big blank wall in my dining room and something like this would be perfect! I am getting married in a few months and a new jigsaw is on the registry – would love to win this one!

    Reply
  146. 300

    My husband would love a new one of these….almost bought him one for his birthday yesterday……almost 😉

    Reply

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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.